Parliament House : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
- |
If you’re looking to learn more about Parliament House, the seat of Australian federal democracy, then you’re in the right place. This article is full of interesting facts, travel information, and tips for touring this important historical building. In addition to this, we’ll review the unique history of Parliament House, explore current Parliamentary processes, and cover the most popular attractions within the grounds. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and get ready to explore this fascinating building.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Parliament House
1. The Parliament House is the only circular shaped Parliament in the world. This design was taken from the Buddhist Stupa of Sanchi.
2. It is said that during the construction of the Parliament House, the British took stones from Mohenjo-Daro and Chandigarh for its construction.
3. The Parliament House is open for visitors from Mondays to Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM, except on holidays and Parliamentary days.
4. The Indian Parliament House is not only a place to conduct the business of the house but also houses a library with rich collection of books on legislative and administrative matters.
5. The Parliament House is visited by hundreds of foreign dignitaries every year.
6. A stone reposing lion which is found at the entrance of Parliament House symbolizes strength, courage and confidence of the Indian people.
7. The entire building is divided into three floors — the ground floor, alcove and second floor and each area is designated to a particular purpose.
8. Inside the Parliament house, the MPs are seated in two sections — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
9. A life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi is also present at the Central Hall of Parliament House.
10. The Parliament House is illuminated with lights on important days, such as India’s Independence Day.
History & Information About Parliament House
Parliament House is the place where the two houses of the Parliament of India, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, meet. It is located at the Sansad Marg in New Delhi. The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, who were responsible for planning and construction of New Delhi. The construction of the Parliament House began in 1921 and it was completed in 1927. The opening ceremony was held on 18 January 1927 when the first sessions of the Central Legislative Assembly were held in the Parliament House.
The building is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with influences from other styles of architecture from different parts of India. The building is surrounded by large lawns and gardens on all sides, covering an area of 93,296 square metres. Inside the building, there are 745 rooms, four shopping complexes, a post office, a library, a bank and other offices. The building also houses various galleries, public halls and conference rooms.
The exterior of the building is made of light sandstone and the interiors are covered with white marbles. The central hall of the building, known as the Central Hall, is 166 feet long, 116 feet wide and has a height of 88 feet. This hall is the venue for the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament. The chamber of the Rajya Sabha, known as the Sansad Bhavan, is adorned with pink sandstone and it is 144 feet in length and 57 feet in breadth. The chamber of the Lok Sabha, known as the Lok Sabha Bhavan, is a circular hall which has a diameter of 75 feet and is 57 feet in height.
The Parliament House also houses various facilities and amenities for the members of Parliament and their guests. It includes a dining hall, various meeting rooms, toilets and an Airport Loungers Area. Also, the Parliament House has been equipped with the latest technology for providing better security to the members.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Parliament House
1. Start your visit with a tour of the Parliament House. The Parliament Building in Delhi is shaped like a three-storied circular structure, surrounded by a wide easy-to-walk terrace. You can view the majestic building from outside by availing the guided tour.
2. Next, take a look at the office of the President. It is located at the entrance on the first floor of the Parliament House. This office is the signature work of architect Lutyens who designed the building in 1912.
3. The main chamber of the Parliament House is the Lok Sabha. It is a rectangular hall where the two Houses of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha meet. This hall is grandly decorated with a mahogany panelling and an ambience of tranquillity. You can observe the proceedings and debates of the Lok Sabha from the Visitors’ Gallery.
4. On the premises, take a look at the Central Hall, which is highly ornamental and well crafted in its design. There are two staircases in the hall, both of which are made of beautiful teakwood.
5. Make your way upstairs to visit the Rajya Sabha which is the upper chamber of the Indian Parliament. This hall is much smaller than the Lok Sabha and is ornately designed with exquisite paintings and murals.
6. After the visit, cap off your tour with a souvenir from the official bookstore in the Parliament House. You can find books on politics, history and culture, as well as memorabilia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parliament House
Q1.What is the purpose of the Parliament House in Delhi?
A1. The Parliament House in Delhi is the seat of the government of India, where the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of the Parliament of India assemble to debate and pass laws.
Q2.What is the architecture of the Parliament House in Delhi?
A2. The architecture of the Parliament House is a blend of the Rajasthani and the Gujrati style of architecture. It has two concentric semicircular chambers, both supported by 12 pillars representing the 12 states of India.
Q3.When was the Parliament House built in Delhi?
A3. The Parliament House was built between 1947 and 1927. It was designed by the famous architect Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.