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Architect Edwin Lutyens designed this magnificent stone archway All India War Memorial. He was the who is considered the chief proclaimer in designing the New Delhi plans.The memorial was built to commemorate more than 80,000 soldiers died during World War 1 & the Afghan wars.
The 42 meter high archway is made of red stone and has the name "INDIA" written on both sides. Over 70,000 names of the soldiers are inscribed on the arch. The foundation stone for India Gate was laid in 1921 by the Duke of Connaught and was completed in 1931.
After independence, Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial - eternal flame marking the Unknown Soldiers Tomb was added as a memorial to unknown soldiers who sacrificed their lives serving the nation.
The archway is located on the Rajpath in New Delhi. Lawns, children's park and a boat club surround the monument.
India Gate, besides standing as a memorial to the soldiers killed, also provides the platform to display advancements in defense technology every year on January 26th during the Republic Day celebrations.
Located at Rajpath, India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also act as popular pinic spot during winter
The entire arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge pelmet, beneath which are inscribed Imperial suns. Above on both sides is inscribed INDIA, flanked by MCM and to the right, XIX. The shallow arched bowl at the top was intended to be filled with burning oil on anniversaries but this is rarely done
An eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti that runs on gas was lit in 1971 to honor the martyrs. During the night, it is highly illuminated and the fountains nearby are lit up with colored lights. Close by is the shelter which once became controversial and under whose red sandstone roof was the marble statue of King George V which has been shifted from there. The shelter was also designed and built by Lutyens.
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