This is what India Gate looks like in July 2009 that I shared here from my 2009 photo folders. India Gate is a national monument of India. At that time, in the month of July, the sky was crystal clear as it was a peak of summer where the temperature was at its maximum hot. As I went alone, I could not have any memento photo of me and the gate.
In December 2011, I was back there with my sons, smiling widely and happily with them taking plentiful of times exploring the area. The place is always crowded with visitors, local and foreign. The weather complacent everything. The India Gate is situated in the heart of New Delhi, next to the Government Complex. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, inspired by Paris "Arc de Triomphe", which in turn is inspired by the Roman "Arch of Titus". It was built in 1931. Originally known as the All India War Memorial, it is a prominent landmark in Delhi, commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It is composed of red and pale sandstone and granite.
The morning we were about to start from Safdarjung guesthouse to explore Delhi, there was a tourist horse happened to park just outside the gate. I did not see any horses before by the roadside, though I had stayed there for 4 months including my numerous official visit. Hubby was feeling lucky and gladly offered to pose for me. We were just return a night before from our cold trip to Kulu-Manali via road crossing few states to reach Himachal Pradesh. Hence, the cold weather in Delhi was slightly bearable.
Naim standing next to an empty canopy made out of sandstone, also designed by Lutyens, and inspired by a sixth-century pavilion from Mahabalipuram.Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
I first read about Sir Edward Lutyens from William Darymple book. He has been referred to as "the greatest British architect and is known best for having an instrumental role in designing and building a section of the metropolis of Delhi, known as Lutyen's Delhi. In collaboration with Herbert Baker, he was also the main architect of several monuments in New Delhi beside India Gate, i.e. the Viceroy's House now known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajpath and Janpath (the Government of India administrative buildings).
In below photo : 2 India Gate security personal.
Mini umbrella seller making a great sales within the compound. A unique view of New Delhi.
The last photo as remembrance.
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