Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official home of the President of India. As the plan for New Delhi was developed, the Governor-General's residence was given an enormous scale and prominent position. The palace developed very similarly to the original sketches which Lutyens sent Herbert Baker from Simla on June 14, 1912. The British architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens design is grandly classical overall, with colours and details inspired by Indian architecture.
Meanwhile, between 1911 and 1916, 300 families were evicted under the "1894 Land Acquisition Act" from Raisina and Malcha villages, thus clearing about 4,000 acres to begin the construction the Viceroy’s House. Lutyens and Baker who had been assigned to work on the Viceroy's House and the Secretariats, began on friendly terms. Baker had been assigned to work on the two secretariat buildings which were in front of Viceroy's House. The original plan was to have Viceroy's House on the top of Raisina Hill, with the secretariats lower down. It was later decided to build 400 yards back, and put both buildings on top of the plateau. While Lutyens wanted the Viceroy's house to be higher, he was forced to move it back from the intended position, which resulted in a dispute with Baker. After completion, Lutyens argued with Baker, because the view of the front of the building was obscured by the high angle of the road.
Rashtrapati Bhawan Nearby Places
1. Red Fort
Red fort is also known as Lal Qila. It is situated in Old Delhi. Red fort was originally constructed in 1526 by Sultan Sikandar Lodi. In 1638, Shah Jahan added two stories to the fort. Red fort played an important role in Mughal empire. Many battles were fought here. In 1857, British army captured red fort. After independence, the government of India took over the fort.
3. Parliament House
Parliament house is located in New Delhi. It is the place where Indian parliament meets. The foundation stone of the building was laid down by George V in 1911. The construction work started in 1913 and completed in 1931. The total cost of building this structure was £650,000. The design of the building is based on Renaissance Revival Style. There are three domes in the center of the building. Each dome is decorated with different motifs. The building is famous for its huge bronze doors.
4. India Gate
India gate is located in South Delhi. It is dedicated to the soldiers who died fighting for the country. On both sides of the gate lie the statues of 11 soldiers.
5. Rajpath
Rajpath is located in Central Delhi. It is the ceremonial boulevard of New Delhi. Rajpath runs along the eastern side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is bordered by various monuments including National Museum, Parliament House, and Secretariat Building.
6. Safdarjung's Tomb
Safdarjung's tomb is located in south Delhi. It is the final resting place of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He founded Aligarh Muslim University. His tomb is considered a symbol of harmony between Hindus and Muslims.
7. Gandhi Smriti
Gandhi smriti is located in New Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area. It is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. The memorial consists of a statue of Gandhi standing on the pedestal. Around him lies the marble slab.
