Mansion Nonpareil: Marvel on Raisina Hill

The official residence of the President of India, an important landmark and the most renowned tourist destination, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, an architectural marvel on Raisina Hills in New Delhi was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, Constructed over seventeen years, it was officially opened as ‘Viceroy’s House’ in 1931. Its name was changed to ‘Government House’ when India attained independence and with the birth of the Indian Republic it acquired its present name. Larger than the Palace of Versailles, it compares favourably with the Palace of Westminster. It is also the venue for major State functions-from swearing-in-ceremonies of Ministers and Constitutional Heads, conferment of highest awards and ceremonial receptions for foreign dignitaries to presentation of credentials by the Ambassador/High Commissioner designates. Its gardens are open to the public when they are in full bloom. The book will take you through different facets of this marvel of a structure and its throbbing precincts.