INDIA GATE

Delhi being the capital of India is definitely the place to visit. Not just because it is also called the fashion capital of the country but for the amazing sights it has to offer. If you are in Delhi you have to start your journey from the India Gate. This magnificent structure is built on the Rajpath, the road that leads to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This massive gate stands tall at 160 feet and has an arch that is 138 feet high. It was originally called the All India War Memorial. Built by Edwin Lutyens this gate had its foundation stone laid on February 10th, 1921 by the Duke of Connaught.


As with every important Indian structure the India Gate also has a story and significance behind it. This structure has found its importance in Indian history for being built to commemorate the sacrifice made by brave Indian soldiers who died in the World War I and the Afghan wars. The India Gate however bears a strong resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe of Paris. This inspirational structure has the following words inscribed on it stirring the hearts of everyone who stands before it and reads it –

" To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honored in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the North-West frontier and during the Third Afghan war. "

The architecture of the India Gate however resembles that of the arch in Victoria Park in Leicester, England which was also incidentally built by Lutyens. Standing tall and proud the India gate gives you an amazing view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan from it's base. The surrounding lush green lawns make it the best tourist place for children and adults alike. But without a doubt, the best the India Gate is remembered and respected for all through the country and the world alike is for the Amar Jawan Jyothi literally translating to mean the flame of the immortal warrior. It has to its credit an eternal flame that has been burning since the year 1971, the year in which hundreds of soldiers lost their lives in the Indo-Pak war. This bright flame that burns day and night marks the Unknown Soldiers Tomb.



The shrine is a black marble commemorative plaque which has a rifle placed in front of it, crested by a soldier's helmet as a symbol of respect to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in war, fighting for the country. This black marble monument has the words "Amar Jawan" (immortal warrior) written on all four faces. This mark of respect was unveiled on January 26th, 1972 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The archway itself built of red stone has India written on both sides of it along with the dates MCMXIV (1914) on the left and MCMXIX (1919) on the right. All in all the India Gate is the greatest tribute paid to the Indian soldiers and it etches the memory of all the men who lost lives in war deep down in everyone's heart.


While standing in front of this awe inspiring structure as the light of the day fades, one finds it only normal to raise one's hand in salute, to all the brave martyrs of war.