Our Story
A Restoration from the Heart.
The captivating journey of Kathika began in 2015 when our founder, Atul khanna, came across a newspaper article detailing the unfortunate neglect of this late 19th century architectural gem. This Museum Haveli, which once belonged to the Kashmiri Pandits, is a testament to the late Mughal Era that embodies the essence of a period spanning from 1800 to 1860. The Haveli was found in a dilapidated condition and brought forward the deteriorating condition of the havelis in Old Delhi. Mr. Atul Khanna, a Heritage Conservationist and a patron of Art and Culture, was driven by his deep passion for Indian Heritage and Culture and took up the responsibility of restoring these havelis to their former glory.
Mr. Atul Khanna along with a team of architects, for over a period of 8 years, made successful attempts in preserving and reviving the two 19th century havelis. For the restoration process, Mahatta Archival Photographs were referred by the team which aided the reconstruction of the architecture of the Haveli.
Before
After
Before
After
Museum Haveli
Kathika is a one-of-a-kind museum-haveli in the heart of Old Delhi, near Kucha Pati Ram.
Kathika museum-haveli acts as a storyteller, sharing the rich and vibrant tales of the area's culture and heritage.
Run by the Kathika Trust, the haveli highlights the restoration of old buildings and promotes reuse and sustainable practices. Blending art and architecture, it showcases everyday objects and rare treasures from Atul Khanna's personal collection.
The museum also offers a window into the architectural beauty of Old Delhi’s havelis, and features a curated collection of archival photographs, decorative arts, paintings, and handicrafts—all reflecting the lifestyle and spirit of medieval Purani Dilli.
Archival Photographs
Paintings
Decorative Arts
Handicrafts
Vintage Collectibles
Neem Ki Haveli
A lovingly restored 19th-century haveli in Old Delhi, Neem ki Haveli blends history, architecture, and serenity — a cultural retreat rooted in tradition.
Neem ki Haveli, a charming 19th-century residence near Kucha Pati Ram, was lovingly restored in 2015 by Kathika founder Atul Khanna, after years of neglect.
At its heart stands a neem tree, anchoring a peaceful courtyard surrounded by small rooms and kothris on either side. The haveli's architecture reflects a unique blend of Delhi’s late medieval character and British-era influences, offering a glimpse into a layered historical past.
Today, Neem ki Haveli retains the quiet echoes of its history while inviting visitors into a space of serenity and cultural reflection
Oposite to Kathika, stands the Neem ki Haveli that serves as a precious link to the past, where the grandeur of Mughal architecture converges with the echoes of British architectural sensibilities, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the city's historical narrative. The first floor of the Neem ki Haveli, added at a later stage, distinguishes itself from the ground floor in terms of architectural features that are more Mughal in its features. Notably, the rooms above the left dalan exhibit influences of British architectural styles, evident through the semicircular door openings and the use of coloured glass on the windows. This infusion of British elements showcases the evolving character of the city during that era.
Archival Photographs
Paintings
Decorative Arts
Handicrafts
Vintage Collectibles