Restoration of Historic Hindu College Building at Kashmere Gate Set to Begin Next Year
A significant heritage conservation initiative is underway in New Delhi as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has submitted a proposal to restore the 125-year-old Hindu College building located at Kashmere Gate. This restoration project, if approved by the heritage conservation committee, is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year. The effort represents a collective drive to preserve an important architectural and cultural landmark that holds deep historical significance for the city and its residents.
Background: The Need for Restoration
The Hindu College building at Kashmere Gate, an iconic yellow-painted structure, has long been a witness to the city’s colonial and educational history. Unfortunately, it has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years. The structure suffers from severe damage caused primarily by water seepage, leading to crumbling walls, falling plaster, and a deteriorated tiled roof. Its current condition starkly contrasts with its historical prominence, making restoration urgent.
This project has been driven primarily by the Hindu College Old Students Association, which reignited the call for conservation during the college’s 125th anniversary last year. The association not only urged the MCD to take steps to preserve the building but also committed to funding the restoration efforts, demonstrating the alumni's dedication to preserving their alma mater’s heritage.
Proposal Submitted to Heritage Conservation Committee
The MCD’s town planning department has formally submitted a restoration proposal to the heritage conservation committee of the Delhi government. Since the building is officially recognized as a notified heritage structure, any restoration work requires mandatory approval from this committee.
An official from the MCD explained, “Our town planning department has submitted the proposal. Once it gets cleared, the engineering department will prepare the cost estimates for the project.” However, no immediate comments have been received from the heritage conservation committee regarding the proposal's status.
This bureaucratic step is critical in ensuring that the restoration respects the building’s architectural integrity and complies with heritage conservation standards.
Role of Hindu College Old Students Association
The Hindu College Old Students Association has been at the forefront of this restoration effort. After receiving initial consent from the MCD, the association engaged heritage architects to thoroughly assess the building’s condition and draft a detailed revival plan. This plan was submitted to the civic body to support the proposal.
Ravi Burman, the association’s president, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We worked closely with heritage architects to prepare the restoration plan. We will raise funds from alumni to finance this restoration because this place holds many memories for us, and we want to give it a new lease of life.”
The association’s commitment to financially supporting the project underscores the strong bond between the alumni and the historic campus, as well as their dedication to preserving the legacy of Hindu College.
Historical Significance of the Building and Campus
The Hindu College building at Kashmere Gate is not just an educational landmark but also a site of rich historical importance dating back to the early 19th century. Originally constructed in 1820, the building was part of the estate of Colonel James Skinner, an Anglo-Indian military adventurer and soldier in the East India Company.
This structure served as the winter residence of Sikandar Sahib, a notable figure, for nearly 20 years until his death in 1841. The estate once featured a garden, a water tank, and a circular baradari—a pavilion-like structure—that remains in ruins today.
In 1908, the building was donated for educational use by Rai Bahadur Sultan Singh, facilitating the move of Hindu College to this campus. Hindu College itself has a storied history, founded in 1899 by Krishan Das in Chandni Chowk’s Kinari Bazar. It later relocated to the Kashmere Gate complex in 1908 and finally to its current sprawling 25-acre North Campus site in 1953.
Current Use of the Campus
While the historic building stands in need of restoration, the Kashmere Gate campus remains functional. Two buildings constructed later within the campus now house important offices, including the Delhi State Election Commission and MCD’s City Sadar Paharganj zonal office.
Preserving the old Hindu College building will add value not only to the heritage of the area but also to the institutional legacy that continues to influence Delhi’s governance and civic administration.
What Lies Ahead: The Restoration Timeline
If the heritage conservation committee approves the proposal in the coming months, restoration work could begin in the first quarter of next year. The MCD’s engineering department will first prepare a detailed cost estimate based on the architects’ revival plan and the site assessment.
Given the building’s age—over 125 years—and its delicate condition, restoration will require careful planning and expert craftsmanship to preserve its historic character while stabilizing its structure for future generations.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Heritage Preservation
The proposed restoration of the Hindu College building at Kashmere Gate represents an important effort to conserve a vital piece of Delhi’s heritage. Supported by passionate alumni, heritage experts, and municipal authorities, this project symbolizes a renewed commitment to preserving the city’s architectural and cultural history.
By restoring this historic structure, Delhi not only safeguards its past but also enriches the educational and cultural landscape for future generations.
