On the occasion of International Museum Day, a significant event occurred with the opening of India’s second Partition Museum to the public. Ms. Atishi, the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, and Languages for the Government of N.C.T. of Delhi, had the privilege of inaugurating the museum. During the ceremony, Atishi, who also holds the position of Education Minister and oversees the realm of Art and Culture, shared a deeply personal connection to the subject matter.
She spoke of her family’s experience as survivors of the Partition, recounting the tale of her grandfather, a diligent clerk in the Government of India, who had to remain in Pakistan with his parents until the very last moment. Atishi then recounted the heart-wrenching decision made by her great-grandmother, who had planned to board a train from Pakistan to India but ultimately did not. The train, tragically, had no survivors. Atishi considered this turn of events to be nothing short of divine intervention, emphasizing the profound impact of the Partition on her own family and underscoring the importance of preserving and remembering this significant chapter in history.
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Dara Shukoh Library Building: From Dilapidation to Restoration
On May 18th, 2023, a vibrant hub emerged within the walls of the Dara Shikoh Library Building. This monumental structure, once on the brink of decay, underwent a remarkable transformation thanks to the intervention of the Delhi Government. Now, it proudly houses the Partition Museum, a poignant tribute to the indomitable human spirit.
Delhi, a city pulsating with life, bears the marks of its transformation after the Partition. Within its borders, neighbourhoods were born, embracing and sheltering the brave refugees who had crossed borders in search of a new beginning. The Partition Museum in Delhi is a testament to their journeys, sacrifices, and enduring legacy.
Beyond preserving memories, this museum serves a greater purpose. It becomes a cultural oasis where diverse communities can unite, forge connections, and celebrate shared experiences. It strives to create a sense of belonging, where voices are heard, stories are cherished, and unity is fostered. The Partition Museum pays homage to the past and beckons us to build a future steeped in empathy, understanding, and collective growth.
Hub at Dara Shikoh Library Building on May 18th, 2023. The museum is situated inside the newly restored Dara Shikoh Library Building. This monument was in a dilapidated state up until a few years ago when the Delhi government intervened and gave it a magnificent facelift.
Much of Delhi as we know it today was shaped in the aftermath of the Partition. Some of the most important neighbourhoods in Delhi sprang up to house refugees that had migrated to Delhi from across borders. The Partition Museum in Delhi honours their memory. Moreover, the space will also act as a vibrant cultural hub to foster community engagement.
The door is opened. Guys, visit our Indian history; as an event deeply anchored in the Indian subcontinent, the Partition has inspired various creative works and interpretations from artists worldwide. In 2013, Howard Brenton undertook the ambitious task of penning a theatrical work exploring the socio-political spectacle that unfolded following the demarcation of the boundary lines between India and Pakistan. In his politico-historical drama entitled ‘Drawing the Line’, Brenton explores the Partition through the experience of Sir Cyril Radcliffe, upon his deputation to India as the Joint Chairman of the two Boundary Commissions.
