The India Gate (Hindi: इंडिया गेट) is one of the largest war memorials in India. Situated in the spirit of New Delhi, India Gate is prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the members of the former British Indian Army who missed their lives fighting for the Indian Empire in Public War I and the Afghan Wars. Following India’s independence, India Gate became the place of Indian Army’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti.Burning in a shrine under the curve of India Gate since 1971 is the Amar Jawan Jyoti (the fire of the immortal warrior), which marks the Grave of the Unknown Soldier. The shrine itself is a black marble cenotaph with a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier’s helmet. Each side of the cenotaph has inscribed in golden the words “Amar Jawan” (Immortal Warrior). This cenotaph is itself placed on an edifice which has on its four corners four torches that are always kept alive. It was unveiled on January 26, 1972 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in the heat of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Today, it is accustomed for the Chair and the Prime Minister, as good as visiting Guests of State, to pay homage at the place on occasions of State ceremonies.

Author: Earwig’s Thoughts