Gate of India
The India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial, is a war memorial located along the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the ‘ceremonial axis’ of New Delhi. (In years passed called the Kingsway.)
India Gate commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the 82,000 soldiers of the undivided British Indian Army, who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War in France, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli, Flanders, third Anglo-Afghan War and in the Near and the Far East.
Our visit to the Gate of India was very unique and enjoyable. Standing there, admiring all the names on the memorial, reminded me of the sacrifice made by our forefathers. Today am I very thankful for what they sacrificed so that we may know freedom.
Something interesting that I noticed, is that the Gate is guarded every hour of every waking day by the Indian Army, and there is a torch lighted in the very centre, between the two arches, that is always alight and flaming. Never extinguished. This is to signify India's freedom.
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13,300 servicemen's names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate.
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The foundation stone of the All-India War Memorial was laid on 10 February 1921, by the Duke of Connaught and attended by Officers and Men of the Indian Army, the Commander in Chief, Imperial Service Troops, and the Viceroy.
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On February 12, 1931 was the memorial inaugurated by Viceroy Lord Irwin. He famously said: “Those who after us shall look upon this monument may learn in pondering its purpose something of that sacrifice and service which the names upon its walls record.”
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The design was developed by Edwin Lutyens. (Interesting fact: Robert Garside, a British runner who was also known as "The Runningman," started the first "run-around-the-world" run from the India Gate in Delhi, in October of 1997.)
TRAVELERS TIP #1: The Gate of India in Delhi is a place where the locals would go to just for relaxation and not just for the viewing of a historical artifact. There are large gardens and walkways, therefore is the area considered a favorable place for family get-togethers, picnics and picture taking. It might therefore be a very, very busy area.
It's thus advisable to travel in a group or with another individual. If you travel alone will you find nagging vendors and local photographers, trying to make an extra buck off foreigners, overwhelming. It gets to such an extent that they follow you everywhere around the monument, dampening your experience.
TRAVELERS TIP #2: Take a strong standpoint against vendors and other individuals trying to force their products or services on you. If you are not interested, say so loudly, strongly and in earnest. In India does Western 'mannerisms' not work. There are always police personnel at every historical or tourist attraction in India. Just tell the individual you will report them to the police.
(Ladies traveling alone are especially targets. Try to travel with a male companion in India. It's the easiest way not to be targeted. You are generally left alone if in the presence of a gentleman.)
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