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The site chosen for the new British capital was situated in the wilderness of Raisina, south of Shahjahanabad. A team of architects, led by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed the new city, after visiting several places of architectural interest in India. They felt that the capital should be "neither Indian nor English nor Roman, but Imperial". Even though they claimed to be unimpressed by Indian architecture, their buildings bear evidence to the contrary. New Delhi took 20 years to build and cost 15 million pounds. The new capital was inaugurated in 1931. A marvellous piece of architecture
which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. Close to
Rashtrapathi Bhavan, it is a domed almost circular structure almost a kilometre in
circumference, and was designed by the famed architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the
Indian Parliament and during the sessions of Parliament there is a flurry of activity in
and around the structure. Rashtrapati Bhavan Mughal Gardens Rajpath
India Gate National Gallery of Modern
Art National Museum |
A
stone's throw from
Parliament House is the Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the official residence of the
President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the
Viceroy when the British ruled India. With 340 rooms and an area of about 330 acres. It is
an imposing structure and a tourist's delight. The pillars and the porticos are an
architect's marvel and so are the Durbar Hall and the Ashoka Hall within the complex.
Special permission has to be obtained to visit the complex.
Designed by Lutyens, the 42 metre high structure is a war
memorial bearing the names of 85,000 Indian soldiers who died in the world wars
and more recent campaigns. Massive lush green lawns stretch outwards from
the imposing
structure. An eternal flame (amar jawan jyoti) honours the memory of the unknown soldiers. A popular picnic spot,
hoardes of people stroll about the area on summer evenings.