President's House: A Marvellous Architecture

President's House: A Marvellous Architecture
Author: Houssed | Posted on: 07-Jun-2023 | Updated on: 26-Jul-2024

Seeing a classical house will surely drag your mind towards it. The extreme beauty of the house will make you want to explore it more. The beauty and the fascinating vibes you get will surely want you to participate in purchasing the same property. However, have you ever seen a historical monument that turned out to be much more than your expectations? If not, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) will surely make you awe by its extreme beauty and architecture.

As the name says, Rashtrapati Bhavan means house of the present of India. It is the luxurious residence of our president of India, so it will be grand and amazing.

Here we will cover certain architectural elements of Rashtrapati Bhavan that will make your jaw drop.

History of Iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan

The decision to build such a project has never been easy. It is a must for the project to signify the identity of Indian culture with a slight addition of modernisation to make it feasible.

In 1911, there was a requirement to construct a building for the viceroy of India on 4,000 acres of land. In the following year, the construction of the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan began with a positive hope under the supervision of Lutyens and Herbert.

Usually, an estimated time or duration was calculated for any massive project. So, for a Rashtrapati Bhavan, it was calculated that this project would be completed within four years from its inception. However, during its development, the First world war occurred, which caused the construction to stop for some years.

The project, estimated to be completed within four years, took 17 years. The outcome is seamless and worth watching.

In general, more than 23,000 labourers were engaged in building this project, with an estimated cost of 14 million Indian rupees.

The project became the symbol of imperial domination, along with the ownership of the Viceroy's House. However, the Indian government took ownership of this project after Dr Rajendra Prasad occupied it and renamed it Rashtrapati Bhavan. That's how we got our famous political monument and the residence of the president of India.

President's House—A Worth-Looking Place to Explore In Delhi

Rashtrapati Bhavan is an old building built in the British era. This stunning building was built by the British Architect Edwin Landsser, who has truly made this property— an iconic building worldwide.

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) is a perfect blend of European style with Indian Architecture in its building that has imprisoned its image in the mind of others. The surreal surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan are one of the most iconic places you can visit while exploring Delhi.

The high ceiling roof, the interior design, and the colour combination make it one of the best things to see in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The iconic building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is truly a masterpiece in India's history of architecture that will make you proud of being an Indian.

You will experience beautiful Indian architecture in its way of designing with much more than that. Just visiting this place is enough to make you realise how valuable our Indian history and architecture are.

A few decades ago, Indian architecture saw a drastic change in monument design; we all are aware of the Mughal architecture and their minute design with the addition of precious stones and metals in the design of the monuments they have ever built.

We have seen the ultimate beauty of the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and more which has already given us an iconic look of all the times. Similarly, if you see Rashtrapati Bhavan, it is truly worth watching and visiting.

Architectural Design of Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House)

The marvellous development of Rashtrapati Bhavan by the British Architect Edwin Landsser has given a unique shape to the location in Delhi. This spacious project has already given a glimpse of its eternal beauty in its design.

The tomb-like structure at the top with a grand structured building at the bottom makes it stand out among other projects in the same location.

Rashtrapati Bhavan comprises 340 rooms equally spread over the four floors and span more than 200.000 square feet. You can also see the overall layout of Rashtrapati Bhavan with a small glimpse of it showcasing the entire building.

It consists of several courtyards divided into two separate wings, each of a president and other guests. Intrinsic architecture has brought a revolution in real estate development with the touch of tradition to keep our tradition alive.

To date, many similar projects have some enhancements in the project design. This exceptional project features mindblowing stonework with a two-tonne chandelier hanging at a height of 33 metres.

You will experience a breathtaking view of this nation-building that is also easily recognisable when lit up during the Republic Day parade.

When it comes to the interior, Rashrapati Bhavan (President's House) features a two-state drawing room, a library, open galleries, a large dining hall, and a game zone to let everyone enjoy in the meantime.

Apart from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of the most attractive additions to this project is its Mughal Garden featuring mesmerizing flowers and lotus-shaped water fountains. It is a delight for the visitors coming here. The Taj Mahal's garden inspires the Mughal garden. Moreover, you can also see the beautiful flower garden that is exclusively open to the general public from February to March.

