Delhi is perhaps the only city in India that has seen the largest number of dynasties taking birth and dying in its soil. The city has a list of monuments which are witness to all the happenings in Delhi during the past many centuries. India Gate in New Delhi is one of the famous monuments of India which has not seen many wars but it honours those who laid their lives for the nation.
A war memorial – dedicated to Indian soldiers
Standing proud in the heart of the city, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Depicting glory of all those brave fighters, India Gate is one of the largest war memorials in India. Situated at the end of the Rajpath – the ceremonial avenue, this 42-metre majestic arch was built to pay homage to those 70,000 British and Indian soldiers who were killed in the World War I and the Afghan Wars.
The foundation of this memorial was laid back in 1921 by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught. The memorial bears all the names of British and Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Later after the Indian Independence, another war memorial ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ was constructed in the same premises. Amar Jawan Jyoti is dedicated to those brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. To honour their sacrifice and remind the nation those soldiers’ priceless effort, there is a flame under the arch which keeps burning day and night.
A popular picnic spot
Besides being a war memorial, this majestic arch is also known to be a popular picnic spot. Visit the place during evenings and you find several families having fun. Winters make it a favourite spot for picnics. Not only adults but children too have fun here as they get to play in the sprawling green lawns. An artificial canal has also been developed near the memorial where you can enjoy boating during daytime.
Evenings too are no less beautiful. It feels so romantic spending time in lawns when the memorial gets lighted. Though you would not find any permanent restaurant at India Gate, there are a few hawkers that sell ice-creams, nuts, etc. So, when you plan a picnic at India Gate, bring your own food and water.
Although the city of Delhi is adorned with a good number of cenotaphs, monuments and mausoleums, visiting a place like India Gate gives a different feeling. Amidst sky-high forts and palaces, this war memorial unfolds a story of its own, so you should visit it at least once when you come to Delhi.