When was the secretariat building in Delhi ready?

Asked 07-Jan-2018
Updated 11-Sep-2023
Viewed 593 times

1 Answer


0

The Secretariat Building in New Delhi, India, is an iconic government structure that serves as the administrative headquarters of the Government of India. It was designed by the renowned British architect Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and is part of the larger complex known as the Central Secretariat.

Construction of the Secretariat Building began in the early 1910s, shortly after the foundation stone was laid on October 12, 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, which marked the announcement of the shifting of India's capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. However, due to various challenges, including interruptions caused by World War I, the construction process extended over several years.

The initial phases of the Secretariat Building were completed in the early 1920s. The first government offices started functioning from there around 1926. However, the entire complex, including the North and South Blocks, took several more years to be fully completed.

The South Block, which houses key government ministries and the Prime Minister's Office, was completed in 1930. The North Block, which accommodates the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, was finished shortly thereafter in 1931.

The Secretariat Building is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, characterized by its blend of Mughal, Rajput, and British architectural styles. Its grandeur and historical significance make it one of the most prominent landmarks in New Delhi.

Today, the Secretariat Building stands as a symbol of India's administrative prowess and the seat of power for the nation's government. It is a testament to the vision and architectural brilliance of Lutyens and Baker, and a reminder of the historical significance of Delhi as India's capital city.