The Historical India Gate
Delhi being a historical city, is lined with large number of historical monuments. Old forts belonging to Mogul and Sultanate dynasty, huge parks made by old Delhi rulers, and ancient temples and mosques speak the historicity of Delhi. The historical India Gate is one such structure that stands with aplomb at the heart of the capital.
India Gate was originally known as All India War Memorial. It is a huge archway that looks magnificent. The design of the monument has slight resemblance to the Arc De Triomphe of France. The structure is centrally located at Rajghat. The monument is 42m high and was designed by Lutyens, famous for designing the architecture of New Delhi. The whole structure is carved out in Red Sandstone and Granite.
The structure was built as a War Memorial in the memory of 80, 000 soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War. The names of the soldiers are engraved on the wall of the arch. Additional names of 13, 516 British and Indian soldiers who died in the Afghan War of 1919 were added to the monument later. "Amar Jawan Jyoti" or the flame of the immortal warrior that keeps burning under the arch day and night was added to the monument to commemorate the memory of soldiers who died in the Indo Pak War of1971.
The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921, but the structure was finally ready after 10 years. Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy, dedicated the structure to the nation in 1931.
As other historical icons of Delhi, India gate stands at the heart of the city attracting large number of tourists and city residents. It is a great entertainment center for all. The premises of the India Gate have a Children's Park, lush green lawn and a boating club. While crossing Janpath in the evening you can see the well lighted structure and its reflection in the nearby boating lake. The spot is so crowded in the evening that it looks like a big carnival.
The young, old and the kids of Delhi love to spend time around the structure by: lazing around on the green grass of its lawn, taking a boat ride in the warm winter afternoon and spending time in the park with kids. The path that leads to India Gate is lined by ice cream and balloon vendors. India Gate emerges as a great picnic spot.
Standing at the India Gate, one can also see the "Rashtrapati Bhawan" or the President's House. The monument is surrounded by all the main streets of Delhi. Every year on 26th of January, thousands of people visit India Gate to see the Republic Day Parade. It is also a popular spot for shooting film scenes.
A visit to Delhi is incomplete without a tour to the historical India Gate. It is a great place to see people from across the country assembling at one spot and celebrating the colors of India.