नई दिल्ली ऑडियो टूर: नई दिल्ली यात्रा

The Amar Jawan Jyoti, also known as the Immortal Soldier Flame, is an Indian memorial that was built following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. It was inaugurated on January 26, 1972, and served as the national war memorial until February 2019 when the new National War Memorial was inaugurated. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, located at India Gate, consists of a base measuring 15 square feet with a height of 4 feet 3 inches. On top of the base, there is a black marble pedestal in the shape of a cenotaph, standing at a height of 3 feet 2 inches. The words "Amar Jawan" (meaning Immortal Soldier) are inscribed in gold on all four sides of the cenotaph. At the top, there is a reversed rifle, symbolizing a fallen soldier, and a war helmet. The construction of the Amar Jawan Jyoti was completed hastily, as per the wishes of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was her desire to have a memorial ready in time for Republic Day on January 26, 1972. The monument was constructed in a short timeframe to honor those who had fought in the war just the previous month. In 2019, a new flame was installed at the National War Memorial to honor all known martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. The flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti was merged with the new one at the National War Memorial. This sparked a debate surrounding the old and new monuments, including their semantics, history, politicization, and symbolism. India Gate, designed by Edwin Lutyens, was unveiled in 1931 and originally allowed traffic and parades to pass through it. However, vehicular movement under the arch was restricted in the 1950s. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was added under India Gate after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the liberation of East Pakistan. It is worth noting that for many years after Independence, there was no clear-cut policy regarding war memorials in India. As a result, memorials were often constructed across the country without proper coordination or thoughtful architecture. Currently, there are at least 150 war memorials in India. In 2017, the construction of the National War Memorial began, and it was finally inaugurated in 2019. Following the inauguration, the fate of the old Amar Jawan Jyoti became a topic of debate, raising questions about whether the flame was merged or extinguished, whether the old memorial was temporary, and the significance of its location under India Gate and its colonial history. Overall, the Amar Jawan Jyoti stands as a testament to the sacrifice and bravery of the Indian Armed Forces. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in defense of their country.

The Statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as the Netaji's Statue, is a remarkable landmark made of black granite. It stands as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a valiant freedom fighter and the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army. The statue reaches a total height of 28 feet (8.5 m), with a width of 8 feet (2.4 m). Situated under a canopy behind India Gate in Delhi, the statue was skillfully sculpted by renowned artist Arun Yogiraj, hailing from Mysuru. Yogiraj has also created the impressive Statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath. At its dedication ceremony in 2022, esteemed individuals including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet members, MP Hardeep Singh Puri, G. Kishan Reddy, and Arjun Ram Meghwal graced the event. Subhas Chandra Bose was an Indian nationalist who not only served as the second leader of the Indian National Army but also headed the Provisional Government of Free India. Initially, Bose had joined the National Congress and was elected twice as its president. Later, he went on to form the All India Forward Bloc. However, in 1941, Bose was placed under house arrest by the British government, with constant surveillance on his residence by the CID. Despite this, he managed to escape to Germany via Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, finally arriving in Singapore from Germany. In 1943, Bose revived the concept of forming an army for India's independence. During a meeting held in Singapore, Rasbihari Bose handed over control of the Indian Independence League to Subhas Chandra Bose. With his effective leadership, Bose was successful in reorganizing the army and garnering widespread support among the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia. Notably, the installation of a statue of King-Emperor George V on the canopy of India Gate in 1936 was met with opposition from Indians. Though the statue remained in its original position for two decades after India's independence in 1947, objections arose, particularly after the tenth anniversary of independence and the centenary of the 1857 Indian Rebellion. On the night of August 12-13, 1958, George V's royal insignia and the Tudor crown atop the canopy were removed. Following mounting pressure from socialist members of Parliament, Deputy Home Minister Lalit Narayan Mishra announced in May 1964 that all British statues would be taken down from the national capital by 1966. Two days prior to Independence Day in 1965, members of the Samili Samajtantrik Party forcefully gained access to the site, vandalizing the statue by defacing its royal crown, nose, one ear, and attaching a picture of Subhas Chandra Bose to the monument. Eventually, in late 1968, the statue was relocated from its position under the canopy. In 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the construction of the Statue of Subhas Chandra Bose. The statue was intended to be placed on the canopy of India Gate as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' commemorating 75 years of independence and celebrating Bose's 125th birth anniversary. On January 23, 2022, a hologram statue of Subhas Chandra Bose was installed during the 'Parakram Diwas' ceremony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiling it. The statue was officially dedicated on September 8, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment in the nation's history. In the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized, "Today, when George V's statue is replaced by Netaji's statue, it marks the first instance of the abandonment of the slavery mentality." Located at the center of the C-hexagon, the statue is surrounded by other notable attractions such as India Gate, Param Vir Memorial, National War Memorial, and Children's Park. It stands within a canopy and is situated in a water body adorned with fountains. The imposing black granite statue measures 28 feet (8.5 m) in height, 10 feet (3.0 m) in length, and 8 feet (2.4 m) in width, weighing approximately 65 tons (65,000 kg).

