New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi is a beautiful colonial architectural structure, the home of the President of world's most populous democracy. It was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy. Its architect was Edwin Landseer Lutyens. The decision to build a Viceroy's residence in New Delhi was taken after it was decided in the Delhi Durbar of 1911 that the capital of India would be shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in the same year. This building gave the impression, in the words of a critique, the setting of a perpetual Durbar. The building and its surroundings were supposed to be 'an empire in stone', 'exercising imperial sway' and containing in it, "the abode of a disinterested elite whose rule was imposed from above". That 'empire in stone' and the perpetual Durbar was transformed to become the Rashtrapati Bhavan - the President's House on 26th January 1950 when Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India. It was from that day that this building was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan - the President's House. The Viceroy's residence was supposed to be built at a cost of 400,000 pounds. But, it took 17 years for the building to be complete, and the actual amount ran to nearly 900,000 pounds (Rs 1.40 cr then). Edwin Lutyens was reported to have remarked that the money invested in the construction of the building was smaller in amount as compared to the cost of two warships.Here are some rare pictures of Rashtrapati Bhavan: The museum 1. When Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President on 26th January, 1950, the building became to be known as Rashtrapati Bhavan. 2. The most prominent and distinguishing aspect of Rashtrapati Bhavan is its dome which is superimposed on its structure. It is visible from a distance and the most eye-catching round roof with a circular base in the heart of Delhi. The main library3. While Lutyens ostensibly acknowledged the design of the dome to the pantheon of the Rome, it is very strongly believed by informed analysts that the dome was structured in the pattern of the great Stupa at Sanchi. Drawing Room of south building4. The pre-dominance of Indian architecture in the dome is evident from the fact that it is encircled by railings of Sanchi origin. 5. The huge mansion has four floors and 340 rooms. 700 million bricks and three million cubic feet of stone have been used to construct the building. Ashoka Hall6. The whole of Rashtrapati Bhavan embodies in it Indian architectural patterns such as Buddhist railings, chhajjas, chhatris and jaalis. 7. Another interesting architectural style is the use of bells. Buddhists and Hindus are fond of bells. The combination of bells and Hellenic style architecture is a fine example of the fusion of Indian and European designs. 8. The Mughal Gardens are the main attraction. It has a vast variety of flowers. Bonsais, lotus, rose, creepers, there is a non ending variety of flowers. 9. All the presidents who have stayed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan have taken keen interest in the maintenance and upkeep of the Mughal Gardens. 10. When Chakravarty Rajagopalachari assumed the office as the first Indian Governor General and became the occupant of this building he preferred to stay in a few rooms which is now the family wing of the President and converted the then Viceroy's apartments to be the Guest Wing where the Heads of State of other countries stay during their visit to India.
