The Indian War Memorial Museum is located at the Naubat Khana Building, the very first building you’d encounter upon entering the Red Fort complex in Dilli. The Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana (Musical house), is where ceremonial music was played to announce the arrival of the royalty and important dignitaries. The drum house has four floors and it also served as a gate house ‘Hathi Pol’ where the visiting dignitaries had to leave their horses and elephants. Above the Naubat Khana is the Indian War Memorial Museum. Formerly called Red Fort Museum of Arms and Weapons, the museum depicts the diorama of the battle of Panipat, along with the weapons and dresses used in First World War.
The Indian War Memorial Museum was set up as a tribute to the soldiers who had participated in the World War I in India or abroad on behalf of the British. The introductory gallery comprises diorama showing the battle of Panipat with the army of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi standing opposite each other. The other displayed objects are arrows, swords, khukris, revolvers, machine guns, shells etc.
Variety of daggers with ivory and inscribed hilt, chest armour, small weapons like gupti, battle axes are also exhibited in the gallery. Helmets, armours, different types of swords, daggers etc are displayed in Gallery No. 2 and 3. Bomb fuses, shells, models of pistols, bullets, gun powder flasks on display gives vivid picture of the arms and ammunition used during the First World War.
The last two galleries show the impact of European industrialization over the weapons and communications since radars, telephones, telegraph, signal lamps, guns with periscope, trench periscope etc. were introduced during the war. Various types of badges, ribbons, uniform of Turkish and New Zealand army officers, and flags are also put on display.
Model of army transport cart and railway goods track, model of Baghdad Arab port and Basra dockyard exhibited in the museum attract the attention of the visitors. Another attraction of the gallery is the complete dress of Maharaja Jodhpur. His Highness Pratap Singh including kurta (long shirt), belt, trouser, turban with zari work, shoes and inscribed sword with sheath.
The Indian War Memorial Museum in Saddi Dilli, marvelously respects the indelible impression of courage left behind by the brave warriors of India.
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