Delhi University’s Jubilee Hall: what demolition could erase

Established to mark the university’s 25 years, Jubilee Hall has witnessed generations of student life. Its possible demolition now puts DU's historic legacy into focus

Now, Jubilee Hall faces the prospect of demolition. The University of Delhi has proposed replacing it and two other historic hostels with high-rise residential buildings . A 32-storey hostel, designed to accommodate around 7,000 students, is proposed in its place. The plan has brought into focus a familiar dilemma: how can a growing university provide more accommodation without losing an important part of its history?

A hostel born in 1947 The University of Delhi was established in 1922. In 1947, as it completed 25 years, Jubilee Hall came into existence as one of its early postgraduate hostels. Its establishment was part of the vision of Sir Maurice Gwyer, who served as vice-chancellor from 1938 to 1950 and is widely remembered for his contribution to the development of the university.

Former Ramjas College teacher Raj Kumar Jain, who lived at Jubilee Hall during his student days, says the hostel came into existence as India was moving towards sovereignty and independence. Named to mark the university’s silver jubilee, the building thus acquired a special connection with both the institution’s history and the birth of independent India.