Parliament House, Delhi

Parliament House is an important venue for world's largest democracy events. Security guards protects the building round the clock. Here, official bills are passed and foreign relation are discussed by Ministry of External Affairs. It is located on the northwest direction of Vijay Chowk and is in close proximity to the Secretariat buildings at the end of Parliament Street in Central Delhi.


History of Parliament House
The history of Parliament House in India dates back to the reign of British government in the country. The construction of the building was initiated by the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was inaugurated in a few years later in 1927. The entire complex was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and was popular as the circular house. It was planned to be a part of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, but following the 'Montaque-Chelmsford reforms in 1919 the building was tagged as the Indian Parliament.

Architectural Chambers in Parliament House
The colossal buildings is one of its kind in the entire world. It comprises of three semicircular chambers for the legislatures and a central library, that has been designed by a 27.4 m high dome. The whole circle measures about 173 m in diameter. A total of 247 pillars support the roof of the outer circle. A common verandah with 144 columns encircle the three chambers.

The circular chambers were sectioned for the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Today, they have been converted into chambers of Rajya Sabha, Lokh Sabha, Chairmans, Speaker, rooms of Secretary -General and Ministers'.



Other corners of attractions in Parliament House are-

• A First Aid Post(between the Central Hall and the Rajya Sabha)
• Telephone booths in lobby
• Common lounges for members
• Party offices & Committee Rooms
• Members' Waiting Hall
• Press Rooms
• Parliament Library etc.

A subsidiary building to Parliament House consists of the following:

• Basement: Medical Centre, Post Office & Telecom Centre
• Ground Floor: Committee Rooms, State Bank of India, Banquet Hall & Auditorium
• 1st Floor: Private Dining Room & Income Tax Cell
• 2nd Floor: Pay & Accounts Office, Members' Amenities Section, Questions Branch & Computer Cell
• 3rd Floor: Room for Liaison Office (NDMC)
• 4th Floor: Room for Liaison Officer (Telephones)
• 6th Floor: Accommodation & Rent Branch

Noble Inscriptions in Parliament House:
The big wall of Parliament House is inscribed with inspirational words and passages, that arrest the attention of visitors. A number of Sanskrit quotes dot the nook and corner of the Bhawan. On entering the House one will find Sanskrit terms inscribed on Gate No 1. Words crafted across the arc-shaped outer Lobby of the Lok Sabha and just opposite to the Central Hall demands closest attention.

Keen observers can find Arabic quotations inscribed at the dome over the passage to the Central Hall. The part of dome near Lift No. 1 glitters with golden colored letters taken from Mahabarata. Also, the dome close to Lift No. 5 carries the Persian quotation, which says,

“This lofty emerald like building bears the inscription in gold,
Nothing shall last except the good deeds of the bountiful.”
How to reach:
Parliament House is located in Central Delhi. Local buses, pre-paid taxis and auto-rickshaws can be availed from different points within the city. The only requirement lies in collecting a letter of introduction from embassy and receiving official permit from the reception office on Raisina Road.