India
Gate, a majestic structure, 42 metres high, is
set at
the end of Rajpath, perhaps the most beautiful
area of New Delhi with plush green lawns in the
backdrop. It is a popular picnic spot during the
winters and equally popular as a relaxation area
during the summer evenings. Designed and built by
Lutyens, it was originally called All India War
Memorial in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers
who died in the campaigns of World War I.On the walls of the
structure are inscribed the names of all the
soldiers. An eternal flame called Amar Jawan
Jyoti that runs on gas was lit in 1971 to honour
the martyrs. During the night, it is intensely
floodlit and the fountains nearby are lit up
with coloured lights. Close by is the canopy
which once became controversial and under whose
red sandstone roof was the marble statue of King
George V which has been shifted from there. The
canopy was also designed and built by Lutyens.