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¤ The Attraction of Cenotaphs
Facing the elephantine arch of India Gate is a classical version of
the chhattri or cenotaph so dear to Hindu kings and the sure symbol of
regality in India. Lutyens perhaps designed it as a token gesture to
keep the King who wanted oriental features happy. But chances are he
would still have preferred to describe it as an open cupola or a
baldachino.
¤ The Construction
Made of cream and pink stone, it is set in a rectangular pool with
fountains and once contained an excellent marble statue of King George
V by C.S. Jagger. However thanks to Indian politicians, who frequently
break out into a rash of wanting to undo history or more aptly its
reminders, the statue was dispatched to Delhi’s junkyard of
history – the Coronation Memorial Park beyond Kingsway camp.
The canopy of course stands unmolested and is decorated with
allegorical sculpture and symbols of kingship. The nautilus shells
symbolize Britain’s maritime prowess – Britain was, after
all, at one time the undisputed queen of the seas. The canopy is a
pleasant counterpoint to the bulk of India Gate and you can frequently
spot pigeons perching on it.
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