Remarks:
Only from Outside. Visitors not allowed inside.
Description:
Delhi is full of new and old architecture. One of the most impressive government buildings is the Parliament house of Delhi.
Located near the India gate and the Rashtrapati Bhawan or the President’s house, the Parliament house of India known as the Sansad Bhawan, is the seat of the elected members of the Indian Democracy. The Parliament house, houses the two supreme legislative bodies of the Republic of India, namely the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
Designed by noted architects of that time, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the architecture has an amalgamation of western as well as Indian architecture. The parliament is 560 feet (170 m) in diameter and covers an area of 6 acres The Central hall consists of the chambers of Lok sabha, Rajya Sabha and the Library hall. Surrounding these three chambers is the four storied circular structure providing accommodations for members and houses Parliamentary committees, offices and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Parliament House is a massive circular edifice 560 feet (170.69 meters) in diameter. Its circumference is one-third of a mile 536.33 meters and it covers an area of nearly six acres (24281.16 square meters). The open verandah on the first floor is fringed with a colonnade of 144 creamy sandstone columns—each 27 feet (8.23 meters) high. The building has twelve gates among which Gate No. 1 on the Sansad Marg is the main gate. The Central Hall is circular in shape and its dome which is 98 ft. (29.87 meters) in diameter is stated to be one of the most magnificent domes in the world.
The Central Hall is a place of historical importance. The transfer of power on the 15th August, 1947 from British to Indian hands took place in this Hall. The Indian Constitution was also framed in the Central Hall.
There are also 12 gilded emblems on the wall of the Hall representing the 12 Provinces of undivided India. Surrounding the Central Hall are six lobbies which are suitably covered and furnished.
At present, the Central Hall is used for holding joint sittings of both the houses of parliament and also used for address by the President in the commencement of first session after each general election.
A dangerous attack was planned on the parliament house in December 2001, by a terrorist outfit, which was foiled and lead to the death of all 6 terrorists and 8 officers / security guards on duty. Since then the Parliament house is one of the most secured area and guarded around the clock. Permission is granted only to a few who wish to see the Parliament in session with high scrutiny.
Hence it is best viewed from outside.
