India in 19th century was part of the British colonial empire, as the first world war raged in Europe in year 1914-1917, Indian army under the British crown fought the world war on various fronts Persia, east Africa, Mesopotamia etc, The gallantry of Indian soldier was very much praised , the Indian soldiers fought the war in sub zero temperature. The heroism of Indian soldiers was praised everywhere, more than 70,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives in this tremendous war effort.

The British government decided to honor the sacrifices of the Indian soldiers, a memorial for the dead soldiers was envisaged and in year 1917 the foundation of the then all India war memorial was laid. A royal ceremony was conducted and presided by Duke Connaught in which a message by the British king was read out. Various regiments and battalions of Indian army were felicitated for their contribution in the war effort.

Design & Architecture of India Gate: - The design of the war memorial was done by none other than Sir Edwin lutyens the man who designed the modern New Delhi. Sir Edwin lutyens had a rich experience of designing various war memorials in Britain. He designed the war memorial as an extension of the Arc De Triomphe model. The memorial very much looked like a cenotaph earlier designed by sir lutyens in London “ The national war memorial”.

The impressive gate stands on the eastern most side of the present Raj path which was called as Kingsway during the English times. Earlier the road passed through the gate. The India gate rises to a phenomenal 42 meter in height constructed from Bharatpur stone, the memorial has names of 13300 soldiers and officers who died in the first world war. It took 10 years for the memorial to be completed finally in year 1931 the memorial was inaugurated. The memorial has name India inscribed with the year 1914 & year 1919 unscribed in Roman script.

Amar jawan Jyoti : - in year 1972 the then prime minister unveiled and inaugurated this war memorial for the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation war of 1971, An inverted rifle with a helmet and a permanent frame against the back drop of black marble platform makes the Amar jawan Jyoti. A never ending flame represents the saga of Indian martyrs On the republic day the prime minister of India and the respective chiefs of the armed forces lay wreaths at the Amar jawan jyoti before they join the republic day parade.

This Indian army looks after the Amar jawan Jyoti and the India gate memorial. Lots of tourists Indian and foreigner arrive at the India gate every day and include this war memorial in Delhi Tour Package.