Welcome to the land of the India Gate, where the soldiers of the past are remembered, and the visitors of the present are entertained!
This iconic structure located in the heart of New Delhi is nothing short of a masterpiece. The imposing 42-meter tall archway designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens is a sight to cheer, and the only thing that comes close to it is the French Arch de Triomphe, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the Arch of Constantine in Rome.
If you thought you had seen it all, wait till you catch a glimpse of the India Gate.
Dedicated to the brave 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, this monument has the names of 13,300 servicemen inscribed on its surface. And if you think that’s not enough, the premises of India Gate also houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a kindled structure right underneath the archway, paying tribute to all the soldiers who died in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
India Gate is not just another war memorial; it’s a popular picnic spot and a hub of entertainment in the city. The construction of this marvel started in 1921 as a part of the British initiative to build graves and memorials for all the Indian and British soldiers who represented the British Empire in the First World War. The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of the war memorial on 10th February 1921, and the memorial was finally inaugurated by Lord Irwin, India’s Viceroy on 12th February 1931. It was dedicated to all the soldiers who laid their lives during the war so that the future generations would remember them for the noble sacrifice they made for the love of their country.
But that’s not all, folks! The Amar Jawan Jyoti is guarded 24/7 by soldiers of Indian Army, Indian Navy and Air Force, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them. And if that doesn’t give you goosebumps, we don’t know what will!