Facts About India Gate

Facts About India Gate

One of the most prominent landmarks of Delhi, India Gate dates back to the early 20^th century. It is situated on Rajpath, right in the heart of New Delhi. The monument was built to commemorate the soldiers of the erstwhile British Indian Army, who had lost their lives while fighting in World War I and the Afghan Wars. Originally called the All India War Memorial, it was changed into the site of Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, after the country's independence. The monument also serves as the site of the Amar Jawan Jyoti. Read on to explore some more fun and interesting facts about India Gate

Interesting and Fun Facts about India Gate 

• India Gate is one of the largest war memorials in India.
• The monument was designed by Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi.
• The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught, on 10^th February 1921.
• It took approximately 10 years to complete the construction work on the monument, which came to an end in 1931.
• The walls of India Gate have been inscribed with the names of the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars.
• The monument rises to a height of 42 meters and has many important roads spreading out from it.
• India Gate also bears some resemblance to the 'Arc de Triomphe', situated in Paris.
• The arch of India Gate houses a shrine, inside which is the ever-burning Amar Jawan Jyoti.
• Amar Jawan Jyoti was unveiled on January 26, 1972, by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• The flame of the Jyoti burns day and night, to remind the nation of soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971.
• The shrine has a black marble cenotaph with a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet.
• It is customary for the President and the Prime Minister, as well as visiting Guests of State, to pay homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, on occasions of State ceremonies.
• India Gate stands surrounded by lush, green gardens and is flanked by the clean waters of a lake.
• The monument is one of the most popular picnic spots in Delhi, as a cool resort in summers and as a boating area in winters.
• India Gate serves as the venue of the Republic Day parade, which takes place on 26^th January every year.