TDF Ghar will transport you to a Karachi that once was

Entrance to the TDF Ghar 

KARACHI: The moment you enter the TDF Ghar, a restored house on MA Jinnah Road built in 1930 by Hanibai Motiram, you are immediately teleported into a...

By
Web Desk

Updated Saturday Aug 26 2017

Entrance to the TDF Ghar 

KARACHI: The moment you enter the TDF Ghar, a restored house on MA Jinnah Road built in 1930 by Hanibai Motiram, you are immediately teleported into a Pakistan that once was. 

Situated in Jamshed Quarters, an estate developed by Karachi's first mayor Jamshed Nusserwanjee for the growing middle class of the metropolis, where Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Parsis, and Jews resided in harmony — the heritage building begins to tell its story. 

Dressed in a Classic Yellow the exterior of the TDF Ghar takes you back decades to Old Karachi
Dressed in a Classic Yellow the exterior of the TDF Ghar takes you back decades to Old Karachi
Restored to its former glory the TDF house is a welcome addition to remind us of Karachi as it once was
Restored to its former glory the TDF house is a welcome addition to remind us of Karachi as it once was

The yellow-painted house, conserved by renowned architect Shahab Ghani under The Dawood Foundation, has many stories to tell to its visitors. 

A treasure trove of history remains encased on the bookshelves of the TDF Ghar
A treasure trove of history remains encased on the bookshelves of the TDF Ghar
A 1930's era Remington typewriter
A 1930's era Remington typewriter
Closeup of the Roll Top desk complete with a candlestick telephone
Closeup of the Roll Top desk complete with a candlestick telephone
Another view of the main hall, looking back towards the entrance
Another view of the main hall, looking back towards the entrance
A view of the main hall
A view of the main hall
Invented in the early 20th century, the rotary dial telephone replaced the candlestick models
Invented in the early 20th century, the rotary dial telephone replaced the candlestick models
Chess awaits those who wish to indulge in a game or two
Chess awaits those who wish to indulge in a game or two
The Gramophone was replaced by the transistor radio
The Gramophone was replaced by the transistor radio
In an era before CDs and MP3 players, the Gramophone was a much sought after luxury
In an era before CDs and MP3 players, the Gramophone was a much sought after luxury
Period furniture, telephones, books await visitors
Period furniture, telephones, books await visitors
Using period interior pieces the TDF Ghar allows a glimpse into the past
Using period interior pieces the TDF Ghar allows a glimpse into the past
Not from the 30s but this machine carved wooden chess set still adds to the ambience
Not from the 30s but this machine carved wooden chess set still adds to the ambience

As Frank Lloyd Wright put it, "a building is not just a place to be, but a way to be".

Type writers, old chess sets, vintage books, the classic high ceiling fans, old mosaic tiles, a gramophone — accessories that have now become a distant memory — are the attraction of the museum, The Living Room, in the house.

Where The Living Room is a reflection of past, right across it, is Sehan Café — with old Irani bentwood chairs and benches, offering tea and snacks to visitors — with WiFi access and electricity sockets to plug in laptops is a place where the past starts meeting the present.

The Sehan Cafe runs along the side of the TDF Ghar with more seating at the back
The Sehan Cafe runs along the side of the TDF Ghar with more seating at the back
The Sehan Cafe
The Sehan Cafe

“The purpose of adding a Café was to provide a platform to the young people of Karachi to socialise and spend their quality time,” Ridhwan Khan — the administrator of the house — said.

Upstairs room
Upstairs room
After experiencing the flashback from the museum one can relax before proceeding further
After experiencing the flashback from the museum one can relax before proceeding further
Pictures of Karachi's past along the staircase
Pictures of Karachi's past along the staircase

As you move from the ground floor to the first, where the rooms are still quite bare with old wooden plank benches and a dresser, you are presented with yet another flashback of what Karachi once was, in the form of pictures from the early days. 

Along with the museum and café, the finest attraction of the TDF Ghar is the rooftop, which gives a stunning scenic view of the Quaid's Mausoleum. Even the chaotic traffic noise surrounding the area does not dampen the beautiful view.

Moreover, three ‘Numaish Halls’ and a training room are being planned to be used for non-commercial activities.

Another click, for good measure
Another click, for good measure
A clear view of the Quaid's mausoleum
A clear view of the Quaid's mausoleum

The entrance fee is a mere Rs. 50. The TDF Ghar is open to the public seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM, except for the museum, which closes at 6 PM.

When inquired about the reasoning behind charging an entrance fee, Khan said, “The price is imposed because we want people to take ownership of the place. By taking Rs.50, we won’t be making any huge profit but it will give a sense of belonging to the people.”