The beautiful addition of different varieties of flowering plants to the Rashtrapati Bhavan's garden makes it a tourist attraction. Many tourists and visitors visit this mesmerizing place to see its enhanced beauty. Although, the architectural beauty remains at first that will take your breath away.

  • Durbar Hall: Durbar Hall comes under circuit 3 of the project, which can carry at least 500 people at a time. You can search for this place as it is precisely under the double dome structure in the main building. You will see the beautiful chocolate-covered Italian flooring. It is the best addition to the Durbar hall.

The significance of Durbar Hall is that Jawaharlal Nehru took oath on 15th August 1947 here. So, this place holds a significant value. It was given two separate thrones for Viceroy and Vicereine.

Also, if we discuss its details in depth, we can see a huge chair exclusively made for the presidents in the four corners of the hall. You will see two drawing rooms, a state supper room, and a library.

  • Ashoka Hall: It is another hall added to this beautiful place in the entire building as a ballroom. It consists of wooden flooring along with the western side of the palace for the raised Mughal Garden. Also, there is a huge dining room with a table having a capacity of 104 people. Apart from this, you can also find other rooms exclusively made for indoor games.

Although, while designing this amazing project, it was kept in mind to include different Indian designs. So, you can see every kind of design in the project.

You can see a sharp thin protruding that prevents sunlight from entering with a shield that prevents the project from monsoon season and harsh weather conditions. Also, you can see Jaalis on the red sandstone that carries a huge value in Indian architecture, and this design is commonly seen in every monument in India.

Also, the jallies (net) were designed geometrically along with floral design adding more value to the beauty of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

You will see the project's beauty showcasing a fusion of art and architecture. It is truly the most beautiful addition to the Bhavan. Furthermore, every element added to the project carries inspiration from every monument found in India. If you plan to visit Delhi, add this place first because you will feel the surreal beauty of it when you visit here.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum

Amongst the main attractions of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Museum is also a fantastic addition that you can visit. It was dedicated by the former prime minister Pranab Mukherjee to the public.

You can discover many iconic places and learn a lot about our history, including artifacts, Indian art, decoration, and more. It also showcases the lives of the presidents who have spent their years of service by residing here.

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House): Today

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the residence of the Presidents of India. Currently, Ram Nath Kovind is residing here and serving his years of service as the president of India. This place comes under the list of most visited places in Delhi.

The iconic building is truly a jewel in Delhi that can never fade away. You will always see yourself and the visitors diving into its eternal beauty and surreal design. This place truly showcases our leaders' sacrifice, defenses, honoring awards and award holders, signing treaties and packs, and a lot more.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Hospitality

We already know that Rashtrapati Bhavan is the residence of the president of India which means you will see the hospitality here on the next level. The dinner for all the former presidents of India is hosted in the dining hall. On one side of the project, there are large windows built to cast light with other life-sized portraits of the president of India.

The invitation card given to the president is quite impressive. You will also see a grand stairway and a presidential guard with utmost sincerity. The mesmerizing grandeur of the hall makes the event enlightening.

The shimmering, yellow-warmed toned lights make the event world-class. All the waiters and waitresses are dressed in formal uniforms with an embellished emblem on their outfits. After every guest arrives, the president alone introduces every one of them to pay honor to them. After every event passes here, you will see the beauty of it and the culture they show.

Neighbourhood of Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House)

Apart from Rashtrapati Bhavan, there are many go-to places where you can enjoy while visiting Delhi. There are many attractions nearby that you can also visit in your free time or anytime you want. Several places around Rashtrapati Bhavan are:

  • Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib
  • National Museum
  • Red Fort
  • Jama Masjid
  • Humayun's Tomb
  • India Gate
  • Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
  • Nehru Planetarium
  • Teen Murti Bhavan
  • Gandhi Smriti

Not only the grand mansion can take your breath away, and these stunning places are also here to invite you towards them. The accommodation is also easier as you can visit many places within the 3-5 km range. India is all about beauty, and varied culture reflected in the food, monuments, and festivals.

