Friday, December 18, 2009

India Gate Facts

The national capital of India boasts of several historical monuments. Delhi is a beautiful city with a rich history of thousand years. One of the most renowned landmarks of the city is India Gate. One must have seen it during a travel visit to Delhi or in several movies. Situated in the heart of the city, it is located on Rajpath. The history of India Gate goes back to 20th century. There is a story behind establishment of this important landmark. It was made to commemorate the soldiers of the erstwhile British Indian Army, who had lost their lives while fighting in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The original name of the landmark was the All India War Memorial. The monument has Amar Jawan Jyoti that is always in flame.

India Gate was designed by Edwin Lutyens who was also the chief architect of New Delhi. On 10th February 1921, the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation of the monument. The construction work came to an end in 1931 after 10 years of work. If you see properly, you will find names of Indian soldiers inscribed on the walls of India Gate. These soldiers had sacrificed their lives in World War I and the Afghan Wars.

India Gate has a total height of 42 meters. It houses Amar Jawan Jyoti that was unveiled on January 26, 1972. The flame of jyoti burns all the time in respect of soldiers who sacrficied their lives during Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. The Gate also serves as venue of Republic Parade every year.