Sansad Bhavan

Sansad Bhavan
Name	Sansad Bhavan
Caption	The circular edifice of Sansad Bhavan, home to the Parliament of India.
Location	New Delhi, Delhi, India
Coordinates	28, 37, 02, N...
Start date	1921
Completion date	1927
Inauguration date	18 January 1927
Architect	Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker
Architectural style	Indo-Saracenic with Neoclassical elements
Owner	Government of India

Sansad Bhavan. It is the seat of the Parliament of India, a monumental structure that has been the epicenter of Indian democracy since its inauguration. Located in the heart of the national capital, it stands as a powerful symbol of the nation's sovereignty and constitutional governance. The building has witnessed the passage of landmark legislation, historic debates, and the shaping of the Republic of India.

History and Construction

The decision to construct a permanent parliament building was taken as part of the larger project to build New Delhi as the imperial capital after the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The design was entrusted to the principal architects of the new city, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, who were also responsible for the nearby Rashtrapati Bhavan and North and South Block secretariats. Construction began in 1921, utilizing sandstone from the quarries of Dholpur and labor from across the British Raj. The building was inaugurated on 18 January 1927 by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin, and was originally called the Council House, housing the Imperial Legislative Council. It has continued to function as the parliament through the transition to independence, hosting the Constituent Assembly of India which drafted the Constitution of India.

Architectural Design

The architecture of the building is a distinctive synthesis of Indo-Saracenic and Neoclassical styles, characteristic of Lutyens' work in Delhi. Its most striking feature is its circular shape, inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, with a diameter of approximately 560 feet. The exterior is marked by a colonnade of 144 creamy Dholpur sandstone pillars, each 27 feet high. The central courtyard is open to the sky, and the design incorporates Indian motifs like chhajjas (projecting eaves) and jali (latticed stone screens). The building is part of the larger Central Vista precinct, aligning with the ceremonial axis that includes the India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Interior Layout and Chambers

The interior is arranged around the large circular central hall, which features a majestic dome. The building houses three main chambers: the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the erstwhile Library Hall. The Lok Sabha Chamber, decorated in green hues, is where elected members of the lower house convene, while the Rajya Sabha Chamber, in a palette of red, is for the upper house. The Library Hall, with its ornate wooden carvings, once served as the chamber for the Chamber of Princes. The corridors are lined with portraits of former Speakers, Chairmen, and other prominent figures from India's parliamentary history.

Functions and Parliamentary Proceedings

As the primary workplace of the Parliament of India, it is the venue for all major legislative business, including the introduction and passage of Acts of Parliament. Key annual events held here include the President's address to both houses at the start of the Budget session and the presentation of the Union Budget by the Finance Minister. The building facilitates joint sittings of both houses, summoned by the President to resolve legislative deadlocks. It is also where motions of no confidence are debated and where new ministries are sworn in following general elections.

Security and Infrastructure

Security is managed by the Parliament Security Service, with overall responsibility falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi Police. The complex is part of a high-security zone within the New Delhi district, protected by layered perimeter security. The infrastructure includes dedicated offices for the Prime Minister, Leaders of the Opposition, and other parliamentary functionaries. Advanced communication systems, simultaneous interpretation facilities for India's 22 scheduled languages, and broadcasting equipment for Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV are integral to its operations.

Cultural and National Significance

Beyond its legislative function, it stands as an enduring national icon, representing the world's largest democracy. Its image is ubiquitous during broadcasts of parliamentary sessions and national events like Republic Day. The building has been the backdrop for seminal moments in Indian history, from the famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech by Jawaharlal Nehru to the adoption of the constitution. It is a central element of India's political heritage, often featured in educational tours and depicted on postage stamps and currency notes, cementing its place in the collective consciousness of the nation.

Category:Parliament of India Category:Buildings and structures in New Delhi Category:National legislature buildings