The new home of Indian democracy signifies an obvious break with the country’s colonial past
a Hindu worship ritual, at the ceremony. He then installed a golden sceptre associated with an ancient Hindu kingdom in the spanking-new parliamentary chamber. He also presided over multi-faith prayers and addressed members of the assembly. But this note of inclusiveness was dulled by the fact that 20 opposition parties boycotted the occasion to protest against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party politicising such a significant public building.
It is not just a replacement for the country’s smaller, rather decrepit British-built parliament building. The new home of Indian democracy reflects in many ways thes idea of Indian nationhood. It signifies an obvious break with the country’s colonial past. The impressive scale of the building, which sits next to its predecessor in central Delhi, also illustrates the Hindu nationalists’ ambition.
The building’s interior, which Mr Modi inaugurated on the birthday of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the foremost architect of his party’s Hindutva ideology, is more contentious. The government says its design represents “Indian culture”, but by that it mostly means Hinduism. The chambers of the parliament’s lower and upper houses are shaped as a peacock and lotus, respectively. These national emblems are also considered auspicious and holy in Hinduism. The lotus features in thes own insignia.
The new building is part of a wider redevelopment of central Delhi, spearheaded by the prime minister’s favourite architect, Bimal Patel. Critics say this grand project is manifestly political. “The government is using architecture as a tool for politics,” says A.G.K. Menon, an architect who has challenged the plan in court. Someideologues agree. The new parliament, wrote one in an op-ed this week, “is part of the holistic efforts of thegovernment to renew nationalist fervour”.
Indians keen to know whether the new parliament building reflects their dreams and aspirations must be patient. For now the building remains closed to the public, with much of its expanse hidden behind a construction fence. But passers-by could be seen this week peering through a gap at the building’s flower-clad entrance—before the police shooed them away.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Succession star Brian Cox's new movie confirms Prime Video release dateAnd it's soon.
Read more »
Finally – UK Workplaces Are Getting New Standards Around PeriodsAbout time, if you ask us.
Read more »
Cleaning fans go wild for the new £1.49 spray from Aldi saying it smells insaneCLEANING fans are scrambling to get their hands on the new multi-purpose cleaning spray from Aldi, saying it smells so good, they could ‘drink it’. So if you’re a cleaning fan and want your home to…
Read more »
New Preston Mayor Yakub Patel makes headlines in IndiaCouncillor Yakub Patel becomes Mayor of Preston The annual installation of a new mayor in Preston rarely makes headlines beyond the city itself. The cere
Read more »
Apple WWDC 2023: what to expect, including iOS 17, new Macs, VR, and moreWWDC 2023 could be one of the most significant for years
Read more »
Una Healy takes fire at ex David Haye in brutal new song about 'throuple'Former The Saturdays singer Una Healy has got her revenge on ex-boyfriend David Haye after breaking her silence on the 'throuple' that she was reported to be a part of
Read more »