Palaces and power through history in times of crisis
For the global historian, however, the Sri Lankan protesters splashing in the palace pool is a familiar scene. And one that could signal major political change is underway.
With the number of Covid-19 cases come down in the national capital, the Rashtrapati Bhavan has decided to reopen its complex and museum for the common citizens from August 1 onwards.
“Visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex, which were closed since April 14, 2021 due to Covid-19, will reopen from August 1, 2021 for the public,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.
Tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be available on Saturday and Sunday, except on holidays, in three pre-booked time slots — 10:30-11:30 am , 12:30-1:30 pm and 2:30-3:30 pm with a maximum limit of 25 visitors per slot.
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The Rashtrapati Bhavan said that its museum complex will remain open for six days a week — except on holidays — in four pre-booked time slots: 9:30-11 am, 11:30 am-1 pm, 1:30 pm-3 pm and 3:30 pm-5 pm with a maximum limit of 50 visitors per slot.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the President of the world’s largest democracy, epitomises India’s strength, its democratic traditions and secular character.
It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, both architects of exceptional imagination and masterfulness.
It was Lutyens who had conceptualised the ‘H’ shaped building, covering an area of 5 acres on a 330-acre estate. The mansion has a total of 340 rooms spread over four floors, 2.5 km of corridors and 190 acres of garden area.
Painstaking efforts of thousands of labourers, including masons, carpenters, artists, carvers and cutters, saw the completion of this masterwork in the year 1929.
Originally built as the residence for the Viceroy of India, the Viceroy’s House, as it was called then, has metamorphosed into today’s Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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