Dara Shikoh was the most-liked son of the Mughal Emperor of Shah Jahan. He was be convinced to be the successor to the Mughal throne. Like father Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh also reveal a keen interest in architecture. He made a abode of his own near the Kashmiri gate, which housed the greta Dara Shikoh Library. Once a private library of Mughal Prince, today recline on the verge of decay, with in the campus of Ambedkar University Delhi. The library has been transformed into a makeshift museum under the protection and care of the Archeological Survey of India. The library was trusted to be of multiple purposes during the Mughal era. Dara Shikoh who was supposed to replace the throne was killed by his stepbrother, Aurangzeb, during the time of battle for the throne. Since then the library has become of least importance. This very day, it doesn’t exhibit books but it steadily does narrate the chronicles of Mughal Era.

HISTORY OF THE ATTRACTION

The library is believed to be constructed during the year 1643 during the rule of Shah Jahan. Dara Shikoh on his own overlooked the construction of the library. After Shah Jahan’s illness and inability to rule it, a war broken out between all the sons of Shah Jahan. This was a usual practice to decide the inheritor of the throne. Shah Jahan’s favourite son who was Dara Shikoh was believed to be the next king. Although, he got defeated by Aurangzeb, who went to rule the Mughal empire. After Dara Shikoh’s death, the library was ignored. Historians believe that after prince’s death the library was hand over to Portuguese governess of the Mughal children, Donna Juliana. It was later bought by Nawab Safdarjung in the 18th century. After that the complex was later turned into a British residency captured by Sir David Ochterlony. After this the complex has been turned into a municipal school. Although, the surrounding Mughal complex was later situated to the Ambedkar University Delhi, within which Library lies. In the year 2011, the Delhi Government which was led by Sheila Dixit merged with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to renovate the library into a state museum. The museum reflects 2,200 artefacts and remains from the Mughal era including coins and statues.

GETTING THERE

The nearest metro station which is near to the Dara Shikoh Library is Kashmiri Gate Metro Station. The station lies on the Yellow Line, Red Line and Violet Line of Delhi Metro

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND

Kashmiri Gate is part of the Shahjahanpur city which was built by Shah Jahan. There are several other Mughal monuments in the vicinity. You can befall Kashmiri Gate. Chandni Chowk is 10 minutes drive away. You can also explore other Mughal monuments like Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Chandni Chowk market is also accessible and it is one of the most famous and popular markets in Delhi. Chandni Chowk also boasts of its street food varieties which are considered to be most delicious and yummy in the city. You can also befall various spiritual places like Gurudwara and temples in the Chandni Chowk.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

Open all day of the week from 9 am to 5 pm.

ENTRY FEES

There is no entry fee charged for Dara Shikoh Library

BEST TIME TO VISIT

It’s open throughout the year and you can befall on anytime you want.