Parliament House In Delhi
Parliament House of India is located on the Parliament Street of Delhi. It is an imposing structure which is semi-circular in shape. The design of the Parliament House looks magnificent and prominent even from a distance. Also known as the sansad bhavan, the parliament house is where the reigns of the Indian Government exist.
The parliament house of India is one more colonial structure that reminds us of our British influence. The massive structure looks distinct and graceful. The Parliament House looks the perfect place to carry the governance of India.
The structure of the Parliament House is circular in shape with a large and self-imposing dome at the top. The dome is adorned with Indian flag. The circular structure of the parliament is 171 meters in diameter and one-third of a mile in circumference. The central hall is flaked by two semi-circular halls. The first floor of the house is like a big colonnade that is open in the front and lined by 144 creamy sandstone pillars. The exterior wall is done in red sandstone and has "jallis" typical to mogul design.
The brain child behind the construction of this massive building is another British, Herbert Baker. The building was inaugurated by Lord and Lady Irwin in 1927. Initially, it was thought to be designed as an extension to Viceroy's residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan). However, post Montague-Chelmsford Reform in 1919, this structure was designated to the Legislative Council of India. Due to its circular shape, the building was originally known as the Circular House.
Parliament House is the seat of the two houses of Indian parliament - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The two semi-circular halls that flank the central hall houses Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Parliament House is the place where the day to day decisions about Indian governance is taken. It is the place where the fate of 1 billion Indians is discussed and decided. This building represents the world's largest democracy.
Parliament House has a tremendous historical significance as India got its independence and was declared an independent democratic nation inside this building on the midnight of 14th August 1947.
Although, the best time to visit the Parliament House is while the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions are going on. However, public entry is restricted due to security reasons. Indian citizens can visit only after obtaining special permission pass from the Parliament secretariat. Foreign citizens can obtain permission form their embassies in order to come inside and have a close look at the structure as well the proceedings going on in the house.
It's worth to obtain special permission and visit the parliament, not only to see its structure but also see the interesting way that the proceedings are carried on in the parliament. The boisterous and heated discussions among the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are worth experiencing.
Parliament House in Delhi is a centrally located building. Although, the massive structure is visible from the street itself, but going inside for photographs and scrutinizing its architecture would be a good idea.