7 Fun Facts About DU As It Completes 100 Years, May 2022

Our beloved Delhi University recently completed 100 years of its glory on 1st May 2022, and to celebrate its opulence and splendour, we dug deep into its history and chanced upon some really cool facts that will blow your mind. So, folks, brace yourself to read some interesting and super fun facts we bet you didn’t know about your beloved Delhi University and get ready to gasp in awe!

1. It Started Its Journey With Just 3 Colleges

Picture Credits: Anmol Kumar

Did you know that Delhi University started its journey back in 1922 with just 3 colleges (St. Stephen’s, Hindu and Ramjas), 2 faculties (Arts and Science) and 750 students? Yes, folks, the university that today boasts 77 colleges, 86 departments, 16 faculties and over 4 lakh students actually started at the bottom and made its way to the top through constant efforts over the years.

2. The North Campus Is Built Near A Cemetery & Was Said To Be Haunted

DU’s North Campus is one of the coolest places and literally, every student dreams of chilling at this one-of-a-kind campus at least once. But, do you know this popular and lively spot is actually built near a cemetery and was touted to be a haunted place back in the day? It is said that people would not dare to go there late in the evening because they heard weird voices and sounds.

3. DU Started The Oldest & First Girl’s College In Delhi

Picture Credits: miyaamihir

The IP College of DU AKA Indraprastha College Of Women is the oldest girl’s college in Delhi and after the success of this college did DU start other all-girls colleges. IP college opened its doors back in 1924 and was even utilised by freedom fighters to take refuge, eat, drink and pass the area safely during a tumultuous time.

4. The Popular Northern Ridge Is Said To Be Haunted

The famous North Campus Ridge is said to be a popular lover’s haunt for the youth, but back in the day during the freedom struggle, the Flagstaff Tower in the Northern Ridge is where the revolt of 1857 culminated. Many people were killed or drowned here while fleeing the British soldiers and the area and the lake was said to be tainted red with their blood for a couple of weeks following this bloodshed, thus giving the lake here the name ‘Khooni Jheel’. Shocked? Well, today, many people claim that they’ve seen shadowy figures and heard wailing children here after dark. Spooky, right?

5. Hindu College Was Started By A Prominent Banker Along With A Few Others

Picture Credits: viveksinghmusic

Hindu College was founded on 20 January 1817 in Calcutta with the primary objective of providing tuition to the 'sons of respectable Hindus,’ and was then shifted to Delhi. The foundation of the magnificent Hindu college in Delhi was established by Krishna Dassji Gurwale, a prominent banker of the time, along with a few others, with an aim to impart English education to the Hindus.

6. St Stephens College Has Its Roots In Old Delhi

Picture Credits: ab_0300

Decked with manicured lawns, red brick and subtle Mughal motifs, St Stephens is a popular college on the north campus but you will be thrilled to know that the college finds its origins in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Yep, folks, the college was initially set up in Old Delhi, behind Paranthe wali Gali and was later shifted to Kashmere Gate after a decade. Interesting, right?

7. More Than Just Education

Picture Credits: humansofhansraj

A lot has happened on the DU campus over the years but when we dug deep into the history books we found mind-boggling historical incidents like Lord Mountbatten proposing to his wife Edwina for marriage at the Viceregal Lodge (the now office of the Vice-Chancellor), Bhagat Singh was held captive for a day in the same building, and even freedom fighters took refuge in the building during Independence revolt.

How many of these interesting facts did you know of?

7 Fun Facts About Delhi University That Will Surprise You As DU Completes 100 Years