The Old Parliament House, officially known as the Samvidhan Sadan, is a historic landmark of India. It was inaugurated on 18 January 1927 by Lord Irwin, the then-Viceroy of India. Designed by the prominent British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the building became a symbol of India's legislative evolution and a witness to pivotal moments in the nation's history.
Key Features and Historical Significance:
Architectural Design:
- The structure is a prime example of colonial-era architecture, blending neoclassical elements with Indian influences.
- It features a circular design, with an open colonnaded veranda that includes 144 sandstone pillars.
- The building is approximately 560 feet (170.69 meters) in diameter and covers about 6 acres.
Construction:
- The foundation stone was laid in 1921.
- Construction was completed in 1927, taking six years to build.
Original Purpose:
- Initially called the Council House, it was built to house the Imperial Legislative Council during British rule.
- Post-independence, it became the home of India’s Parliament, hosting the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Historic Events:
- The building hosted key debates that shaped India’s Constitution, leading to its adoption on 26 January 1950.
- It witnessed Jawaharlal Nehru's "Tryst with Destiny" speech on 14 August 1947, marking India's independence.
- The Parliament remained active in this building for 96 years until India inaugurated the new Parliament building in 2023.
Renaming:
- In 2023, the Old Parliament House was officially renamed Samvidhan Sadan, reflecting its importance as the cradle of India's democratic journey.
Legacy:
- Even after the transition to the new Parliament building, the Samvidhan Sadan stands as a heritage structure and a repository of India's legislative and constitutional history.
It continues to inspire as a monument of democracy and a symbol of India's rich political legacy.
No comments:
Post a Comment