Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) in Delhi India

Located at the centre of the capital, this magnificent structure stands tall and erect at the west end of the Rajpath with the India Gate facing at the opposite direction. This is none other than the most significant edifice of the country named as the Rashtrapati Bhawan -- the official residence of the President of India. The most distinguishing feature of this Presidential palace is its huge dome that resembles the structure of the great Stupa at Sanchi. The dome is visible from a distance and triumphs a long porch, which adds to the glory of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is the biggest residence of any Head of the State in the world.

History of President House of Delhi India

Designed by Edwin Landseer Lutyens, this grand building was the earlier the residence of the British Viceroy. The reason behind the construction of a residence for the British Viceroy in New Delhi was because of the shift of the capital of India from Calcutta (Kolkata) to Delhi as this would have given them the affirmation of the permanence of British rule in India. And it was during the British reign that the building and its surroundings were supposed to be 'an empire in stone'. Until 1950 it was known as the ‘Viceroy's House’ and served as the residence of the Governor-General of India. That 'empire in stone' was transformed into a permanent organization of democracy on 26th January 1950 when Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India and occupied this building to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of India. It was from that day that this building was renamed as Rashtrapati Bhavan or the President's House.

Construction of Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi

The construction of the building started in 1912 and completed in 1929. While it was supposed to be completed in four years but rather it took 17 years to complete it. This mansion which has been specially designed for the President of the country comprises four floors and 340 rooms, with a floor area of 200,000 square feet. Without a single piece of steel being used in its construction, the building is built in two shades of sandstone and reflects a fusion of Mughal and vintage European style of architecture. In order to add the Indian essence to the architecture, statues of elephants and fountain sculptures of cobras were placed in the gardens. The grilles, also known as jalis were made of red sandstone, and were inspired by Indian design.

Mughal Garden in Delhi

The elegant Mughal Garden resides inside the Presidential Estate which covers an area of 13 acres and is a blend of the formal Mughal style with the design of British Garden. The Main Garden – the piece de resistance -- is the largest portion of the Mughal Gardens. On the north and south it is edged by terrace gardens and to its west are the tennis courts and the long garden. This splendid garden is made open to the public during the months of February and March every year. Visitors are allowed entry from 9.30 A.M. till 2.30 P.M. on all days except Mondays.

The garden is divided into a grid of squares by two channels, one running from north to south and the other from east to west. These channels are adorned by six lotus shaped fountains at the crossings. There are wooden trays placed on stands in the centre of the channels where grain is put for the birds to feed upon. The garden offers a splendid view for the viewers during the blooming season when the garden is filled and beautified with a variety of indigenous and exotic flowers. Apart from all this the Presidential Estate also has polo ground, golf course and a cricket field.