Delhi Assembly Building: A 113-Year-Old Colonial Architecture Marvel to Be Revived as a Living Museum

New Delhi – A silent witness to India’s pre-independence legislative journey, the 113-year-old Delhi Assembly building on Alipur Road is set to embark on a new chapter—as a museum and heritage hub. The iconic structure, completed in 1912 shortly after the capital shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911, may soon open its doors to the public, not merely as a seat of legislation but as a living museum chronicling the city's political and architectural evolution. The initiative is being hailed as a milestone in the adaptive reuse of colonial-era architecture.

Tucked away on Raj Niwas Marg in the serene Civil Lines area of Delhi stands a lesser-known but architecturally significant building — the Delhi Legislative Assembly, also known as the Delhi Vidhan Sabha. Built during the early 20th century, this edifice is a fine example of British colonial architecture subtly blended with Indian design elements. While it may not receive as much attention as the grand Parliament House or Rashtrapati Bhavan, its historical and architectural value is equally noteworthy.

 

Architectural Legacy: Indo-Saracenic Elegance Assembly Building, Colonial Marvel, Museum

The Delhi Assembly building reflects the Indo-Saracenic style, a British colonial hybrid that merges Mughal, Hindu, and Gothic Revival elements. The building’s arched windows, wide verandahs, symmetrical facades, and traditional masonry techniques are characteristic of early 20th-century British institutional architecture in India. The building’s orientation and layout are highly contextual—responding to climatic conditions with shaded colonnades and high ceilings to manage Delhi’s intense summer heat. Its interior spaces, including the historic gallows chamber, add layers of somber memory to its architectural richness.

Conservation Meets Contemporary Vision Assembly Building, Colonial Marvel, Museum

The Assembly Secretariat has initiated consultations with several prestigious cultural and conservation bodies to discuss support for the initiative and to pursue national heritage status for the building. These bodies include:

• Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• Delhi Archaeology Department

• Heritage Cell of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD

What the Museum May Feature

Initial plans may include:

·         A chronological display of the building’s historical significance.

·         An exhibition hall for archival photographs, legislative artifacts, and interactive digital timelines

·         Public access to the gallows chamber for heritage education

Urban Significance and Cultural Mapping

This adaptive reuse aligns with international best practices in heritage conservation, where historic buildings are repurposed while preserving architectural integrity. Architecturally and symbolically, this transformation marks a crucial step in bringing historic public buildings onto the cultural tourism map of Delhi. This project supports the objectives of the HRIDAY scheme for heritage urban renewal.

Reference Snapshot

Year Built	1912
Location	Alipur Road, Delhi
Architectural Style	Indo-Saracenic / Colonial
Historic Use	Central Legislative Assembly (Pre-1947)
Proposed Use	Public Museum and Exhibition Hall
Conservation Partners	INTACH, IGNCA, ASI, MCD, Delhi Archaeology Department

A Glimpse into History

Constructed in 1912, the Delhi Assembly building was originally intended to house the Imperial Legislative Council, after the British administration moved the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi. Designed during the Edwardian colonial era, the structure reflects a period of transition in architectural styles — where the rigid classicism of the West began to accommodate the aesthetics and climatic needs of the Indian subcontinent.

After India gained independence, the building took on new responsibilities. It became the home of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and continues to serve as the centre of legislative activity in the national capital.

Architectural Features: A Blend of East and West

The design of the Delhi Assembly building stands out for its elegant proportions, formal symmetry, and a tasteful mix of European and Indian elements.

Classical Colonial Grandeur

The building's most prominent feature is its grand front façade, dominated by tall Corinthian columns. These pillars lend a sense of authority and dignity to the structure, reflecting the classical traditions of Western architecture. The symmetrical layout, horizontal lines, and evenly spaced windows enhance its formal appearance.

Mughal Touches and Indian Adaptations

Beyond its colonial base, the structure reveals a subtle Indo-Saracenic influence — a style that blends Indian architectural motifs with Gothic, neo-classical, and Victorian aesthetics. The arched doorways and windows, for instance, are inspired by Mughal and Rajput architecture. A central dome, rising above the roofline, gives the building a vertical axis, much like Mughal tombs or temples, providing both visual balance and a sense of grandeur.

Climate-Conscious Design

Practicality was not overlooked. Deep verandas and colonnades surround the building, offering shade from the harsh Delhi sun while creating welcoming transitional spaces. The use of red sandstone and cream-colored plaster helps the building maintain a cooler interior, reflecting traditional North Indian construction techniques.

Interiors with Character

Inside, the Assembly Hall features wood-paneled walls, ornate ceilings, and a layout inspired by the British parliamentary system — with opposing benches, a central aisle, and the Speaker’s chair at the front. While relatively compact compared to the Indian Parliament, the interiors exude a quiet dignity that matches the institution’s legislative function.

A Civic Landmark

Surrounded by well-maintained lawns and gardens, the Delhi Vidhan Sabha stands as a modest yet meaningful part of the city’s civic architecture. Its setting in the lush Civil Lines area — known for its colonial bungalows and tree-lined avenues — further enhances its charm. The building continues to operate as the seat of the Delhi government, hosting key debates, decisions, and legislative processes that shape the lives of millions.

Final Thoughts

The Delhi Assembly building is more than just a place where laws are made — it is a symbol of architectural evolution, representing the blend of imperial legacy and indigenous tradition. For students of architecture, history, and civics alike, it offers a valuable glimpse into how design can reflect power, culture, and practicality — all under one dome.

Assembly Building, Colonial Marvel, Museum

Works Cited

• Butler, A. S. G. The Architecture of Edwin Lutyens. Vol. 1–3, Country Life Limited, 1950.

• INTACH Delhi Chapter. Delhi: The Built Heritage – A Listing. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, 1999.

• Singh, Malvika, and Rudrangshu Mukherjee. New Delhi: Making of a Capital. Roli Books, 2009.

• Volwahsen, Andreas. Imperial Delhi: The British Capital of the Indian Empire. Prestel, 2002.

• “Delhi as the New Capital of British India.” The New York Times, 13 Dec. 1911. NYTimes.com.

• Delhi Legislative Assembly. Official Website of Delhi Vidhan Sabha. Government of NCT of Delhi, https://delhiassembly.nic.in. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.