Indian War Memorial Museum, housed in the historical Red Fort, of New Delhi, pays a whole-hearted veneration, in the golden memory of those outstanding warriors of India. These courageous soldiers were the pride of the nation, since they sacrificed their lives in the scourges of the devastating World war. They defended the nation, although they were subject to the British Empire ruling India at that pre-independence era. History recounts, that they had participated in the war , in their own motherland and abroad.
The first and second stories of Naubat Kahana or Naqqar Khana i.e. the Musical House, of the Red Fort was initially selected as the site for the Indian War Memorial Museum. One can access the east-turned building , both from the north and the south.
The awesome panorama, featuring the landmark battle of history, namely the First Battle of Panipat, fought among the efficient army of Babur, and the enormous troops of Ibrahim Lodi, posited opposite to each other, is available in the entrance gallery.
The other exhibits include arrows, swords, khukris, revolvers, machine guns, shells etc., or the different types of arms and ammunitions, used in war. A mind-blowing diversity of daggers with ivory and hilt with regal inscription, chest armour, small weapons like gupti, battle-axes are visible in the gallery. Helmets, armours, various kinds of swords, daggers etc are on demonstration in Gallery No. 2 and 3. Bomb fuses, shells, models of pistols, bullets, gun powder flasks , well-exhibited , speak volumes for the range of weapons , in vogue, during the First World War.
The penultimate two galleries focus how the Western European industrialization revolutionized the pattern of weapons and modes of communication, related to wars, in India. It recalls the advent of radars, telephone, telegraph, signal lamps, guns with periscope, trench periscope during the war-emergency. The plethora of badges, ribbons, uniform of Turkish and New Zealand army officers, and flags , present as objects of view , enrich our historical consciousness. Examples of army transport cart and railway goods track, model of Baghdad Arab port and Basra dockyard, discernible in the museum stun the visitors, with wonder.
The resplendence of the complete costume of Maharaja Jodhpur, called the honourable, Pratap Singh , dazzles the viewer, with its splendor. It comprises of kurta (long shirt), belt, trouser, turban with zari work, shoes and the authority- coded sword with sheath.
The Indian War Memorial Museum, New Delhi, welcomes visitors on any day, except Fridays. It remains open from 10a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Indian War Memorial Museum, New Delhi, marvelously respects the indelible impression of courage, left by the brave warriors of India.