Monument – India Gate, Delhi
Built by – Sir Edwin Lutyen
Built in – 1931

“The India Gate or ‘All India War Memorial is the national monument of India and bears immense historical significance. It is situated on Rajpath in the heart of Delhi. India Gate is inspired by ‘Arc De Triomphe’ in Paris, France. It pays tribute to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War First and the Anglo-Afghan War of 1919.

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen, the architect of Delhi, India Gate is a 42-meter high gateway built in pale stone, red stone and granite. This imposing structure is one of the largest war memorials in the country, with the names of over 13,000 soldiers written on it.

India Gate also houses a small structure called Amar Jawan Jyoti, which consists of a marble pedestal with a cenotaph on its top. The cenotaph has the words ‘Amar Jawan’ written on all four sides in golden letters and a reversed rifle, capped by a soldier helmet, installed on it.

Today, India Gate is a symbol of nationalism. Every year, on the 26th of January, the Republic Day parade commences from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and progresses past the India Gate. Wreaths are placed at the Amar Jawan Jyoti by the Prime Minister of India on that day.”

Photo Courtesy – delhitourism.travel