Parliament House in Delhi

rashtrapati bhavan Parliament House, also known as the Sansad Bhawan is a spectacular piece of architecture and is considered as one of the most significant buildings in India. Located at the end point of Sansad Marg in New Delhi, this marvelous piece was planned and designed by two eminent architects named Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Parliament House, a circular structure is 85 meters in radius and about 900 meters in circumference and this is the place where the world's largest democracy functions. Opened in 1927, this huge structure of the Parliament House has 247 pillars with broad corridor. Legislative Assembly was added to the layout of Parliament House at the later stage.

History

Planned at the introductory stage to be a part of Rahtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House is the centre of all the political affairs. According to the Montague-Chelmsford reforms it was announced to be constructed as the Indian Parliament. Duke of Connaught on 12th February 1921 laid the foundation stone and it took six years to complete the construction of this magnificent building. In the year 1927 this building was inaugurated by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin. Parliament House comprises of a domed central hall and three semi-circular structures, which was meant to accommodate the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. In the history of democratic India this building holds the pride position as the power was transferred in the midnight of 14th August 1947 in the central hall of this building. Since Independence this building has well represented the India's vibrant democracy.

Description

Parliament House, a circular structure is spread in about 2.02 hectares. This one storey building is about 171 meters in diameter, 75 feet high and one third of a mile in circumference. There is a domed circular central hall and three semi-circular building where the meetings of Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are held. There is a continuous open corridor on the first floor of the building which is bordered with 144 sandstone pillars. Building exterior wall is made of red sandstone and is carved in geometric patterns that are very much similar to Mughal Jaalis. Enclosed in an area of six acres, this building has 12 gates among which five gates have magnificent porches. Larger-than-life-size statues of great Indian political leaders are well adorned in the interior courtyard of the house. This marvelous piece of architecture can only be experienced from outside due to the security reason and in order to experience from inside one has to take special permission.

Value for Tourists

Parliament House of India is considered as one of the prominent tourist spot in Delhi as both the Indian and foreigner tourists visit here to experience its magnificence and charm. This awesome building comprises of lavish garden and lawns, fountains and waterways, which can be found all around the building. All these major attractions surely enhance the majestic and grand appeal of this Temple of Democracy. Tourists have to take permission from the reception office on Raisina Road, in order to visit the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the library of course. This old styled building is the main attraction for the tourists that come in huge numbers to experience the wonderful marvelous architecture. Photograhy is prohibited inside the Parliament house but tourists can take prior permission if they want to capture the excellence of this magnificent building.