Rashtrapati Bhavan: An Architectural Masterpiece

Built in classical blend of royal Mughal and European architecture, Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. Spanning across a whopping 320 acres in the country's capital city, New Delhi, the structure is magnificent in every way.

Photo Credit: Priyanka0307/Wikimedia

The Rashtrapati Bhavan architecture is credited to the British architect, Edwin Landseer Lutyens whose designs are noted for imparting a classical and grand European style with influences of Indian motifs and details interspersed in his structures. In fact, the area surrounding the Rashtrapati Bhavan is referred to as Lutyens Delhi as he is responsible for planning it. Photo Credit: Christian Haugen/Wikimedia

The actual building comprises 340 rooms spread across four floors with an area of 200,000 square feet. The layout of Rashtrapati Bhavan includes several courtyards and is divided in to two wings, one for the President and the other for guests. Below the main dome of the main wing is the Durbar Hall. Impressive in its architectural features that include intricate stonework, the main attraction here is the two tonne chandelier that hangs from a height of 33 metres. The dome is the most prominent feature of Rashtrapati Bhavan and one that is easily recognizable when lit up during the Beating Retreat ceremony held after the Republic Day parade.

Photo Credit: Sunny shanker anand/Wikimedia Other rooms incorporated within the Rashtrapati Bhavan architecture include two state drawing rooms, the state supper room, the state library, several open galleries, a large dining hall, sitting rooms, billiards rooms and a large ball room.

One of the grand attractions at Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Mughal Gardens. Open to the general public in February every year, along with colourful flowers, the gardens boast of Mughal and English landscaping styles. The garden also has several louts shaped water fountains spewing jets up to 12 feet. Truly a masterpiece of architecture, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a visual treat for the visitors.

Photo Credit: http://photodivision.gov.in/