Delhi’s Political and Colonial Heritage
Rashtrapati Bhawan
This magnificent structure was built under the British
Empire and is a reminder of the colonial history of the
city. It is also called the President’s House as it is
the residence of the President of the nation. This
building merges Mughal and Western architectural styles
and the most outstanding influence of Indian
architecture can be seen in the form of the copper dome.
In the centre of its forecourt, behind the high railing
fence, lies the 44m high Jaipur Column. This sandstone
column was a gift from the Maharaja of Jaipur. Lying to
the west of the President's house are the exotic Mughal
Gardens. At the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, mounted
and on-foot troops parade in full uniform on Saturday
mornings.
The Parliament House
This is the seat of Indian politics, situated on
Parliament Street, north of Rajpath. It was designed by
Sir Herbert Baker and was originally called the Circular
House, because of its shape. The corridor has a large
number of sentinels, nearly 247 which dot the 173m disc
which serves as a substratum in this structure. It also
portrays the architecture of the Mughal era in the
boundary walls which are made of carved sandstone and
have delicate motifs on them. One can get a permit from
the reception office and then visit the Lok Sabha and
Rajya Sabha which are the centres of political activity
and the melting pot of India’s top political leaders.
Here, bills are passed and laws are put into motion. The
Parliament House is often referred to as the Sansad
Bhawan. |
