 India Gate, the 42m high structure, is world-renowned as the All India War Memorial. It is the "Arc-de-Triomphe" standing proudly in the center of New Delhi. India Gate truly speaks of the vivid spirit of the Lutyens Delhi.
History
India Gate speaks of the valor of 90,000 Indian soldiers. These brave soldiers laid their lives for the honor of their country, fighting for the British Royal Army during the First World War. This majestic monument was designed in the most artistic taste by Edwin Lutyens and the foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921.
It has been constructed out of beige sandstone. Each brick bears the name of the soldier in whose memory it has been built. The arc stands on the base of red sandstone, rising in stages to a colossal sculpture that is inscribed with the words "Imperial Sons". On both sides the word "INDIA" is inscribed with the words MCM and XIX bordering it on either side. It is thoughtfully located on the Rajpath Road that cuts the well-manicured lawns of India gate.
Though the monument was built in 1921 it was dedicated to the country 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. However, after the Indo-Pak war of 1971 another war memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added to India Gate. It is an eternal flame that burns day and night under the arc reminding us of the gallant heroism of the soldiers who lost their lives during this war. On all the important national occasions the shallow domed bowl of the Amar Jawan Jyoti is filled with burning oil.
More About India Gate
Every evening India Gate is bathed in light and proudly greets the hoards of people who come to pay homage to this masterpiece of architecture. It is a hugely popular picnic spot in New Delhi. Every year on 26th of January, the Republic Day of India, India Gate witnesses the panorama of India's might and culture. The President unfurls the national flag and takes the salutes of the marching fleets. The Republic Day Parade is a spectacular affair, enjoyed by one and all from the Lawns of India Gate. Marching columns represent the armed forces accompanied by armored vehicles, military bands, decorated floats and folk dancers.
India gate is the mute observer of the buzzing New Delhi. Being not too far from the busy commercial center of the Indian Capital City, it enjoys the rush of people from all walks of life. It is like the plethora of Indian sentiments. From a center of political activities, representative of Armed forces' nerve, attraction for international tourist to a local picnic spots, India Gate encompasses the essence of India.
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