INDIA GATE: The Eternal Heart of Delhi

"Anyone who has become entranced by the sound of water drops in the darkness of ruin can
attest to the extraordinary capacity of the ear to carve a volume into the void of darkness. The
space traced by the ear becomes a cavity sculpted in the interior of the mind."
-Ar. Steven Holl

A Great Nation is not the one that hides its history but is the one which remembers it. Architects
have always had the power of creating something that reminds the future generation about the
story of supreme sacrifices.
Architecture is not only about a physical attribute of a building but also the emotions it evokes
amongst the visitors. It plays a major role in people's minds driving them towards the built
structure.

In the heart of Delhi resides a historical monument built on supreme sacrifices of the soldiers –
India Gate.

"On this spot, in the central vista of the Capital of India, there will stand a Memorial Archway,
designed to keep, in the thoughts of future generations, the glorious sacrifice of the officers and
men who fought and fell"
-Prince Arthur

India Gate commemorates around ninety-thousand soldiers of the British Indian Army who
sacrificed their lives during World War I. After India's independence, it became the site of the
Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, commonly known as Amar Jawan.
Edwin Lutyens was the chief architect of India Gate which was earlier known as All India War
Memorial.
Lutyens built India Gate across the same lines along the Arc de Triomphe situated in Paris
having a similar outlook.
The All India Memorial has a span of 30 feet and lies on the eastern axial end of Kingsway,
present-day Rajpath. The 42-meter tall memorial stands on a low base of red sandstone and
rises in stages to a huge molding. The shallow domed bowl at the top was intended to be filled
with burning oil on anniversaries but now is rarely done. There is also a vacant canopy in front
of the memorial under which once stood the statue of George V in his coronation robes and
Imperial State Crown. The statue was later moved to Coronation Park and the empty canopy
symbolizes the British retreat from India.
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 INDIA GATE: The Eternal Heart of Delhi

Amar JawanJyoti or Flame of the Immortal soldier located below the India Gate arch is an
installation of reversed L1A1 Self-loading rifle, capped by war helmet on a plinth made in black
marble. Four urns surround the structure with forever burning flames and each face of the
cenotaph has the words "Amar Jawan" inscribed in gold.

This memorial in New Delhi is a secular structure, free of religious and culturally-specific
iconography such as crosses being a perfect example of a republic nation.

Over a generation, the India gate has risen to attract all age groups. Irrespective of caste or
religion and connects with everyone's heart. Without any doubt it is the most charming itinerary
of Delhi. It is regarded as a national treasure by our countrymen and the desired spot to hangout
for the local people.

The All India War Memorial has unofficially become a symbol of Delhi representing its rich
history and diverse culture. It is a must-visit on every tourist's list.

Most importantly the memorial offers an opportunity to witness the diverse culture and the
heritage of India, with artists from all over the country gathering at this place on Republic day.
The patriotic feeling after witnessing the flag hoisting and the parade fill up the hearts of
people. It pulls people from different states together and enlightens a flame of nationalism,
awakening a pain of past in their heart for the martyrs that died for the nation.

"Nobody can escape architecture and its effects."

- Gunter Hertel

A building over time develops a superficial layer. These layers come from the visitor's
perceptions over the generation. Each person possessing a different thus creating a new layer.

The primary layer being formed by the local people and the tourists being drawn towards the
monument. The lush green lawns and the children's park around the place with some hawkers
serving eating items make it a perfect picnic spot. The most common site being the tourists
coming from all over the country and the world gathering to witness the aura of this secular
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 INDIA GATE: The Eternal Heart of Delhi
monument.
It is the only historical monument which is crowded all the time respective of any time or day
with various activities like cycling, yoga camp, fests etc. on-going. The cultural fests occurring
attract a large crowd from all over the country providing a large platform to showcase their
talents.
Unfortunately the large crowd dirty the surroundings and degrade the lawns of the monument
forcing the government to take few strict actions leading the government to stop these fests for
the time being.
The structure is so huge that one can view it from the Central Secretariat. The 1.5 km road that
takes us to the Amar JawanJyoti spot is all about living a life with the utmost happiness of
freedom being a representation of a republic India. While taking a walk on the road the
patriotism vibe could

be felt like a gush of wind and as we get closer a feeling of freedom and pain for all those
families who lost their loved ones occupy our mind and fill up our heart.
India Gate is illuminated with a number of lights against the darkening sky giving a magnificent
appeal and a sight to behold. As a result, attracting tourists to feel the explicable vibe of the
monument.
This memorial not only helps people interact with nature but it also connects every Indian and
empowers them to come forward to fight for their right and henceforth an addition of another
layer occurs. Whenever we as a citizen of India feel that our political system is not taking the
actions that it should and a change is needed, many responsible citizens come forward and
raise their voices in front of the memorial which speaks the story of fearless immortal soldiers
and teaches us to fight for what we believe in.
The memorial being at the prime location of central Delhi in the vicinity of the major political
buildings, the strike gets the much deserved attention from our government. Also unlike various
buildings, it isn't restricted to the freedom of expression of one's view.
The psychological condition of each protester might not be the same. Some might have the deep
mental scar of an excruciating incident that they had faced whereas other protesters might just
be there to address a social issues an attempt to bring out any change in the system. Not only
protesters but hundreds of local people gather from all around the country to hold candlelight
marches to express solidarity to our soldiers who sacrifice themselves for our safety and peace.
This sight is a great example of depicting unity in our nation.
Hence the current structure of India Gate works as a memorial site not just for the martyr but
also for the people whose death needs to be remembered and are not brought in knowledge.
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 INDIA GATE: The Eternal Heart of Delhi
The mournful examples we have are of JasikaLal, Nirbhaya and a lot of other innocent lives. The
candle march is not only for the people who have passed away but also for those who are living
with these scars at present where the light of both the Amar JawanJyoti and candles symbolize
hope and strength. Hope for a better tomorrow and the strength of expressing their beliefs.
These superficial layers grow over time giving rise to Multi-Layered architecture and forming
the intangible aspect of the building. The memorial connects emotionally with people of
different era and still hold a prominent place in people's heart. People go to India gate with
different motives but they still find their inner peace and strength at the secular monument.

Therefore we can say that India Gate is a chain that links people together irrespective of their
caste and religion. Unlike other monuments, India Gate has survived the wrath of time and its
popularity keeps on increasing inviting a huge crowd to visit this place every day. This
monumental building not just reminds us of our lost ones but also each and every one of us
connects to it differently. The very beauty of it lies in the fact that despite no walls and roofs
creating a built environment that touches the soul of all.

People witness the beauty of the memorial, which was laid because of thousands of deaths. It
was hard to describe it as something beautiful, but it can also be said that the sacrifice of their
bodies still lit up in the charismatic glow of India Gate.

- Shriya Sammi

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