Secretariat Building
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| Secretariat Building | |
|---|---|
| Name | Secretariat Building |
| Caption | The Secretariat Building houses key ministries of the Government of India. |
| Location | Raisina Hill, New Delhi, India |
| Coordinates | 28, 36, 51, N... |
| Start date | 1912 |
| Completion date | 1927 |
| Inauguration date | 1927 |
| Architect | Herbert Baker |
| Architectural style | Indo-Saracenic |
| Owner | Government of India |
Secretariat Building. The Secretariat Building in New Delhi is a monumental complex that serves as the administrative heart of the Government of India. Located on Raisina Hill, it comprises two identical blocks, the North Block and the South Block, which flank the Rajpath leading to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Designed by British architect Herbert Baker, the building was completed in 1927 as part of the new imperial capital during the British Raj and today houses the most important ministries of the Indian government, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of External Affairs.
History
The decision to construct a new capital for British India was announced by King-Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911, moving the seat of government from Calcutta to Delhi. The architectural planning was entrusted to Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, with Baker specifically designing the Secretariat buildings. Construction began in 1912, utilizing sandstone from the Dholpur quarries and involving thousands of laborers. The complex was officially inaugurated in 1927, becoming the central office for the Viceroy's executive council. Following Indian Independence in 1947, the building was taken over by the newly formed Government of India, with the North Block and South Block becoming the seats of critical ministries. It has since been the site of pivotal decisions in modern Indian history, from the integration of princely states to the planning of the Green Revolution in India.
Architecture
Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the Secretariat Building masterfully blends elements from Mughal, Rajasthani, and European classical traditions. Each block is a massive, four-story structure built around a central courtyard, featuring characteristic red and beige sandstone facades. Notable architectural features include large domes, prominent chhajjas (projecting eaves), intricate jali (lattice screens), and grand colonnaded verandahs. The interior houses spacious chambers, high-ceilinged corridors, and ceremonial halls such as the Durbar Hall in the North Block. The design strategically uses courtyards and verandahs for natural light and ventilation, a practical response to Delhi's climate. The buildings are integral to the larger Lutyens' Delhi architectural plan, forming a visual axis with the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate.
Functions and significance
The Secretariat Building is the epicenter of the Indian federal government's executive administration. The North Block primarily houses the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs, while the South Block is home to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. It is where key national policies are formulated, the Union Budget is prepared, and critical diplomatic communications are managed. The building's significance extends beyond its administrative function; it is a powerful symbol of the Indian state, representing the continuity of governance from the colonial era to the world's largest democracy. Its location on Raisina Hill makes it a focal point during national events on the Rajpath, such as the Republic Day parade. The complex is a protected monument and remains one of the most recognizable icons of New Delhi.