DRISHYAKALA

in collaboration with

Ministry of Culture
Government of India

Archaeological
Survey of India

Barrack Number 4, Lahori Gate Entrance, Red Fort, Delhi 110002

Timing: Tuesday — Sunday,

9.00 am — 5.30 pm

Accessibility: The museum features a tactile display for persons with visual impairment. The premises is not suitable for wheelchairs and does not have lift access.

google map

how this works

Thomas and William Daniell were an uncle and nephew pair, who travelled extensively in India between 1786 and 1793, capturing the new colony’s architecture and landscape. The complete collection of 144 aquatint prints is on view for the first time at Drishyakala on the second floor. Solve the four clues in this trail to find four artworks from the collection and explore four key destinations on the Daniells’ grand tour of India. Once you solve the clues we’d love it if you brag about it on social media—and tag us!

can you
spot this
painting?

clue 01

Hint

This elephant is seen in front of the old Council House in Calcutta

Thomas and William Daniell had spent two years in Calcutta (1786-88) before setting out on their journey towards the north. From the city, they took a boat and sailed up the Hoogly towards Murshidabad, and then towards Kanpur—visiting Rajmahal, Maner and Allahabad, Patna, Ramnagar, Sakrigali, and Kara along the way.

Once you solve the clue, take a photograph of the painting you find.

Message it to us or tag us @dag.museums to share.

can you
spot this
painting?

clue 02

Hint

The elephant with a covered howda is seen at the steps of a famous masjid in Delhi

The Daniells had visited Agra and Delhi in 1789, some fourteen years before those cities were captured by British forces. They show an urban landscape over which the Mughal emperor of the day, Shah Alam, ruled. Their views of Mughal mosques and tombs presented to the eyes of sceptical Englishmen evidence of an empire and a civilisation that demanded respect.

Once you solve the clue, take a photograph of the painting you find.

Message it to us or tag us @dag.museums to share.

can you
spot this
painting?

clue 03

Hint

This elephant is standing at the entrance to the Lal Bagh, a garden complex built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula

Lal Bagh is located at Faizabad, the old Awadhi capital that was superseded by Lucknow. The Daniells visited the area during their return journey to Calcutta from northern India, which took them three years, between May 1789 and the end of 1791.

Once you solve the clue, take a photograph of the painting you find.

Message it to us or tag us @dag.museums to share.

can you
spot this
painting?

clue 04

Hint

Unlike the real animals, this stone counterpart is located within the temple complex at Ellora

The Daniells never visited the Ellora caves. The sixth and final volume of the Oriental Scenery set is based on drawings by James Wales, a friend and fellow artist who introduced them to other rock-cut temples in western India. Wales died in 1795, before he was able to publish the drawings himself. His trustee, Charles Malet, entrusted the task to the Daniells.

Once you solve the clue, take a photograph of the painting you find.

Message it to us or tag us @dag.museums to share.

Rang Mahal

Walking time: 5 Mins.

The Rang Mahal or the Palace of Colors, in the Red Fort complex, was the Mughal harem and was once a richly painted and decorated structure.

Diwan-i-Khas

Walking time: 5 Mins.

This ornate building in the Red Fort Complex once served as Emperor Shah Jahan’s private audience room.

Khas Mahal

Walking time: 5 Mins.

This white marble structure was once the residence of Mughal emperors at the Red Fort.

Jama Masjid

Walking time: 15 mins.

Just outside the Red Fort stands India’s largest mosque, which was established by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, and can hold up to 25,000 people.

Chandni Chowk

Walking time: 15 Mins.

Beyond the walls of the Red Fort is Delhi’s oldest and biggest bazaar—a shoppers’ and foodies’ paradise.

exhibition highlights

Navratna: India’s National Treasure Artists

Ground Floor

A historic showcase of the works of India’s nine National Art Treasure artists, who represent a diversity of art traditions and movements while also sharing a common thread—a return to Indian roots through context, theme, subject and an engagement with identity.

A Portrait of Our People

First Floor

As an older order gave way to a new reality, and an ancient civilization made its way into the modern world, the modes of representing the diverse people of India also evolved. Meet the panoply of people and characters who were eternalized by the artists of the late colonial period.

Popular Prints and the Freedom Struggle

First Floor

Explore the history of British India through the prints that circulated through the bazaars and studios of its growing metropolises, shaping its culture and its politics.

Oriental Scenery: Aquatints of India by Thomas and William Daniell

Second Floor

Follow the trail of Thomas Daniell and his nephew William Daniell, who travelled extensively in India between 1786 and 1793, capturing their impressions of the new colony through a series of 144 aquatint prints.

Navratna: India’s National Treasure Artists

Ground Floor

A Portrait of Our People

First Floor

Popular Prints and the Freedom Struggle

First Floor

Explore the history of British India through the prints that circulated through the bazaars and studios of its growing metropolises, shaping its culture and its politics.