Originally called THE VICEREGAL LODGE, this PRESIDENT’S ABODE is the most prestigious address in the country! Why should this not be one of the reasons for vying for the post of the President of the largest democracy in the world?
After writing the above lines I realized, as well, that the word “the” is perhaps the most prestigious, eminent and an emeritus word in the history of English! J
How it all started?
Well, one fine day on 11 December 1911, King George V decided to transfer the capital of British India from Calcutta (now Kolkatta) to New Delhi. Then Edwin Lutyens was entrusted with the job of designing THE VICEROY’S LODGE. About the same time he was also required to design a similar house in Britain. It seems he traveled to n fro between India and Britain once every year for about 20 years!
Till date THE RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN remains the largest residence for any President in the world – WHITE HOUSE included!
Wow! One more reason why I am proud to be an Indian (so what if we have not built it). For that matter, I am even proud of VJTI even though its not built by us.
What with the design?
THE RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN is a complex concoction of colonial and mughal architecture an ancient vaastu shashtra beliefs.
For instance, no steel was used in the entire structure => Saturn is eliminated. So what? The logic is that Saturn is the planet of masses and since President is not directly elected by the people Saturn is was seen off. Then, the protruding roof and the dome was a precaution against the water seeping for India that is conspicuously characterized by rains. An argument was that whether the famous dome that is a spectacle for the tourists, was inspired by the Pantheon of Rome or the Sanchi Stupa. I have not taken pains to find out what was concluded.
Astrologically, these design elements symbolize grace, stability, financial integrity and balance.
History has it that most Indian Presidents have come out clean and are noted for peaceful governance. I hope the trend continues this time as well….
MAA TUJHE SALAAM
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