The Red Fort Archaeological Museum is found in the Mumtaz mahal within the Red Fort. Originally known as the Palace Museum, having three galleries and photo story, each focusing on a different period, over time, it has expanded and included exhibits from various periods of Indian history. 

The museum is split into six sections, each focusing on specific time period. It includes: 

• Artifacts from the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries 

• Various items like coins, seals, bronze statues, textiles and rock edicts from the Indus Valley Civilization 

• Ancient tools used for astronomical calculations 

• Relics from 1857, the First War of Indian Independence 

Photo Journey of India’s Independence Story 

Explore the inspiring and heart-wrenching story of India’s struggle for freedom through the photo story inside the Red Fort Museum.

This visual experience depicts the bravery and struggles faced by India’s freedom fighters through vivid images that tell their stories of bravery, unflinching determination. These help you see how they contributed and fought for our independence. 

Cannon Fodder Punishment 

Indians were tied to the mouth of a cannon gun and blowed to death. It was considered as a revengeful entertainment for the Englishmen. It was a gory and horrific site to see rows of cannons, with an Indian tied to mouth of each, to be blown to death. 

Indian Freedom Fighters treatment in jail 

Freedom fighters who protested by going on hunger strike were killed through forced feeding. To cover up their inhuman treatment, British doctors would not record the real reason of death in the medical certificate.

In the case of Mahavir Singh, the British wrote shock as the reason of death. They were resorted to wear bags of jute in the hot and humid climate of Andamans which was unbearably painful to wear.

They were tortured, food given to them was worse and the same as fed to animals, there was no medical care provided to them. Many of them were made to stand for days with their hands raised upwards and handcuffed. 

Unforgettable Atrocities by British Police

There were many unforgettable crimes and unjustified crimes committed by the British Police on Indians. 

Massacres Photo Story

From the very beginning at various places and at different intervals of time, the British massacred Indians in order to establish their hold in India.

Unsung freedom Fighters 

Here are the unsung freedom fighters of India’s independence whose vital contributions often go unnoticed.  You can explore about their inspiring sacrifices and roles in shaping the nation’s history. 

Female Freedom Warriors 

Not only men, but also many women fought for the freedom of India. In 1857, Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow and Rani Lakshmi Bai led the resistance against the British rule. Several women followed their footsteps in years to come. 

Letters from Jails written by Freedom Fighters 

Freedom fighters used to write letters while they were in the jail. These letters show their courage and hope as they fought for India’s freedom. 

Newspaper clippings in the Red Fort Museum

Here are the newspaper clippings capturing the moments from India’s struggle for Independence, offering a snapshot of historical events through the eyes of the press at the time. 

Front End Warriors of Independence 

The “Front End Warriors” of India’s independence who bravely led the fight against British rule, also played key roles in the struggle for freedom. Their courage and leadership were crucial in the fight for India’s liberation. 

Journalists’ and Press Contributions’ in Independence 

As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword. Similarly, Freedom fighters of India made full use of pen and paper to challenge the might of the British empire. On the one side there were forces, batons, bullets and laws and on the other, were unarmed patriots who printed newspapers.  

Pre- and Post-Independence Warriors

The gallery beautifully depicts the warriors like Aruna Asif Ali, Batukeshwar Dutt, Bhikaji Rustom Cama who played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom.

The museum inside the Red Fort is a must-see to experience the supreme fight for India’s independence.

All pictures by Laksh Luther