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Fast Facts
Built In 1931
Built By Edwin Lutyens
Architecture British and Indian
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President
of India around which the Modern Delhi or New Delhi is centred.
Tucked away on the Raisina Hills, this erstwhile residence of
the Viceroy of India, is now the official home of the ruling
President of India. Every Saturday morning, guards march before
the iron grille gates. While the apartments are private, the
gardens are open to the public every year during the Spring
season.
History
Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General
of India or the Viceroy of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the
Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1950 after India became
a republic. History has it that Lutyens designed the surrounding
Moghul Gardens at the request of Lady Harding who was captivated
by the Mughal gardens of Kashmir.And, the rest is history with
Lutyens recreating the magic with all the decorative fountains,
waterfalls, paved pathways, ornamental plants, fruit-bearing
trees, flowers and shrubs.
Features
This majestic cream and red sandstone building covers an area
of 4.5 acres of land and houses 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies
and arcades, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. This stunning blend
of Western and Indian architectural styles, is supposedly larger
than the Versailles. The most splendid room in the Rashtrapati
Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which lies directly beneath the main
dome. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies are
held here. The interior is equally enchanting adorned with intricate
paintings. The beautifully landscaped Mughal Gardens lies to
the west, recreated after the terraced gardens the Mughals built
in Kashmir. The garden is famous as the 'Butterfly Garden' because
of the legions of butterflies who frequent the garden always.
This landmark colonial structure can give competition to the
India Gate when it comes to height. This stretch to the India
Gate is called the Rajpath where the Republic Day parade is
held.
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