The Architectural Legacy of Lutyens' Delhi and the Parliament House
When the British government shifted the capital of Imperial India from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, it embarked on an ambitious urban development project. At the center of this massive transformation was Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens (1869–1944), an accomplished English architect known for his versatility, spatial sensitivity, and ability to blend traditional styles with inventive design.
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| Sir Edwin Lutyens Indiatoday.com |
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| Sir Edwin Lutyens facebook.com |
Above image: Sir Edwin Lutyens,(Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens,; born March 29, 1869, London, England—died January 1, 1944, London), was an accomplished English architect, particularly noted for his innate ability to design buildings depending on the terrain and requirement. Lutyens' Delhi is an area in New Delhi. The colonial enclave is named after Sir Edwin Lutyens as he was behind for much of the architectural landscape of Delhi during the period of the British Raj, when Delhi became the capital of the Raj in 1911(its previous capital was Calcutta (Kolkata) in the early part of the 20th century. From the 1920s through 1940s his work dominated the capital city including the Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ). The railway station near Ajmeri gate came up in 1926, as part of expansion of the Indian railways.His other projec ts included the Connaught house, the Victory's House and the Indian Parliament, New Delhi carry his stamp and his associates. He was knighted in 1918 by the British govt................
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| Old Parliament front part delhionline.in |
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| Old Parliament House Delhi facebook.com |
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| Old Parliament House Delhi delhionline.in |
Above mage: The Parliament House in New Delhi was opened ceremoniously on 18 January 1927 by the then Gov. General Lord Irwin. On February 12, 1921 the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation in a simple ceremony. The cost of construction was about rs. 83 lakhs and it took 6 years to complete the work. The Parliament building design it is said, is based on the model of Morena near Dholpur while he was travelling around for selection of stone from Agra and Dholpur). ................
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| Rashtrapati Bhavan Delhi facebook.com |
The Architectural Mastermind
Key Landmarks and Layout
Lutyens' Delhi is an area in New Delhi, India, named after Sir Edwin Lutyens and he was behind for much of the architectural landscape of Delhi during the period of the British Raj, when Delhi became the capital of the Raj in 1911(its previous capital was Calcutta (Kolkata) in the early part of the 20th century. From the 1920s through 1940s .his work dominated the capital city including the Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ). The railway station near Ajmeri gate came up in 1926, as part of expansion of the Indian railways.
Lutyens brought a rich synthesis of influences to New Delhi. Skilled in medieval traditions, Classical Greek and Roman proportions, and the Arts and Crafts Movement, he was also deeply inspired by indigenous Indian architecture. Drawing elements from Rajputana, Malwa, Bundeli, and Vidharbha design, Lutyens incorporated native stone, local craftsmanship, and traditional motifs into his plans. This fusion gave birth to a distinct architectural identity for the new administrative capital.
To execute the master plan, Lutyens assembled a team of key architects:
Sir Herbert Baker: Designed the Secretariat Buildings (North and South Blocks)—housing government ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office—as well as the Parliament House.
Robert Russell: Designed Connaught Place and the Eastern and Western Courts on Janpath.
Henry Medd: Designed the Anglican Cathedral Church of the Redemption and the Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral.
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| Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi album-online.com |
Key Landmarks and Layout
The heart of the plan was the Central Vista, laid out on a symmetrical, hexagonal grid that preserved abundant green spaces.
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| Viceroy's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Delhi indiatoday.com |
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| Viceroy's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Delhi..classicist.org/ |
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| .Viceroy's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Delhi. architectural-review.com |
Lutyens' Delhi is an area in New Delhi, India, named after Sir Edwin Lutyens and he was behind for much of the architectural landscape of Delhi during the period of the British Raj, when Delhi became the capital of the Raj in 1911(its previous capital was Calcutta (Kolkata) in the early part of the 20th century. From the 1920s through 1940s .his work dominated the capital city including the Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ). The railway station near Ajmeri gate came up in 1926, as part of expansion of the Indian railways.
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| New Delhi, North Block en.wikipedia.org |
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Key Landmarks and Layout
The heart of the plan was the Central Vista, laid out on a symmetrical, hexagonal grid that preserved abundant green spaces.
Viceroy’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan): The central focal point of the area, serving as the official residence of the Viceroy (now the President of India).
Rajpath and Janpath: Rajpath (a 3 km ceremonial boulevard connecting India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan) intersects Janpath at a right angle, linking Connaught Place with the city's southern districts.
Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan): Situated on Sansad Marg, the circular structure was inspired by the Chausath Yogini temple in Morena. Its foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught on February 12, 1921, and the building was opened on January 18, 1927, by Governor-General Lord Irwin. Constructed over six years, it cost approximately ₹83 lakhs.
The Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ)Beyond the administrative core lies the Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ), a sprawling 26-square-kilometer area planned primarily for government officials and British dignitaries. Today, it remains one of the most exclusive and high-value real estate areas in New Delhi. The zone contains around 1,000 prime bungalows, with roughly 90% under Central Government ownership and only 10% in private hands. Recognizing its architectural and historical value, heritage organizations like the World Monuments Fund have added parts of this imperial legacy to their watchlists for protection and preservation.
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com )
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