DELHI’S PAGEANTRY

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 4, 26 March 1927, Page 7

DELHI’S PAGEANTRY

SUBURB OF PALACES A flutter of lance-pennons, a clatter of hoofs, a state carriage, which drew up amid thunderous cheering outside a splendid white building—so the Viceroy of India arrived to open the Parliament Buildings of New Delhi. Surrounded by glittering Indian Princes and high officers of the British Administration, Lord Irwin, the Star of India on his breast, advanced to the doors of the new building in which will be housed the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly of India, and on the invitation of Sir Bhupendra Nath Mitra, opened them with a huge gold key. King-Emperor’s Hopes A message from the King-Emperor was read by the Viceroy:— , Fifteen years ago in Delhi I gave public expression to the hope that the great changes then tc be effected might bring increased happiness and prosperity to India. On this solemn occasion I desire to associate myself with the outward completion of a great part of the task then undertaken. The new capital which has arisen enshrines new institutions and a new national life. May it endure to be worthy of a great nation and inspire the princes and peoples of India with the ideals of brotherhood and service by which alone the peace and true prosperity of my subjects may be secured. I earnestly pray that in the Council House about to be opened wisdom and justice may find their dwelling-place and that God’s blessing may rsst upon all those who shall henceforth serve India within its walls. GEORGE R.I. Old Mogul Capital It was at the Coronation Durbar on December 12, 1911, that the KingEmperor George V. announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi. A site was secured at Raisina Hill, on the outskirts of the old capital of the Mogul Emperors, and on the first day of the present year, King George signified his approval of the new capital being called “New Delhi.” Two inauguration stones were laid by His Majesty on December 15, 1911. A town-planning committee was appointed, and the streets and avenues of the new city were laid out on broad and generous lines, and trees were planted. The great central block of buildings contain the— Vice-Regal Lodge, Two Chambers for the Legislature, Offices of the Secretariat, Chamber c Z Princes. A magnificent arch, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, forms the main entrance to the central avenue. Indian Princes are erecting their palaces on the grounds allotted to them in the construction scheme planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The Nizam of Hyderabad is spending £350,000 on his palace in Princes Square. The Maharajah of Kashmir is building on the model of his residence at Srinagar, and the Gaekwar of Baroda on that of the Laami Valasa Palace at Baroda. Ladies’ Gallery The Government buildings have been erected on high ground, known as the Viceroy’s Court, and at its western end is situated the Government House. At the intersection of the roads stands the Jaipur Column surmounted by the Star of India. The great Council House is a massive building, with a balcony running round the first floor. The vast central hall is 90ft In diameter, and is capable of accommodating at a joint session the Council of State, the Legislative Assembly and the Chamber of Princes. The Chamber of Princes is a very beautiful building with fretted purdah screens for the women of the various Courts of the native princes. It is estimated that New Delhi will soon have a population of 70,000. It contains 54 miles of roads, along which are ’aid 200 miles of electric cables. So far about £9.250.000 has been spent on the city, and the estimates are: Parliament House, £562,500. Secretariat. £1,312,500. Vice-Regal Lodge. £937,500. Residences. £1,125,000. The net cost of the city is estimated at £10,500,000, and of the gardens and Darks about £375,000.