Page 30 - Guide to Parliament House

Chapter VI

Central Hal!

The Central Hall is located within the Inner Circle of the Parliament building
and is surrounded by the three Chambers and three beautiful courtyards with lawns
and fountains. Three short passages radiating from three equidistant points on the
circumference of the Hall connect it with the Lok Sabha Chamber, Rajya Sabha
Chamber and the Library Hall. The Hall is circular in shape and its dome which is
98 ft. in diameter is stated to be one of the most magnificent in the world.

Inside the Hall in line with the passage connecting it with the Rajya Sabha
Chamber is a dais which is a permanent part of the Hall. To the right of the dais is
a glass cabin from where the sound equipment is controlled. There is a similar
cabin to its left, which is meant for use by organisations like AIR to cover important
functions held in the Hall.

Originally this Hall was laid out for a Reading Chamber for Members of the Legis­
lature. Its Lobbies were specially equipped with built-in bookcases to stack books.
When the Constituent Assembly was convened in 1946, this Hall was converted into
the Constituent Assembly Hall and seating arrangement was made therein for about
396 Members with long cushioned benches with foldable flaps attached to the desks.

The Central Hall is a place of historical importance. The Indian Consti­
tution was framed in this Hall and the transfer of power on the 15th August,

Central Hall (Outer view)