Darwan Singh Museum

The Darwan Singh Museum, also known as the Garhwali Museum, is a historical defense museum located in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. Named after Naik Darwan Singh Negi, the first Indian soldier to receive the Victoria Cross, it showcases the illustrious history of the Garhwal Rifles regiment. The two-storey building houses a collection of arms, uniforms, medals, photographs, and artifacts from pre-independence and post-independence periods.

Visitors can explore a well-maintained two-storey museum displaying the military heritage of the Garhwal Rifles. Exhibits include antique weapons, battle scene paintings, portraits of brave soldiers, war medals, uniforms, certificates, and documents from World War I and II. The museum features a beautiful rose garden outside and is located near the Parade Ground and Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial.

The museum was inaugurated in 1983 to preserve the heritage of the Garhwal Rifles regiment. It is named after Naik Darwan Singh Negi of the 1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles, who became the first Indian soldier to receive the Victoria Cross during World War I at the Battle of Festubert. The museum documents the regiment's history from its inception in the 19th century through both World Wars and post-independence conflicts.

The museum serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Garhwali soldiers and preserves the rich military heritage of the Garhwal Rifles, one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. It stands as a symbol of pride for Lansdowne, which serves as the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles.