India Gate Famous in Delhi

India Gate, officially named Delhi Memorial, is a monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919. It was originally called All-India War Memorial and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi. It is located at the eastern end of the Rajpath (formerly called the Kingsway), the ceremonial boulevard of New Delhi. Visit during Delhi Local Sightseeing

It stands as a symbol of sacrifice and honour for the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the British Empire. It is also a popular tourist attraction and a recreational spot for Delhiites and visitors alike. In this article, we will explore the history, features and significance of India Gate Delhi, as well as provide some practical information for visitors.

Location of India Gate

The article is about Delhi Memorial Delhi, which is located at the eastern end of the Rajpath (formerly called the Kingsway), the ceremonial boulevard of New Delhi. It is situated in the heart of New Delhi, near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and the Parliament House.

Timing / Entry Fees India Gate

Delhi Memorial Delhi is open to visitors 24 hours a day, all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting Delhi Memorial. However, there may be a separate fee for camera and video recording.

How to Reach India Gate

Delhi Memorial Delhi is easily accessible from all parts of New Delhi by road and public transport. You can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi or car to reach Delhi Memorial. The bus fare is around Rs. 10 per person, while the auto-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 50-100 depending on the distance and bargaining. The taxi or car fare may vary depending on the service provider and traffic conditions.

The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is about 20 km away from India Gate. You can take a taxi or a metro train from the airport to reach India Gate. The taxi fare may range from Rs. 400 to Rs. 800 depending on the time and traffic. The metro fare may range from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 depending on the distance and route.

The nearest railway station is New Delhi Railway Station, which is about 4 km away from India Gate. You can take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw or a metro train from the railway station to reach India Gate. The taxi fare may range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 depending on the time and traffic. The auto-rickshaw fare may range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the distance and bargaining. The metro fare may range from Rs. 10 to Rs. 40 depending on the distance and route.

The nearest metro station is Central Secretariat Metro Station, which is about 1 km away from India Gate. You can walk or take an auto-rickshaw from the metro station to reach India Gate. The auto-rickshaw fare may range from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 depending on the distance and bargaining.

Things to Do / Must See India Gate

India Gate Delhi is a magnificent monument that displays the architectural style of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi. It is also a war memorial dedicated to honour the Indian soldiers who died in various wars and conflicts. It is also a popular tourist attraction and a recreational spot for Delhiites and visitors alike. Here are some of the things you can do and see at India Gate:

• Admire the impressive facade of Delhi Memorial, which has a span of 30 metres (98 feet) between its two columns and bears the inscription “INDIA” on both sides.
• Explore the interior of India Gate, which has three rows of sunken panels with floral motifs and rectangular panels with inscriptions of martyrs’ names.
• Visit the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is a structure consisting of a black marble plinth with a reversed rifle capped by a war helmet and bounded by four eternal flames. It serves as India’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pays tribute to the fallen heroes.
• Visit the National War Memorial, which is a structure consisting of four concentric circles with various statues, pillars and murals depicting India’s military history. It honours all armed forces members killed after 1947 and has more than 25,000 martyrs’ names inscribed on granite tablets.
• Admire the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which is located near Swatantra Sangram Sangrahalaya (Museum of Freedom Struggle). It depicts Gandhi in his iconic pose of walking with a stick.
• Enjoy the light and sound show that takes place every evening at India Gate. It narrates the history and significance of India Gate through lights, sounds and visuals.
• Relax at the lawns surrounding India Gate, which are ideal for picnics, boating, cycling and other leisure activities.
• Snack on street food such as ice cream, chaat, popcorn etc., which are available at various stalls near India Gate.

History of India Gate

India Gate was built as part of the Imperial War Graves Commission (later renamed Commonwealth War Graves Commission) initiated by the British Imperial Mandate in 1917. The commission was responsible for building war memorials and cemeteries for the soldiers of the British Empire who died in World War I and later conflicts. The commission appointed Sir Edwin Lutyens as the chief architect of New Delhi and entrusted him with the design of India Gate.

The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught on 10th February 1921, in a military ceremony attended by members of the Indian Army and the Imperial Service Troops. The ceremony also honoured eight regiments of the Indian Army with the title of “Royal” in recognition of their gallant services in combat. The construction of India Gate took 10 years and was completed in 1931. It was inaugurated by Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India, on 12th February 1931.

India Gate was originally intended to be a memorial to 84,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died between 1914 and 1921 in World War I, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The names of 13,300 servicemen, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate. However, after India gained independence in 1947, India Gate became a memorial to all Indian soldiers who died in various wars and conflicts.

In 1971, following the Bangladesh Liberation War, a structure consisting of a black marble plinth with a reversed rifle capped by a war helmet and bounded by four eternal flames was built beneath the archway. This structure is called Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier) and serves as India’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 26th January 1972.

In 2019, a National War Memorial was inaugurated near India Gate to honour all armed forces members killed after 1947. The memorial consists of four concentric circles with various statues, pillars and murals depicting India’s military history. The names of more than 25,000 martyrs are inscribed on granite tablets at the memorial.

Features of India Gate

India Gate is a majestic arch made of red sandstone and granite. It is about 42 metres (138 feet) high and 9.1 metres (30 feet) wide. It has a span of 30 metres (98 feet) between its two columns. The arch has a shallow dome on top with a sun motif carved on it. The arch is flanked by two semi-circular bastions that house fountains and small domed kiosks.

Significance of India Gate

India Gate is a significant monument for India for various reasons. It is a masterpiece of sandstone arch that showcases the architectural style of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the cultural and artistic heritage of India.

India Gate is also a symbol of sacrifice and honour for the Indian soldiers who died in various wars and conflicts. It is a place where the names of more than 13,000 martyrs are inscribed on the gate. It is also a place where the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, burns continuously to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. It is also a place where the National War Memorial, India’s first dedicated war memorial, honours all armed forces members killed after 1947.

India Gate is also a place of pride and patriotism for India. It is a place where India celebrates its Independence Day and Republic Day with grandeur and glory. It is a place where India showcases its achievements and aspirations to the world. It is a place where India pays homage to its leaders and freedom fighters who shaped India’s history and destiny.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Delhi Memorial is a magnificent monument that reflects the glory and honour of Indian soldiers who died in various wars and conflicts. It is also a monument that represents India’s cultural and artistic heritage. It is also a monument that celebrates India’s diversity and unity as a nation. India Gate is a monument that every Indian should visit at least once in their lifetime.