Originally known as the Palace Museum, this museum dates back to 1911 when it was located in 26 the Naubhat Khana. This museum was set up as a tribute to the soldiers who participated in the World War on behalf of the British Empire. It was located in the Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana (Musical house) in Red Fort. Originally known as the Palace Museum, it dates to 1911 when it was located in the Naubhat Khana. It was later moved to the Mumtaz Mahal, originally used as a mess by the British occupiers. The museum is now under the Archaeological Survey of India. Most of the Mughal belongings and jewels of Red Fort were stolen during Nadir Shah’s invasion of India in 1747 and again after the failed Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British colonialists. The Koh-i-Noor diamond, the jade wine cup of Shah Jahan and the crown of Bahadur, forming historical evidence of India are now displayed in London.

About the collection: The objects are displayed thematically in six galleries belonging to the Mughal period. The first few exhibits represent artefacts belonging to Emperor Akbar I and his successors including miniature paintings, manuscripts, stone inscriptions and farman (royal orders).

The other gallery showcases porcelain, celadon and jade objects alongwith textiles and glazed tiles. The most distinctive of the Mughal jade objects are the hilts of swords and daggers, curtains, carpets, pillows, cushions etc.

The Introductory Gallery shows a diorama depicting battle of Panipat with the army of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi standing opposite each other. Apart from these, other artefacts are also represented such as 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 and daggers are displayed here. Bomb fuses, shells, models of pistols, bullets, gun powder flasks are also on display reflecting arms and ammunition used during the First World War.

Various badges, ribbons, uniform of Turkish and New Zealand army officers, and flags are also represented. Model of army transport cart and railway goods track, model of Baghdad Arab port and Basra dockyard also form core of this collection. As an added attraction, the ensemble of Maharaja of Jodhpur alongwith the portrayal of Pratap Singh in his kurta affirm their prominence.