The Old Parliament House in New Delhi
The Old Parliament House in New Delhi served as the seat of the Parliament of India from 26 January 1950 to 27 May 2023. It housed the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, representing the lower and upper houses respectively in India's bicameral parliament.
The Timeless Beauty of the Old Parliament House
Designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the building was constructed between 1921 and 1927. It was initially opened in January 1927 as the seat of the Imperial Legislative Council.
Transition and Significance
After the end of British rule in India, the Old Parliament House was taken over by the Constituent Assembly of India and later by the Indian Parliament. On 26 January 1950, with India becoming a republic, the building became the official seat of the Indian Parliament.
British Design meets Indian Inspiration at the Old Parliament
The Chausath Yogini Temples found in India are believed to have inspired the design of the Old Parliament House. It reflects a blend of British architectural style and the rich heritage of India.
Redefining India's Political Landscape
The New Parliament House, constructed from 2020 to 2023 on a triangular plot near the old building, was inaugurated on 28 May 2023. It was a part of the Indian government's Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
The Journey towards a New Parliament Building
Concerns about the stability of the original structure led to proposals for a new parliament building in the early 2010s. A committee was formed in 2012 to suggest and evaluate alternatives to the usage of the old building.
Revitalizing India's Administrative Heart
In 2019, the Indian government launched the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, aiming to revitalize the central administrative area near Raisina Hill in New Delhi. The project included the construction of the new parliament building and the redevelopment of the Rajpath.
Setting the Foundation for a New Era
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new parliament building took place in October 2020. On 10 December 2020, the foundation stone was laid, marking an important milestone in the project.
he Old Parliament House as a Museum
After the inauguration of the New Parliament House, the old parliament building underwent a transformation into a Museum of Democracy. It aimed to preserve the historical significance of the structure and highlight the democratic journey of India.
A Tale of Transformation and Continuity
The Old Parliament House in New Delhi served as a significant symbol of India's parliamentary democracy. Its transition to a museum and the construction of the New Parliament House marked important milestones in the evolution of India's political landscape.
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