The Message
Message inscribed on India Gate is "To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honored in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afghan War."
Coming into Being
India Gate was raised with an intention of honoring the memories of the unknown, unsung 90,000 soldiers who died in the World War One and the three Afghan wars. It was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens with foundation laid on 10th February 1921 by the Duke of Connaught. It was completed by 1931, same time as its French counterpart.
Amar Jawan Jyoti, meaning the flame of the eternal warrior, is situated under the space between the two arched, was later added and unveiled on 26th January 1972. It is customary for the President, Prime Minister, State Heads and visiting Heads and Dignitaries to pay homage there on special days. |