Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, Delhi 

While there are museums in Delhi which represent history, heritage, there is one such museum which raises the concern of the sanitation sector in the country, Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. It was the due efforts of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, who along with being a sociologist, is the founder of Sulabh International and the guiding light of this museum. Being known for his relentless service towards environmental sanitation and equal promotion of human rights, the activist wanted to bring the real scenario of sanitation towards the public. Set up in the year 1992, the museum has toilets that belong to over 50 countries which are divided into three categories namely Ancient, Medieval and Modern as per the artifacts that are gathered for the period of 3000 BC to 20th century. By the means of this museum, the whole history of toilets is represented, such as the shift in technology, the evolving of social habits from then to now, the legal framework and the etiquettes that changed with the coming of time. Not only the chamber pots, privies, toilet furniture, Victorian toilet seats are put on display but also the water closets and bidets that belonged to the 1145 AD till date are exhibited.

Attractions of the Museum of Toilets

The museum houses an exhaustive collection of some rare pictures, objects about social customs related to toilets, etiquettes, judicial regulations. It also displays historic pots, privies, water closets, toilet furniture, etc. The details of which are as follows:

• Chamber pots for Ladies used during the period of 1794-1800 AD, which were later modified by Americans.
• In Britain , in ancient times, commodes and urinals were carved intricately and were made of stone. These included decorated commodes in the shape of treasure chest.
• The fascinating idea of designing toilets in the form of a book, to ward off monotony , was developed in France. The names of literary classics were carved on these toilets.
• The Austrians added color to urinals. They developed colorful, vibrant cisterns and toilets in various designs like that of dolphin, lion, etc.
• One can obtain amusing books on order like Toilets,, Toasters and telephones: The How and Why of Everyday Objects, Hidden Assets : Stories Behind the Thorne, etc from here.

Sections at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

The museum has been meticulously divided into three sections depicting the evolution of toilets in the last five thousand years right from the Harappan Settlements to the end of 20th century.

• Ancient

This gallery depicts the sanitation facilities, wells, bathing tanks, underground drains, soak-pits and toilets used in the excavated sites of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal and Dholavira. Besides,, it also has copies of relics from ancient civilizations of Egypt, Babylon, Crete, Jerusalem, Greece and Rome.

• Medieval

The medieval era marked the luxury and opulence of the kings and queens. The gallery therefore, showcases the luxuriant toilet models from the Amber Fort of Jaipur, Akbar’s Fort in Fatehpur-Sikri near Agra, Gingee Fort of Tamilnadu and Golconda Fort of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The international collection has table-top toilet of England and exuberant stones studded pot of Queen Victoria.

• Modern

This section is the most recent addition to the museum, which has a collection of toilet related jokes, cartoons and photographs. Among the many models from the modern age are the toy-commode from China, mobile toilet of Sulabh, electric toilet from USA and the model of the world’s biggest toilet complex at Shirdi in Maharashtra.

Tips For Visiting Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

• The museum facilitates a volunteer to guide the visitors.
• It also provides museum guide books and related literature

How To Reach Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

Sulabh Toilet Museum is located at Dabri Road in West Delhi. You may reach there by taking Uber or Ola. If you are looking to go by metro, nearest metro station is Dashrathpuri metro station (Magenta line) which is 700 metres away. From there, you can take a rickshaw to reach the museum.

Address – Sulabh Bhawan, RZ-83, Palam Dabri Marg, Kali Nagar, Mahavir Enclave I, Mahavir Enclave Part 1, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi
Official website – http://www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org/
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Saturday), 10 AM to 5 PM (Sunday)