Historic Engineering Instruments at the IIT
The Indian Institute of Technology proudly preserves a remarkable collection of historic engineering instruments and machines, many of which date back to the 19th century. These rare and scientifically significant instruments reflect the evolution of engineering education and practice in India and are an integral part of the institute’s rich legacy. A curated selection of these instruments is displayed in the Archives Gallery, offering visitors a glimpse into the technological past. Some notable examples from the collection include:
(a)Geodetic Theodolite
Manufactured by Troughton, London | Mid-19th Century
(b)Cooke’s Reversible Level
Manufactured by T. Cooke & Sons Ltd., London | Late 19th Century
(c)Telescopic Compass with Tripod
Manufactured by Lawrence & Mayo, London | Mid-19th Century.
These are just a few highlights from the extensive collection housed within the Archives Gallery. In addition to these, the institute safeguards a vast array of historic equipment from various engineering departments ranging from mechanical and civil to electrical and materials engineering. Each piece in the collection tells a story of innovation, experimentation, and educational excellence.
Archives Gallery (Rare books)
Rare Book Treasures in the IIT Roorkee Archives: A Legacy of Knowledge Since 1847
From its inception in 1847, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee then known as Thomason College of Civil Engineering recognized the importance of a dedicated academic library. A modest collection of a few hundred volumes was assembled to support the learning needs of just 34 students and 6 faculty members. In 1856, the library’s holdings expanded significantly with the amalgamation of the Ganges Canal Library, leading to its renaming as the Central Library. Further enrichment came in 1862 with the acquisition of the entire collection of Addiscombe College Library of the East India Company, cementing the library’s status as a centre of valuable and rare academic resources.
Today, the Institute Archives proudly preserve a distinguished Rare Book Collection, one of the most treasured assets of IIT Roorkee’s intellectual heritage. This collection includes historically and bibliographically significant works that span disciplines from literature and engineering to archaeology and medicine.
Among the most notable volumes are:
- William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (1623) – The celebrated First Folio, a cornerstone of English literature and printing history.
- Austen Henry Layard’s The Monuments of Nineveh (1849) – Featuring 100 exquisite plates, these work documents archaeological discoveries that transformed the understanding of Mesopotamian civilization.
- Charles Bell’s The Anatomy of the Brain (1802) – A foundational medical text, remarkable for its detailed illustrations and pioneering insights into neurological anatomy.
Apart from these, the archives house a vast collection of other rare and invaluable books covering a wide range of subjects. These examples represent only a fraction of the rich literary and academic legacy preserved within the Institute. The Rare Book Collection continues to serve as a bridge between colonial-era scholarship and modern-day research, reflecting IIT Roorkee’s long-standing commitment to the preservation and celebration of knowledge.