The India Gate, formerly known as All India War Memorial, is a significant war memorial located near the eastern edge of New Delhi's ceremonial axis, previously known as Rajpath. It stands as a tribute to the 84,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives between 1914 and 1921 during the First World War. Designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the India Gate embodies the architectural style of ancient Roman triumphal arches, reminiscent of landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine in Rome and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This grand structure, often likened to the Gateway of India in Mumbai, bears the names of 13,300 servicemen, including soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom. Beneath the archway, a significant structure called Amar Jawan Jyoti, meaning Flame of the Immortal Soldier, has been erected. It consists of a black marble plinth adorned with a reversed rifle, crowned by a war helmet and encircled by four eternal flames. Since its completion in 1972, Amar Jawan Jyoti has served as India's tomb of the unknown soldier, commemorating those who lost their lives during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. As one of the largest war memorials in India, the India Gate holds great significance. Every year on Republic Day, the Prime Minister visits the gate to pay homage to the Amar Jawan Jyoti before the commencement of the Republic Day parade. Apart from its solemn purpose, the India Gate also serves as a gathering place for civil society protests. It has witnessed numerous demonstrations, including those in response to the Nirbhaya rape case in 2012, the Unnao rape case in 2017, and the 2011 anti-corruption movement. The foundation stone for the gate, then known as the All India War Memorial, was laid on February 10, 1921, by the Duke of Connaught in the presence of officers and men of the Imperial Indian Army, the Imperial Service Troops, the commander in chief, and the viceroy. At the inauguration ceremony a decade later, Lord Irwin stated that the memorial would serve to remind future generations of the sacrifice and service of the brave soldiers whose names adorn its walls. Although the gate was previously open to traffic, it is now closed to cars. Illuminated every evening from 19:00 to 21:30, it has become one of Delhi's most iconic tourist attractions. The Republic Day Parade, starting from Rashtrapati Bhavan, passes by the India Gate, enhancing its significance in the country's ceremonial events. In recognition of its architectural resemblance to the Arch of Remembrance in Leicester, England, another war memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the India Gate was officially twinned with the English monument in 2017.

The museum was planned by the Gwyer Committee, a committee set up by the Government of India in 1946. Sir Maurice Gwyer, the former Chief Justice of India and Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, headed the committee. Sir Mortimer Wheeler, then heading the Archaeological Survey of India, was also a member and is credited with advocating for the museum's development. The National Museum houses over 200,000 works of art, primarily Indian but also some of foreign origin, covering a span of more than 5,000 years. Additionally, it is home to the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, which offers master's and doctoral level courses. The museum's origins can be traced back to an exhibition of Indian art and artifacts organized by the Royal Academy of Arts in London. After the exhibition, with the support of Jawaharlal Nehru, it was decided to showcase these collections in India, leading to the establishment of the National Museum. Initially, the exhibits were displayed in the state rooms of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also known as Government House, until the construction of the current location on Janpath was completed in 1960. However, upon Nehru's request, the statue of Buddha and the Rampurva Bull remained at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The National Museum drew inspiration from the Indian Museum in Kolkata, with some of its first curators being former employees of the Indian Museum. Nonetheless, the National Museum aimed to surpass its predecessor and provide a comprehensive view of India's cultural heritage. The museum not only displays objects of historical and artistic significance but also encourages visitors to view them in a broader historical context. It seeks to facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of India's rich heritage. Grace Morley, the founding director of the San Francisco Museum of Art, played a pivotal role as the first director of the National Museum in New Delhi. During her tenure, which lasted six years, she emphasized the importance of making art accessible to all, believing that museums have a vital role to play in cultural democracy. As we continue our tour, I encourage you to explore the diverse and captivating exhibits within this magnificent museum.

Rajpath holds immense importance as one of the most prominent roads in India. Every year on the 26th of January, it becomes the focal point for the Republic Day parade. This national event showcases India's rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and technological advancements. Crossing Rajpath is Janpath, meaning "People's Way." Rajpath extends in an east-west direction, with roads from Connaught Place, Delhi's financial center, merging into it from the north. As you ascend Raisina Hill, you will be flanked by the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat Building. These iconic structures house key government offices, such as the offices of the Finance, Home, External Affairs, and Defense ministries. Continuing along Rajpath, you will reach the gates of the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan once served as the viceroy's residence during the British Raj. At Vijay Chowk, Rajpath intersects with Sansad Marg, offering a glimpse of the majestic Parliament House of India. This impressive structure on your right marks the heart of Indian democracy, where important legislative decisions are made. Rajpath also plays a solemn role in the funeral processions of prominent politicians who have served the nation. Its significance dates back to the early 20th century when the British Imperial Government decided to shift the capital of the British Indian Empire from Calcutta to Delhi. The renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens was entrusted with the construction of a new city, New Delhi, centered around a grand boulevard known as the "ceremonial axis" or Rajpath. The panoramic view of Delhi from Raisina Hill, unobstructed by the National Stadium, was an essential aspect of Lutyens' vision. Most of the esteemed buildings surrounding Rajpath, including the Secretariat Buildings, were designed by Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. The rich architectural heritage of these structures further exemplifies the road's significance in the governance of India. Originally named Kingsway, in honor of Emperor George V's visit and the proclamation of the capital's relocation during the Durbar of 1911, Rajpath eventually received its Hindi name, Rajpath, after India gained independence. This change represented a translation rather than a substantial renaming, as 'Rajpath' in Hindi is akin to 'King's Way' in meaning. In recent times, under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, Rajpath has undergone redevelopment and has been renamed Kartavya Path, which translates to 'Path of Duty'. As you conclude your tour of Rajpath, take a moment to appreciate the significance of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the North and South Blocks, Vijay Chowk, India Gate, the National War Memorial, and the rich history that unfolds along this monumental boulevard.