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About Rashtrapati Bhavan
T he palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a
private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the
official residence of the Viceroy of India during British
reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen of
India – its President. The imposing structure almost
overshadows all other monuments within its vicinity. The
architectural wonder is a mixture of Mughal and Western
styles. The columns at the front entrance have bells carved
into them and Lutyens designed them with the idea that since
the bells could not make sounds, the British rule would never
come to an end. Rashtrapati Bhawan is the highlight of Lutyens
New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000.
The palace has 340 rooms. At one time, 2,000 people were
required to look after the building and serve the Viceroy's
household. It has an impressive garden called the Mughal
Gardens, which is open to the public for a short while in
February when the flowers are in full bloom.
Fascinating site to see
In summer the President's Bodyguard changes guard and this can
be seen from outside the gate. One can only visit are the
Durbar Hall, Ashok Hall, the Dining Room and the Mughal
Gardens. The Durbar hall served as a museum for several years
until the building, which now houses the National Museum, was
constructed. As dawn breaks over the Yamuna, streaks of pale
golden rays embrace the tall magnificent granite structures on
Rajpath. Rashtrapati Bhavana, the creation of two British
architects-Edwin Lautyens and Herbert Baker was completed in
1931. The road down Rajpath is deserted other than a few early
morning joggers, and the flutter of a flight of pigeons. The
President's Bodyguard (PBG) is the oldest and senior most unit
of the Indian Army and the President's personal troops. The
Viceroy's Bodyguard split in 1947 with the partition and one
third went to Pakistan. On India becoming a Republic in 1950,
with Dr. Rajendra Parsad as its first president, it came to be
known in its present form as The President's Bodyguard. As it
nears 0630 hrs, the sound of music, marching of footsteps and
hoof beats arise from within the complex and a contingent of a
Rajputana Rifles (Infantry) Battalion and mounted troops of
The President's Bodyguard (PBG) accompanied by a brass band in
colorful maroon berets of the parachute Regiment, emerge on to
Rajpath, marching to the strains of "Vijay Bharat". On every
Saturday a ceremonial changing of the guard takes place.
Changing of the guard is a military tradition whose origins
are lost in antiquity and from time immemorial, guards and
sentries at forts, palaces and defense establishments change
daily to enable a fresh body of soldiers to take charge.
Soldiers of the band and marching contingents are assigned
from different regiments for duty over a short period of time
in rotation but the mounted troops are permanently stationed
at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. While the guard at Rashtrapati
Bhavan changes daily, every Saturday a traditional military
ritual of guard changing is conducted with precision and
solemnity at a fixed time and place. The PBG performs
dismounted ceremonial duties at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, adding
that touch and grandeur without which State functions would
lose much of their impressiveness. The spacious plaza at the
foot of Rashtrapati Bhawan is known as Vijay Chowk.
Rashtrapati Bhawan, is really part of the new urban complex
built after King George V announced in 1911 that the British
would shift their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The Old
Guard marches off to "Sare Jahan Se Achha". Compliments are
paid by the New Guard, which assumes charge and the balance of
the New Guard marches off along with band playing "Amar Jawan".
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