Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi

About Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in Delhi's Central Secretariat Area, is the official residence of the President of India and one of the largest presidential estates in the world. Originally built as the Viceroy's House during the British Raj, construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1929 during the reign of King George V. Spread over approximately 130 hectares, this monument marks India's transition from colonial rule to a sovereign republic. Designed with a fusion of classical European and Indian architectural influences, it is a major cultural landmark and a key attraction showcasing national authority, heritage, and historical continuity.

Architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is a fine blend of classical European architecture and elements of Indian style, often called Indo-classical architecture. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and Herbert Baker contributed to the adjacent Secretariat Buildings. Construction took place between 1912 and 1929, during the British Crown's rule in India. Constructed primarily of red and beige sandstone, using load-bearing masonry techniques, the structure incorporates Indian designs such as chhatris, jaalis, and a large copper dome inspired by the Sanchi Stupa. The symmetrical layout emphasizes royal authority, while Indian decorative elements symbolically integrate local traditions. Advanced engineering ensured natural ventilation, structural balance, and durability, making it one of the most technically sophisticated buildings of its time.

• Main Forecourt and Jaipur Column
• Durbar Hall with central dome
• Ashoka Hall (formerly State Drawing Room)
• Amrit Udyan (formerly Mughal Gardens)
• Presidential Estate gates and courtyards
• Residential wings and administrative blocks

Interesting facts about Rashtrapati Bhavan

• Rashtrapati Bhavan, also known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, is the second largest in the world after the Quirinal Palace in Rome, Italy.
• It took 17 years to complete as its construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1929, employing approximately 29,000 people.
• It is built on the Raisina Hill which was named after one of the two villages (Raisini and Malcha) and was cleaned to make this haveli. It was built by an architect named Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens.
• It includes various gardens of different shapes like rectangular, tall and circular. The most mesmerizing sight among them was the circular garden with flower beds of terraced bowls blooming in various colours.
• The Uphaar Museum of Rashtrapati Bhavan houses a 640 kg silver chair of King George V in which he sat in the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
• Its layout symbolizes authority through axial symmetry and elevated positioning.

How to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan