India Gate in New Delhi

History of India Gate

The India Gate was initially known as the All India War Memorial. It was constructed in the memory of the 82,000 soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. These brave soldiers were an integral part of the Undivided Indian Army. The structure was undertaken as part of the Imperial War Graves Commission (IWGC) in the year 1917 in an initiative started by the British Imperial Mandate. Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone on 10 February 1921, where members of the Indian Army attended the memorial ceremony. The project was completed in 1931 and was inaugurated on February 12, 1931. The then Viceroy, Lord Irwin inaugurated the structure. It is not only a war memorial but also a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.

The Architecture of India Gate

The architect of India Gate is late Edwin Lutyens who laid the founding stone of the memorial. The marvelous stone memorial is 42 meters high and pays homage to the 90,000 Indian Army Bravehearts who died fighting for the country in the first World War and the Afghan Conquest of 1919. The whole structure is built up of sandstone and the height of the curve is 136 inches and 87.6 inches respectively. India Gate is considered the main entryway which was developed in New Delhi. The dividers of the memorial have the names of the officers engraved on them. Besides the dividers, an interminable fire burns in honor of the Amar Jawan called as the Amar Jawan Jyoti. He is also credited with the designs of sixty-six war memorials in Europe. The design of India Gate’s arch is a masterpiece which is also similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. India Gate is located in the middle of a hexagonal complex. It has a diameter of 625m and occupies a total area of 360,000 sq meters. Height of India Gate is 42 m and width is 9.1m. The building is made up of red and yellow sandstones. The structure is erected on a flat base and rises in asymmetrical steps. On a closer look at the India Gate, you will be able to notice the features distinctly.

The arch invites hundreds of national and international tourists who flock here every day to witness the inextinguishable fire of patriotism and appreciate the memorial marvel. One can easily spot endless vendors buzzing around the memorial arch to boost their business. Find an opportunity to try the local street food available in a variety. During the late evening, a few India Gate events take place such as the vibrant light show lighting up the place dramatically.

Things to do at India Gate

India Gate remains one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. Built-in the memory of those brave soldiers who fought and died during wars, India Gate stands as a pride of the whole nation. During your visit to India Gate, you may do a few fun things and spend your time happily. 

Go for a picnic with your friends and family. As India Gate is a lovely place with beautiful surroundings, it can be a good idea to spend the time by going for a picnic or pot lunch, especially during winter afternoons. 

Attractions Near India Gate

Rashtrapati Bhawan: Rashtrapati Bhawan is where the President of India resides. It is located at a distance of just 2.2 km from India Gate. One can easily go for a sightseeing tour and marvel at the grandiose of the place.      

Qutab Minar: Qutab Minar is 11.1 km away from the India Gate. It is one of the most visited places in Delhi. The fort has five storeys out of which the first three are made of red sandstone and the remaining two are made of sandstone and marble.     

Jantar Mantar: Another attraction near India Gate is Jantar Mantar. It is situated at a walking distance of just 2.8 km or you can also take an auto-rickshaw.

The street of Rajpath will give you a feeling of pride. Take a walk along the Rajpath to feel the air of pride all around you. India Gate is a famous spot for photography. On your visit to India Gate, make sure to click a lot of pictures. Since India Gate commemorates the death of India’s bravest soldiers during the war, you must pay your respects when you are here. The inextinguishable fire at the Amar Jawan Jyoti represents the bravery.