The Guard House on the North Ridge, Delhi saved British families from trouble during 1857 rebellion against EIC

Navrang India March 28, 2024

northern Guard house, Delhi archaeology.delhi.gov.in

The guard house of Delhi, close to the the Delhi Railway Station and famous  St. Stephens College Bus Stop, is a historical site that came up during the early British period under the EIC - East India Company rule. This area and the structure were part of  the cantonment, serving the British army to protect their interest with special Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I. 

northern Guard house, Delhi  photos1.blogger.com

northern Guard house, Delhi archaeology.delhi.gov.in

The guard house is a simple structure with  a  rectangular chamber, walls made of random rubble masonry, pedimented roofs over the porch, semi-circular arched openings, lantern openings also bull’s eyes openings on east and west side walls. Lantern opening meant that the  guards in the guard house were also on duty at night for security reasons to guard the cantonment.  

northern gate, delhi.indiaheritagewalks.org

North Delhi's Ridge played no less roles than other structures during India's major large scale rebellion in 1857-58  against the EIC and its oppressive and corrupt rule. The unpalatable ill-treatment of Indian soldiers against their religious beliefs in Meerut cantonment acted as a tinder-box  and plunged the northern states in a violent revolt covering towns like Cawnpore, Lucknow and Delhi. In the violent protest when Delhi was held by the rebels, the Ridge played a crucial role during the tough situation.  

This area being a strategic location, the British had built many structures.  Due to its strategic location, they constructed many structures, one of them was the Guard House in the Northern Ridge near the Flag Tower.  The purpose was to keep a watch  on the rebels and others down below and the ridge at a higher location gave the guards better view all around them.

When the revolt turned into  extremely violent and  became out of control the rebels were after the British and their families to hold them hostage. In this tumultuous situation facing danger to their lives, the British families used the guard as a safe hide-out on the ridge and finally had a safe passage to Karnal. After the loss of north ridge, the rebels also lost Ludlow Castle, which they had earlier occupied, to the British. Ludlow Castle then became an additional post for the British army which later took control over Delhi. 

https://sunanda-offthebeatenpath.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html