60 Facts About India Gate

Here are 60 fascinating facts about India Gate, the iconic monument located in New Delhi, India. These facts cover its history, architecture, symbolism, and relevance:

🏛️ Basic Facts (1–10)

1. India Gate is a war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi, India.
2. It was originally called the All India War Memorial.
3. The monument commemorates 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
4. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi.
5. The foundation stone was laid on February 10, 1921.
6. It was inaugurated on February 12, 1931 by Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India.
7. The structure stands at a height of 42 meters (138 feet).
8. India Gate is made of Bharatpur stone, a type of red and yellow sandstone.
9. It is situated on Rajpath, formerly known as Kingsway.
10. The design is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

📜 Historical Significance (11–20)

11. India Gate bears the names of over 13,000 British and Indian soldiers inscribed on its surface.
12. It serves as a symbol of colonial sacrifice and post-independence patriotism.
13. Soldiers honored on the gate died in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli, and other fronts.
14. The Amar Jawan Jyoti (“Flame of the Immortal Soldier”) was added in 1972 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
15. The Amar Jawan Jyoti flame was lit by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
16. It symbolizes India’s eternal gratitude to its soldiers who laid down their lives.
17. The flame burns under a black marble pedestal with a rifle and helmet structure.
18. Four urns surround the flame, only one of which traditionally remained lit at all times.
19. Military parades during Republic Day celebrations pass through India Gate.
20. India Gate also honors soldiers of the British Indian Army—irrespective of religion or caste.

🏗️ Architectural Details (21–35)

21. The monument is made in the Classical style of architecture.
22. The gate has an arched design, standing on a low base made of red Bharatpur stone.
23. The width of the arch is 9.1 meters.
24. Lutyens deliberately avoided using religious or cultural motifs, keeping it secular.
25. The structure is engraved with the words “INDIA” on both sides at the top.
26. It has sunburst motifs on top of the arch and along the inner curve.
27. The entire gate is symmetrically aligned with Rashtrapati Bhavan.
28. The architectural style blends European Classical influences with Indian symbolism.
29. The names of the martyred soldiers are inscribed in deep-cut letters.
30. Elephant canopies (chhatris) were once planned behind the structure but were never completed.
31. Nearby, there is a canopy that once housed a statue of King George V.
32. The George V statue was removed after independence in 1968.
33. The canopy still stands as part of the original Lutyens’ plan.
34. At night, India Gate is illuminated with floodlights, making it a popular sight.
35. Surrounding India Gate is a lush green lawn, a favorite picnic spot.

🇮🇳 Modern Context & Symbolism (36–50)

36. India Gate is one of India’s most visited monuments.
37. It is often featured in films, documentaries, and postcards as a symbol of Delhi.
38. India Gate is a national symbol of sacrifice and patriotism.
39. It is guarded by soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces.
40. Every year on January 26, the Republic Day parade begins from Rashtrapati Bhavan and passes India Gate.
41. On Army Day (January 15) and Republic Day, wreaths are laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti.
42. India Gate has become a site for peaceful protests, candlelight vigils, and national mourning.
43. The eternal flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti burned continuously for 50 years until 2022.
44. In January 2022, the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame was merged with the flame at the National War Memorial.
45. The National War Memorial, located nearby, now serves as the primary war tribute.
46. India Gate still remains a public space and historical icon, even after the change.
47. Visitors can walk through the arch and read the names of soldiers etched on the stone.
48. The gate is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
49. Fountains on either side of India Gate are beautifully lit in the evening.
50. The site is surrounded by government buildings and monuments, part of Lutyens’ Delhi.

🌟 Interesting & Lesser-Known Facts (51–60)

51. The India Gate area is part of the Heritage Walk tours in Delhi.
52. It is visited by millions of tourists every year.
53. Street food vendors, balloon sellers, and artists gather around the lawns, especially in the evening.
54. The monument has inspired several patriotic poems, paintings, and songs.
55. It is often used in media as a symbol of national unity.
56. At night, the area is a favorite for photographers due to its lighting.
57. The nearby Rajpath was renamed to Kartavya Path in 2022.
58. India Gate is located about 2.5 km from Rashtrapati Bhavan and 3 km from Connaught Place.
59. During major events or national celebrations, the entire area is decorated with flowers and lights.
60. India Gate continues to serve as a silent sentinel, reminding the nation of the valor and sacrifice of its soldiers.