United Kingdom India Gate
The magnificent India Gate is one of the most prominent landmarks in New Delhi, India’s capital. The 42-meter high, red stone archway was built by the British to commemorate more than 70,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting alongside British troops in the First World War. The memorial is inscribed with the names of more than 13,500 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the monument was completed in 1931.
In December 1971 as a dedication to the Indian soldiers killed in Indo-Pakistan War, a flame symbolizing ‘Tomb of the Immortal Soldier’ (referred to in Hindi as Amar Jawan Jyoti), was added just below the arch of the India Gate.
At night, India Gate is wonderfully lit up and presents a stunning display for visitors. The memorial has adjoining facilities including a boat club, children’s park and lush green lawns making it an attractive tourist destination.
Located a few minutes from India Gate is the ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan’, home of the incumbent Indian President. The avenue from India Gate to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raj Path, is also the scene for India’s Republic Day Parade held on January 26 every year to mark India’s transition to an consititional republic in 1950. A prominent feature of the Republic Day parade near India Gate is the display of latest defense technologies acquired by the armed forces.
In recent years India Gate has also become the scene of many protests and demonstrations by young people.
