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Fast Facts
Built In 1921
Built By Herbert Baker
Architecture British
Welcome to the Parliament House, the power-corridors of the
largest democracy in the world, India. Also known as Sansad
Bhawan, the Parliament House in Delhi is the hub of political
activity of India. Tucked away in the heart of the city, it
is to the northwest of Vijay Chowk, next to the Secretariat
buildings at the end of Parliament Street. This beautiful circular
structure is a landmark example of the British architectural
marvel.
History
Designed by Herbert Baker, the Parliament House had its foundation
stone laid by the Duke of Connaught on 12th February 1921. Inaugurated
by Lady and Lord Irwin in 1927, the building was planned to
house a domed central hall and three semi-circular structures,
originally meant to accommodate the Chamber of Princes, the
Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Parliament House
holds the pride-position in the history of democratic India,
as the transfer of power took place in the midnight of 14th
August 1947 in the central hall of this building.
Features
Just one storey tall, the massive structure stands 75 feet
high and measures 570 feet in diameter. This sitting house of
the elected members of India covers the Chambers of the Lok
Sabha, the Lower House of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, the Upper
House of Parliament and the Parliament library, attached to
each other by galleries. A verandah with 144 columns borders
the three semi-circular chambers. The boundary wall has blocks
of sandstone carved in geometrical patterns reminding of the
elegance of the Mughal jalis. Lavish lawns, gardens, fountains
and waterways all around the building, further heighten the
grand and majestic appeal of this 'Temple of Democracy.'
Don't Miss
The Parliament House is worth a visit when it is in session.
The three sessions in a year are Summer, Monsoon and Winter.
Don't miss the other attractions which lie just at a stone-throwing
distance, like the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Jantar Mantar,
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Hanuman Mandir.
Trivia
Earlier called the Circular House, it was originally planned
to be just an extension of the Viceroy's House (Rashtrapati
Bhavan). But after the Montague-Chelmsford reforms of 1919,
it was specified as the Parliament House or Legislative Assembly
of the country.
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