Page 8 - Guide to Parliament House

Chapter I

History of the Building

Parliament House is one of the most magnificent buildings in New Delhi.
Along with the nearby Rashtrapati Bhawan and the two blocks of the Central Sec­
retariat- it forms one of the brightest clusters of architectural gems possessed by any
country in the world. With its massive circular edifice it stands supreme amidst a
number of multi-storeyed buildings which have come up in recent years around
the Central Secretariat complex - perhaps symbolising the supremacy of the legis­
lature which is located within its walls,
The building was designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker who along with
Sir Edwin Lutyens was responsible for the planning and layout of New Delhi.
The original plan for New Delhi prepared in 1911 did not provide for a legis­
lature building. After the end of the First World War and the introduction of the
Montague-Chelmsford Reforms it was decided to have a Council House, com­
prising a Legislative Assembh - Chamber (now Lok Sabha Chamber), a Council of
States Chamber (now Rajva Sabha Chamber 1 and a Chamber of Princes (now Library
Hall).

The design of the building was approved by the end of the year 1919 and its
foundation-stone was laid on the 12th February. 1921 by the Duke of Connaught.
It took about six years to complete this majestic building.**
The opening ceremony for the building was performed on the 18th January,
1927 by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin, who at that ceremony
read a message from the King. Referring to the circular edifice of the building the
message said:—
"The circle stands for something more than unity. From the earliest times
it has been also an emblem of permanence, and the poet has seen in the
ring of light a true symbol of eternity. May therefore we and those who
follow us witness, so far as we may, the fruition of these twin concep­
tions. As our eyes or thoughts rest upon this place, let us pray that this
Council House may endure through the centuries, down which time
travels towards eternity, and that, through all the differences of passing
days, men of every race and class and creed may here unite in a single
high resolve to guide India to fashion her future well".

**The names of the principal officers of the C.P.W.D. who were responsible for the execution of the
construction work of this massive building are mentioned below :—
Sir Hugh Keeling .. .. Chief Engineer.
Mr. Rouse ., Chief Engineer.
Mr, Croad .. Superintending Engineer.
Mr. Sale Superintending Engineer.
Mr. Bell .. .. Executive Engineer,
Sardar Bahadur Sin^h .. Executive Engineer,