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Lutyens Architecture

A majority part of New Delhi is known as Lutyen’s Delhi, because a major portion of the city was constructed by the famous British architect, Edwin Lutyens (1869 – 1944). During the 1920s and 1930s, India was ruled by the British rulers and this was the time when Lutyens constructed some of the scintillating buildings and monuments in the city of New Delhi. Lutyens Bungalow Zone, known as LBZ is also part of the brilliant architectural design and style.

Old Delhi railway station, which controlled the railways line of Agra and Delhi, was used extensively to connect to Lutyens’ Delhi, prior to the establishment of the capital city of New Delhi during 1911. Post the construction of the new capital city, the railway station of New Delhi was constructed close to Ajmeri Gate during 1926.

Design and Constructions

Edwin Lutyens constructed the city of New Delhi in a very well-planned manner. Right at the centre of the city, you will be able to notice the majestic structure of Rashtrapati Bhavan atop the Raisina Hill. This place was known as Viceroy’s House during the earlier days. Towards the right of this monument, one can find the Rajpath (known as King’s Way) connecting India Gate with Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Janpath, connecting South End Marg with Connaught Place.

Next to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, one can find the Secretariat Building, which contains the offices of various ministries and that of the Prime Minister. This building was constructed by a famous architect, Sir Herbert Baker. He is also the name behind some of the famous buildings like Parliament House, close to the Sansad Marg. Many churches built in Cathedral and Anglican styles were constructed by other architects.

Lutyens Bungalow Zone

Located across a sprawling area of 2800hectares, LBZ or the Lutyens Bungalow Zone is the area that is lined up with many bungalows or huge offices belonging to various dignitaries and higher officials. This area containing purely administrative buildings was constructed during the British rule in India and extends till the Lodhi Road at the southern side of New Delhi.

In a bid to bring about well-planned development all around New Delhi, the Urban Development Ministry took over some of the areas under this zone, those belonging to Connaught Place and that of Prithiviraj Road for redevelopment purposes. A committee, by the name, New Delhi Redevelopment Advisory Committee, was formed with this purpose. As per the initiatives taken by this committee, areas of LBZ were notified and further modified in 1988 and 2003 respectively.

Lutyens Delhi – A City of Grand Avenues, Monuments and Spaces

Today, the buildings, gardens, museums, temples, monuments and other structures that were built by the British architects Lutyens and Baker, prove to be iconic symbols not only of New Delhi, but also of democratic India. The entire city of New Delhi presents a very lovely picture of greenery and historic importance, thanks to these structures.

Famous Lutyens Architecture in Delhi

Four magnificent bungalows were designed and constructed by Edwin Lutyens inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan or Viceroy’s House during the earlier years. Today, those bungalows can be found at Mother Teresa Crescent, which was earlier known as Willingdon Crescent. This was not the only achievement of Lutyens; the credit was the excellent planning of New Delhi city which goes entirely to him.

Another famous architect who designed famous buildings in New Delhi was Herbert Baker. The North and South Blocks of Secretariat buildings and King George’s Avenue, towards the south of the Secretariat (a place where high officials and dignitaries stayed when they visited Delhi) were designed by him. Other noted architects who contributed hugely to New Delhi’s stylish architecture were Arthur Gordon Shoosmith, Henry Medd, Henry Nicholls, FB Blomfiled & CG Blomfield, Robert Tor Russel and Walter Sykes George.

Some of these buildings have made it to the 100 most endangered sites watch list of 2002 World Monuments, compiled by the World Monuments Fund, which is based out of New York.

  • President’s House
  • Parliament House
  • India Gate
  • Raj Path (King’s Way)
  • Janpath (Queen’s Way)
  • Government official bungalows
  • Connaught Place and surrounds
  • Gurudwara Bangla Saheb (Sikh temple)
  • Birla Mandir (Hindu temple)
  • National Museum

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