Symbolic Of The Power Centre In North Campus, Here's All About Viceregal Lodge AKA VC's Office

The Viceregal Lodge, now popularly referred to as ‘VC’s Office’, came into existence back in the year 1902. It is now symbolic of the North Campus of the University of Delhi along with a cluster of departments and colleges in the vicinity.

The lodge is a repository of history as the galleries within contain archives of its time and the region surrounding the Northern Ridge in Delhi which served as the British cantonment during the early 20th century. Initially, the lodge was part of the cantonment and then it was converted to a residence for the imperial rulers. The University of Delhi was established in the year 1922 and the lodge estate was handed over to the University in 1933. Presently, it houses the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor's office.

Architectural Aspects

The structure clearly reflects an architecture synonymous to the colonial times. Now painted a pleasant off-white colour, the regal lodge is a symbol of an erstwhile elite residence and showcases the lifestyle that the British used to lead during their rule in India. 

It has a classical, old fashioned appearance with high ceilings and semi-circular arches supported by pillars. The low rise building extends on both sides from a central entry porch having verandas/viewing galleries on top. The lodge has been renovated during the tenure of the former Vice-Chancellor, Deepak Nayyar and this has brought back and restored much of its old world charm. Acres of well-maintained lush gardens surround the estate.

A Venue For Historical Events

After the capital of British India moved from Calcutta to Delhi, this lodge has housed five viceroys from 1912 to 1931 including Lord Irwin till the construction of ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan’. 

The rooms that are now the University's Academic Council, used to be a place where the Legislative Assembly held meetings. Eminent personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi have walked its corridors.

An important meeting was one that took place in 1931 when the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed. The convocation hall was once a majestic ballroom where Louis Mountbatten proposed to Edwina Ashley. A plaque that tells this story stands in the registrar’s office. 

The lodge also became another place of refuge during the revolt of 1857 and the basement, which is now renovated and painted anew, was once a hidden chamber that served as the dungeons and it’s said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh was once confined here. The galleries and museum hold an exhibition of photographs dating back to the 1930s that record the story of the University of Delhi through time and also narrates stories from the time of the British era.

Locating The Lodge

The Vice Chancellor Lawns or just ‘VC lawns’ is a place well-known to students of North Campus who come here for strolls or lazy lunches. It’s easily accessible owing to several entrances; a five minute walk from the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station will lead one to enter the main gate from either Chattra Marg or from the side of the Northern Ridge. Walk along Shreya Mishra Marg across the lawns to find the Viceregal Lodge centred there. Other gates lead to the Cluster Innovation Centre and University Stadium. The buildings behind the Lodge belong to departments and other offices.

While the University lawns are accessible to the public around the clock, entry to the Viceregal Lodge is restricted. Special permission may be required to visit the galleries. Guided tours for groups are available on request.

If you’re a North Campus vaasi and have yet to visit this historic structure, head on over and touch a piece of the past right away!

Location | 32, Chattra Marg