British Viceroy’s House, Now Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi,1931 Photo
This 1931 photograph captures a rare moment, the British Union Jack flying proudly over the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi. It is now known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan. At the time, the grand building was referred to as the Viceroy’s House, Viceregal Lodge, or Government House. It became the official residence of the President of India after independence.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in collaboration with Herbert Baker. The Viceroy’s House was the crown jewel of the newly built capital city of New Delhi. Spread across 330 acres, with the residence itself occupying 5 acres, it stood as the most imposing edifice of British India.
The decision to shift India’s capital from Calcutta (Kolkata) to Delhi was announced by King George V during the 1911 Delhi Durbar. Construction of the new imperial capital began soon after, with the foundation stone laid by the King. By 1931, the city was completed. Showcasing wide boulevards, monumental government buildings, and the iconic Viceroy’s House with its massive central dome.
This historic 1931 photo highlights the grandeur of the newly completed Viceroy’s House with the British flag flying regally atop its dome—a reminder of Delhi’s colonial past and the architectural vision that shaped modern New Delhi. Click photo to enlarge.
Did you know – the central dome is twice the height of the building.
From the collection – Drawing Hiding The Taj Mahal WW2., New Market British Era Kolkata, Old Postcard 1916., View From The Madras Pier – Old Print 1880., Princely State of Cochin And Harbour – Old Map 1833.
