Essay on India Gate
One of the best tourist locations in New Delhi, India Gate is a war memorial that the British established in the honor of the Indian soldiers who died fighting for them in World War I. It was established in February 1931. It was designed and developed by Edwin Lutyens, setting the imperial European architecture on our country’s soil.
The British fought World War I by recruiting our soldiers. This war tore apart the countries involved in terms of lives and the economy. It was the colonial rulers like the British who got immense help from India and utilized its resources to win the war. Despite the win, India lost many sons in these four years of the gruesome war. Injuries and illnesses wreaked havoc in the armies posted in different parts of the world. So many lives were lost fighting the enemies. Even if the countries reached peace and signed a treaty, the lives lost could not be returned. It was the respect that the British Empire paid by erecting a monument to commemorate 13,300 martyrs. India Gate is the perfect epitome of such memories that so many families went through during World War I.
The architectural design of this gate makes the presentation even better. It took almost a decade to build this memoir. Edwin Lutyens was the prime architect of this monument. He was also the frontline member of the grave and memorial development team of the British Empire. This edifice is 42 m tall and 9.1 m wide. The entire structure is made of yellow and red granite and sandstone. The triumphal arch is the prime element of its design. The internal dome is made to accommodate fire burned during any important occasions held by the British; its main design was inspired by the brilliant architecture of Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile located in Paris, France.
India Gate is considered to be one of the most prominent tourist locations that we must visit in the city of Delhi. The Indian capital is adorned with this monument, which is almost 90 years old. This monument has the names of the martyred soldiers carved on the stone. This erection is situated right in the centre of the city. Every day, many people visit this location to spend time and enjoy the manicured greenery around it. There are beautiful lawns and gardens where commoners sit, talk, and enjoy spending time with their families and friends.
India Gate is a prominent location in Delhi. It is also an attraction for all the tourists visiting our country from all over the world. This place has an entry ticket. It is open to all. In the summer season, people gather after the sunset and enjoy the lit areas. Some hawkers sell their products to the commoners here. During the winter season, the soothing sun is what keeps us sitting on the grass and having fun. This place is open for picnics organized by the commoners. They pack lunch and come to this location to spend a beautiful day with their families. After spending an entire day, the sunsets and the beautiful illuminations lit the entire place. The sight of this location becomes extremely adorable for all.
During national festivals and other important days, this place is decorated like a bride. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is another small edifice built under this monument to commemorate the martyrs who lost their lives while fighting the Indo-Bangladesh War in 1971. You will see a fire burning continuously close to this edifice in India Gate to show respect to the martyrs of this war. Visiting this place revives history. We get to learn a lot about the then Indian soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives for the sake of our country.
India Gate is a war memorial and was established by the British to honor the Indian soldiers who died fighting for them in World War I. It was established in February 1931 and was designed and developed by Edwin Lutyens, introducing the setting of imperial European architecture on our country’s soil.
India lost many sons in the four years of the war. Even though the countries got peace and signed a treaty, the lives lost could not be returned.Erecting this monument to commemorate 13,300 martyrs was a show of respect by the British.
Edwin Lutyens was the prime architect while constructing this memorial . This structure is 42 m tall and 9.1 m wide, and the entire structure is made of yellow and red granite along with sandstone , and its main design was inspired by the brilliant architecture of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile located in Paris, France.
India Gate is a prominent tourist location that we must visit in the city of Delhi, and is situated right in the center of the city. This place has an entry ticket and it is open to all. In the summer months, people gather after the sunset and enjoy the beautifully lit areas. There are hawkers who sell their products to the people, especially to the young children here. Balloons and other such toys for young children are sold, and some Indian fast food counters are also available.
Conclusion
India Gate is open for picnics which are solely meant for the winter months. Locals come with packed food and spend a beautiful day with their families. The sunsets and the beautiful illuminations later are an added attraction here. Visiting India Gate is not only fun but is also a place of historical interest.
FAQs on India Gate Essay: A Symbol of Indian Freedom
1. Why was India Gate originally built?
India Gate was constructed as a war memorial by the British Empire to honour the 84,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives between 1914 and 1921, primarily during World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it serves as a solemn tribute, with the names of over 13,000 soldiers inscribed on its walls.
2. What are the key architectural features of India Gate?
The architecture of India Gate is notable for several key features:
- Design: It is a triumphal arch, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but with a unique Indian context.
- Materials: The structure is built from yellow and red sandstone and granite, giving it a majestic appearance.
- Dimensions: It stands at an impressive height of 42 metres.
- Inscriptions: The names of thousands of martyred soldiers are inscribed on the arch, making it a historical record in stone.
3. What essential points should be included in a short essay on India Gate?
For a concise and informative essay on India Gate, you should include these key points:
- Introduction: Introduce India Gate as a national monument and war memorial in New Delhi.
- Historical Purpose: Explain its construction by the British to honour Indian soldiers from World War I.
- Architectural Significance: Describe its design by Edwin Lutyens and its triumphal arch style.
- Symbolic Meaning: Discuss its role as a symbol of sacrifice and national pride for modern India.
- Amar Jawan Jyoti: Mention the erstwhile 'Flame of the Immortal Soldier' and its significance.
- Conclusion: Summarise its importance as a place of historical reverence and public gathering.
4. How does India Gate represent both colonial history and national pride?
India Gate embodies a dual identity. It is a product of colonial history, as it was built by the British to commemorate soldiers who fought for the British Empire. However, for independent India, it has been embraced as a powerful symbol of national pride, representing the selfless sacrifice of its soldiers. It has transformed from a memorial for imperial soldiers to a hallowed site where the nation pays homage to its own martyrs.
5. What was the significance of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, and what is its current status?
The Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the 'Flame of the Immortal Soldier,' was an eternal flame lit beneath India Gate in 1972 to honour the soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. For 50 years, it was a focal point for remembrance. In January 2022, the flame was ceremoniously merged with the eternal flame at the newly constructed National War Memorial, which now serves as the primary site for honouring all Indian armed forces martyrs.
6. Beyond being a war memorial, what is the role of India Gate in Delhi's cultural life?
Beyond its solemn purpose, India Gate is a vibrant hub of public and cultural life in Delhi. The sprawling lawns surrounding it are a popular spot for picnics, evening strolls, and recreation for both locals and tourists. The entire area, known as Kartavya Path, serves as the main venue for the annual Republic Day parade, making it a central stage for national celebrations and a symbol of the living, breathing spirit of the capital city.
7. How is the design of India Gate different from other famous arches like the Arc de Triomphe?
While both are triumphal arches, they differ in purpose and design. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris primarily celebrates the military victories of France under Napoleon. In contrast, India Gate is exclusively a war memorial, its primary purpose being to commemorate the fallen, not to celebrate victory. Architecturally, India Gate’s surface is inscribed with the names of Indian soldiers, a feature that makes it a deeply personal and solemn monument rather than just a celebratory one.
