Today we will tell you a story. This story of barely three minutes will take you through a few pages of Indian history. This is the story of Rashtrapati Bhavan situated on the Raisina hills of Delhi.
It is not just a building, it is a living example of the freedom struggle in which many of us and our loved ones sacrificed themselves. This is the witness of the freedom struggle. This is the witness of the country's independence and republic.
So let's start the story...
The thing is from 1911. The British decided to make Delhi the capital instead of Kolkata. Then he wanted to build such a building in Delhi, which would become an example for many years to come. The British chose the hills of Raisina for this. Here he decided to build a magnificent building for the Viceroy.
The map of this building was prepared by the then-famous architect Edwin Lutyens. On June 14, 1912, Lutyens sent Herbert Baker to draw a map of this stately building. Got the place. The map was ready and now the British started work. First, between 1911 and 1916, the British government acquired about four thousand hectares of land belonging to 300 people from the Raisina and Malcha villages.
There was a plan to build a palace in four years, but it took 17 years
It was planned for the Viceroy to build the palace within four years, but when it started it took 17 years to build. Its construction work started in 1912 and ended in 1929. The website of Rashtrapati Bhavan states that about 700 million bricks and 3 million stones were used to build this building. More than 29 thousand artisans were engaged for this. Together they made 340 rooms in it.
At that time 1 crore 40 lakh rupees were spent on its construction. The Rashtrapati Bhavan has a glimpse of ancient Indian style, Mughal style, and Western style. The dome of Rashtrapati Bhavan was built in such a way that it is visible from a distance.
When the palace was completed
When this luxurious building was completed in 1929, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, reached it with his wife. He was shocked to see this. It is said that he took a week to see such a grand building in its entirety. Mountbatten used to meet other leaders and officials here.
When the freedom movement intensified and reached its final stage, the letter of independence was written in this building. With the independence of India on August 15, 1947, the Viceroy's House also reached a new era. After independence, this building was known as Government House for two years.
The first Governor General of independent India lived here
After independence, the first Governor General of the country, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari got this palatial building to live in. He was struck by its grandeur and elegance. Rajagopalachari made up his mind to leave after a few days, but it was not possible according to the protocol. Then instead of staying in it, he started living in the guest room.
On 26 January 1950, India became a republic and the first President of the country was made Rajendra Prasad. In 1950, the Government House was changed to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Rajendra Prasad came to live here, but he too could not adopt the opulence of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He too decided to stay in the guestroom, continuing the tradition of Rajagopalachari. The tradition of staying in guestrooms continues to this day.
Some other features of Rashtrapati Bhavan
The ancient style of India, the Western style, and the Mughal style were used in the construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan (then the Viceroy's Palace). Its pillars are engraved with bells. This idea is derived from a Jain temple located at a place called Moodabidri in Karnataka.
It is the second largest residence in the world after the Curanal Palace in Rome, Italy.
There are about 340 rooms in this building. The banquet hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan can seat 104 people at a time.
750 employees work in Rashtrapati Bhavan, out of which 245 are working in the President's Secretariat.
Durbar Hall
There is a hall in Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is named Durbar. Its beauty is made by seeing it. It is decorated with various colored stones. There is a two-ton chandelier in this hall. Just above it is the main dome of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The walls of the Durbar Hall have been a witness to the transition from British rule to independent India. This hall is the most special place in Rashtrapati Bhavan. On August 15, 1947, Lord Mountbatten administered the oath to the country's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in this Durbar Hall. On January 26, 1950, the first President of the country, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath in this hall. After this, from Indira Gandhi to Atal Bihari Vajpayee took the oath of office in this hall.
Ashoka Hall
There is a second hall next to the Durbar Hall. It is named Ashoka Hall. This used to be the royal dance hall during the time of British rule. The beauty of its walls and ceiling are made on sight. Every item in the hall has been carved very meticulously. Now the President holds official meetings in this room.
banquet hall
After Darbar and Ashoka, now we come to the Banquet Hall. There is a dining table several feet long in the banquet hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, on which 104 people can sit and eat at the same time. The special thing is that there is a special kind of light on the left side of this hall, which gives a signal to the butler present here that when the food is to be served when the plates are to be removed and installed.
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