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Hindu Rao’s House |
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| On the main Rani Jhansi Road, almost opposite
to the Ashokan Pillar is Hindu Rao Hospital, one of the oldest
hospitals of Delhi. The hospital's main building is popularly
known as Hindu Rao's House. The history of the hospital's main
building is of special interest, as it was built in the early
19th century on a large scale, as a residence of the dynamic
officer, William Fraser, who also later became the city's Resident.
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| The author William Dalrymple in his book the
City of Djinns, mentions that Fraser was not a typical British
officer. He liked Indian culture, tradition and people and kept
himself aloof from English social life. It is one of the reasons
why he built his residence here far from the wealthier European
sections of the town. However, in 1835 A.D., Shams-ud-Din Khan,
Nawab of Ferozepore, murdered Fraser. The house was then bought
by Hindu Rao, a Maratha nobleman and brother-in-law of Maharaja
Daulat Rao Scindia of Gwalior. Since then the building came
to be known by the name of Hindu Rao, even though the owner
of the house soon changed when a British family bought it after
the death of Hindu Rao. Later, the house became the headquarters
of British forces in 1857 during the First War of Indian Independence
and withstood the fierce attacks of the nationalists. In the
early 20th century, the house was converted into a hospital
for English nationals. It has continued to function as a hospital
after India gained independence, and till date, it serves the
needs of the people of Delhi. |
| Apart from the above history, the place where
the house or main building of the hospital is situated has further
historical importance, as it is the same site where Timur the
Lame camped centuries ago, when he came and looted Delhi in
1398. |
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