This figure is approximately 70,000 but could be a lot more. It also pays respect to the near 13,500 British and Indian soldiers who lost their lives while fighting at the Northwestern frontier in the Afghan War of 1919.
Edwin Lutyens designed India Gate, New Delhi in the year 1921. His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of this fabulous structure.
The monument was later passed on by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin to the Indian people. After India secured independence from the British rule, there was another addition that was built under the arch known as the Amar Jeevan Jyoti.
It is a flame that burns day and night to commemorate the Indian soldiers who were killed in the India-Pakistan War of 1971. The names of all the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during war are engraved on the structure.
The base of the monument is composed of red Bharatpur stone it rises in stages till the top. Huge impressive lush green lawns on all sides surround this magnificent structure. Tourists as well as residents of the city itself as use these lawns as picnic spots.
In the evenings these lawns are well lit up with variety of lights. Hoards of people fill up these expanses on national holidays like Republic and Independence Day to see the parade which passes through the India Gate. |
