Restoration work begins at Dara Shikoh library

Built and named after Shah Jahan's eldest son, Dara Shikoh, a library which is almost four centuries old is finally getting some attention. After decades of neglect, the state archaeology department is now getting restoration work done at the library.

Earlier this year, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) had decided to change the Dalhousie road name to Dara Shikoh. However while doing so, little attention was paid by the concerned authorities to the existing library of the same name.

Constructed in 1643, during Shah Jahan's reign, the library is currently an obsolete museum and stands in the Ambedkar University campus.

"Our main focus is on replastering and waterproofing the terrace of the building to save it from the upcoming monsoon months," said Ajay Kumar, Director of Projects, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). "The modern paint will be removed from the walls and then lime plaster will be applied. We will be using organic colour after a lime wash," he added.

Over the last 374 years, the library has seen many avatars. From being one of the best libraries with an estimated 2,50,000 books during Shah Jahan's reign, to becoming the residence of the Viceroy of Punjab, to becoming a government college and a Madrasa Zila Municipal Board to the Archaeological Survey of India's office. Each occupant changed it to their needs, Sir David Ochterlony, British Resident to the Mughal court, added a facade, a driveway and a staircase in 1803, In colonial architecture, the new facade gives it a colonial era building look.

The restoration work will take four-five months to complete with a cost of over Rs 60 lakh confirms INTACH.

Historians laud the move but say it has been long overdue. "The building requires restoration work foir a long time now- the Lothian pillars, hardwood planks, all need to be looked at," says Sohail Hashmi, renowned historian and writer.