Gateway of India
In the Indian capital of New Delhi, the Gate of India rises above Rajpath Avenue - a more than 40-meter stone arch created in memory of 90 thousand Indian fighters who lost their lives in military conflicts of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Wars in which Indian soldiers died
Three Anglo-Afghan conflicts
- 1838-1842;
- 1878-1880s;
- 1919
By the 19th century, India was de facto, and from 1858 de jure, a British colony. Britain has traditionally competed with the Russian Empire in Asia. Russia expanded in this direction from the north, England - from the south. Recalcitrant Afghanistan desperately resisted foreign influence and steadfastly maintained its independence. Then England began military operations against the obstinate state from the territory of India. Indian soldiers were also drafted into the colonial English army, many of whom actually laid down their lives for the interests of a foreign country.
World War I 1914-1918
The First World War began because of the clash of colonial interests and the division of markets between Great Britain and Germany. Great Britain was called the empire where the sun never sets. Young Germany, which was in a state of fragmentation until the end of the 19th century, suddenly began to develop economically and militarily rapidly. The British Empire was not about to cede its colonies to the young upstart. Both states aspired to war, which quickly acquired the scale of a world war. Indian citizens were drafted into the army to fight for the interests of Great Britain.
India Gate Architecture
The author of the project is the authoritative British architect Sir Edwin Lancer Lutyens, a supporter of neoclassicism in architecture. After the end of the World War, memorials and triumphal arches began to occupy the main place in the work of Lutyens. India Gate is one of the most famous projects. The monument was inaugurated in 1931. On the arch, for the construction of which the best Bharatpur stone was used, more than 90 thousand names of the dead citizens of India are carved. The dome of the arch is made in the form of a vessel, according to the architect's idea, an eternal flame should have been burning there. In the end, it was placed at the base of the monument.
In the evening, the Gates are spectacularly illuminated, it is better to visit them at sunset.
In 1971, at the initiative of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was opened next to the Gate.
Nearby is a dome on four columns, also created by Lutyens. Initially, under it was a statue of the English monarch George V. After India gained independence, the king was removed. Now the issue of placing a monument to Indira Gandhi, who died at the hands of a terrorist, is being discussed here.
At the Gateway of India there is a large beautiful park, very popular with residents and guests of the Indian capital.
