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Dharohar: Professor Abdul Rahim, Chairman of the Department of Missiology of AMU, says that a very ancient and rare palanquin is preserved in the Musa Dakari Museum established under the department. This palanquin is believed to be approximately 300–400 years old and has been in use for many generations. Its conservation department’s M.Sc. Started under the project.
An ancient palanquin, which carries with it the story of old culture, changing times and cultural development, today remains the pride of AMU’s Musa Dakari Museum. This palanquin, which is about three to four centuries old, has not only been an important part of the traditional journey of the royals and common people, but also holds within itself the memories of generations. By preserving it, a glimpse of that period has been presented to the new generation by the students and experts of the Egyptology Department. When the basis of transportation was the human shoulder and the identity of culture was the doli.
Giving information, Professor Abdul Rahim, Chairman of the Department of Missiology of AMU, says that a very ancient and rare palanquin is preserved in the Musa Dakari Museum established under the department. This palanquin is believed to be approximately 300–400 years old and has been in use for many generations. Its conservation department’s M.Sc. Started under the project.
In the year 2020, Fareen Khan, a student of Kannauj, told that an old palanquin used by her great grandfather is lying in a very bad condition in her house. He proposed to preserve it for his project, which the department accepted. The conservation process was started by bringing the palanquin to the department from Kannauj, but due to Covid-19 the work remained incomplete.
He said that after a few years, a student from Kashmir took this conservation work forward. Under the direction of the technical staff of the department, carpenter, fine arts student Masarat and assistant professor Jahangir Ameeza, the team together successfully completed the entire conservation of the palanquin. After the conservation was completed the palanquin was formally donated to the museum. It was formally inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor on the occasion of International Museum Day on 18 May 2025, and has since been on display at the Musa Dakari Museum.
bride’s farewell doli
Abdul Rahim tells that in old times palanquin was widely used. Till about fifty years ago, in rural and town areas, the bride used to be sent off in a palanquin only. Even before this, for centuries, kings, queens, queens and the elite class used palanquin for travelling. Gradually this tradition became prevalent among the common people also during marriages and other occasions. With time, its practice ended due to the availability of modern means, especially motor vehicles, and the risks associated with palanquin travel, such as breakage of the doli and long walking distances. Today it is an important part of the history of culture and transportation, which has been preserved in a museum with the aim of passing it on to the new generation.
Conservation appreciated
This palanquin remained in use for many generations and later due to its poor condition, it almost reached the point of being thrown away. Its conservation was appreciated by the department and an appreciation was also given in a memorable form, so that the future generations can understand this historical heritage and the evolution of transportation.
