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C Rajagopalachari will replace architect Lutyens' statue in Rashtrapati Bhavan: PM

Essential brief

The statue of architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by a statue of C Rajagopalachari, as announced by the Prime Minister. This

Key facts

The statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by C Rajagopalachari's statue.

C Rajagopalachari was an Indian independence activist and the last Governor-General of India.

The change reflects a move to honor Indian leaders over colonial figures in national monuments.

This decision is part of wider efforts to update public symbols to better represent India's post-independence identity.

Highlights

Prime Minister announced the replacement of Lutyens' statue with Rajagopalachari's at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Edwin Lutyens designed Rashtrapati Bhavan during British colonial rule.

C Rajagopalachari was a prominent Indian statesman and independence activist.

The replacement symbolizes a shift in commemorating historical figures in India.

No specific timeline for the statue replacement has been provided yet.

Why it matters

Replacing Lutyens' statue with that of C Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan signifies a shift in India's approach to commemorating its colonial history and honoring Indian leaders. This change reflects broader efforts to assert national identity and recognize contributions of Indian figures in public monuments. It also influences how history is publicly remembered and interpreted in India.

The Prime Minister has announced that the statue of Edwin Lutyens, the British architect who designed Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be replaced by a statue of C Rajagopalachari. Rajagopalachari was an Indian statesman, independence activist, and the last Governor-General of India. This decision marks a significant change in the representation of historical figures at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.

Edwin Lutyens played a key role in designing New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, during the British colonial period. Replacing his statue with that of an Indian leader symbolizes a move towards honoring Indian contributions and leadership in the nation's history. C Rajagopalachari's legacy includes his role in India's independence movement and his service in various political capacities.

The replacement is part of broader efforts to revisit and update public monuments and symbols to better reflect India's post-independence identity. This change is expected to be implemented in the near future, although specific timelines have not been detailed.

This development has sparked discussions about how India commemorates its colonial past and the figures it chooses to honor in prominent public spaces. It highlights ongoing debates about national identity and historical memory in India.