Rashtrapati Bhavan's Durbar and Ashok halls renamed: Here's a peek into the history these iconic venues
Rashtrapati Bhavan's 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' have been renamed to 'Ganatantra Mandap' and 'Ashok Mandap', respectively.
President Droupadi Murmu has officially renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan¡¯s ¡®Durbar Hall¡¯ and ¡®Ashok Hall¡¯ to ¡®Ganatantra Mandap¡¯ and ¡®Ashok Mandap¡¯, respectively. This change aims to align the ambience of the presidential residence with Indian cultural values and ethos.
The President¡¯s Secretariat stated, ¡°There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos¡± and explained that the terms ¡®Durbar¡¯ and ¡®Hall¡¯ have been replaced. The term ¡®Durbar¡¯ referred to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British, losing its relevance after India became a Republic, or ¡®Ganatantra¡¯.
Durbar Hall's historical significance
Durbar Hall in Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of the world¡¯s largest presidential palaces, has a rich history. It hosted the swearing-in ceremonies of India¡¯s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947, and the first President, Rajendra Prasad, in 1950. Despite its grandeur, the hall is relatively small, leading to cramped ceremonies.
PTI
Designed by Edwin Lutyens, it features 42-ft-high marble walls, yellow Jaisalmer marble columns, and a central Belgian glass chandelier. Initially criticised for its size, Lutyens defended it, stating it was meant for select dignitaries, not large crowds. The hall¡¯s name, ¡°Throne Room,¡± reflects its intended exclusivity. Over time, ceremonies have adapted, with guests seated in surrounding corridors and events broadcasted live, embodying the inclusive spirit of modern India.
Ashok Hall's unique features
Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom, is now used for presenting credentials by Heads of Missions of foreign countries and for introductions before State Banquets hosted by the President. The room features six Belgian chandeliers and various paintings, including one gifted by Fath Ali Shah of Persia, depicting him hunting a tiger. Italian artist Tomasso Colonnello, along with 23 Indian artists, extended this forest theme throughout the room.
PTI
The ceiling displays four hunting scenes with Persian inscriptions, while the walls feature a royal procession painted on large canvases. Architectural influences in Ashok Hall include Victorian-inspired floral fireplaces with Persian inscriptions. One inscription translates to, ¡°God, who has created the throne. His might can also create the palace,¡± and the other means, ¡°A beautiful building like this cannot be seen anywhere on earth or in the sky.¡±
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Construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan was conceived by architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Lutyens conceptualised the H-shaped building, covering 5 acres on a 330-acre estate. This mansion has 340 rooms spread over four floors, 2.5 kilometres of corridors, and 190 acres of gardens. Originally called the Viceroy¡¯s House, it was renamed Government House on August 15, 1947, and finally became Rashtrapati Bhavan during President Dr Rajendra Prasad's term.
Since independence, Rashtrapati Bhavan has hosted defence investiture ceremonies, swearing-in of leaders, honoured bravehearts and achievers, heard speeches from world leaders, signed pacts and treaties, and celebrated India's Independence and Republic Day functions along with other festivals.
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