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| Trip to India::Monuments::India Gate |
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India Gate, originally named All India War Memoria, was designed by Lutyens in honour the brave soldiers who died for the nation. It is situated on the road that heads down from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The structure stands 42 mt high and is surrounded with lush green gardens on either side. An eternal flame, the amar jawan jyoti to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers. India Gate is also a popular picnic spot. Families come here at mostly at night, when the lights are lit and fountains are lit up. Several vendors selling bhel puri, ice-cream, balloons, etc stand at night. Men with monkeys roam around to entertain famlies with their monkey's dance. |
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The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India got its independence. It is in the form of a flame that burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971.
The entire arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge molding, beneath, which are inscribed Imperial sons. Above on both sides is inscribed INDIA, flanked by MCM and to the right, XIX. The shallow domed bowl at the top was intended to be filled with burning oil on anniversaries but this is rarely done.
Surrounding the imposing structure is a large expanse of lush green lawns, which is a popular picnic spot. One can see hoards of people moving about the brightly lit area and on the lawns on summer evenings. |
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