Things to Discover in Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) is a grand complex that encompasses many exciting additions in the form of structures in its coverage. The entire project is divided into three circuits you can explore based on your preferences. Following is the circuit division and the places you can see in each.

Circuit 1

This division is truly heaven for everyone who enjoys a contemporary lifestyle. You can get to discover a lot of things here. These places are:

  • Forecourt
  • Central Lawn
  • Long Drawing Room
  • Banquet Hall
  • Durbar Hall
  • Central Dome
  • Navachara
  • Library
  • Jaipur Column
  • Iron Gate
  • Tuscan Pillars
  • Ashok Hall

So, after going through all these places, you can experience a great flow of positive and calm energy in your body.

Circuit 2

In this division, some places will introduce you to certain additions that make this project iconic.

  • The Garages
  • The Clock Tower
  • The Stables

You can discover the meaning of life in lifeless and living things in the division. You will be able to understand the purpose of your life.

Circuit 3

Indeed, this division is heaven for you. Its extreme beauty is enough to make your mind see it again and again come true. This division solely depends upon the beauty that reflects by the additions to it.

  • Mughal Garden
  • Spiritual Garden
  • Herbal Garden
  • Musical Garden

Here in this circuit, you can experience every phase of your life. You can get remedies to protect yourself and a mesmerizing view that you can't find anywhere else in this world.

Facts About Rashtrpati Bhavan (President's House), New Delhi

As a historical monument, Rashtrapati Bhavan has already taken up a good amount of name and recognition, and many tourists come to see it. Its utmost beauty has already attracted many visitors from all over the world. In a true sense, this project depicts the beauty and strength of India.

  • Mughal Garden is the main attraction in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Different varieties of roses in Rashtrapati Bhavan are named after national and International personalities like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jawaharlal Nehru, Queen Elizabeth, Christian Dior, Abraham Lincon, John F Kennedy, and Mother Teresa. Many other celebrities or national figures were inspired to get this name.
  • Rashtrapati Bhavan has 750 staff members who formulated the work with utmost sincerity and discipline.
  • Here, the library of Rashtrapati Bhavan is known as 'The Daughter of the Durbar Hall'.
  • The front side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan has no windows.
  • The Rashtrapati Bhavan carries a 100-armed Lord Buddha statue known as Sahastrabahu Avalokiteshvara. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan gifted this beautiful statue to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Things to Consider Before Visiting the Rashtrpati Bhavan

  • Visiting hours: From 9 am till 4 pm
  • Entrance: Entry to the heart of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is from Gate No. 2, Gate No. 38, and Gate No. 37.

You don't need to carry many identity proofs, and just a valid photo identity card such as an Aadhar card works. For foreign visitors, it is a must to keep a copy of their passport on the day of visiting.

Conclusion

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) is not just the residence of the President of India; it is a place full of memories and historical events held here. It is the place where the foundation of independent India grows. This place is truly mesmerizing. You will feel the strength, courage, and national feeling when you see Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Every Indian citizen must visit this place to cherish the moment of this iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan. This place is more than just a building with bricks and cement; it is a place that holds sacrifices and memories that one can never forget. Everybody must feel proud of our republic country, which has seen every phase of life and conquered it with perfection.

FAQ's

There are three circuits in Rashtrapati Bhavan, each of which carries an eternal meaning. However, the first circuit is the main attraction as it has the main Building, central lawn, banquet hall, durbar hall, north Drawing room, and long drawing room.
The masterminds behind designing Rashtrpati Bhavan are Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
One of the most famous attractions that have been placed in Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Rampurva Bull sculpture with a velvet touch. This beautiful artifact weighs up to 5 tonnes and was added in 1948.
To reach Rashtrapati Bhawan via metro, many metro stations are nearby, like Rail Bhawan/Krishi Bhavan railway station and Udyog Bhavan metro station.
Raisina Hills is a part of New Delhi, and it is a place that has a majority of workplaces and some significant members of parliament.