Raisina Hill, Government hill in New Delhi, India
Raisina Hill is an elevated area in New Delhi where the main government buildings of India stand. The hill rises about 15 meters above the surrounding plain and forms the base for administrative structures arranged on either side of a straight axis.
British authorities began building the government complex on the hill around 1911 after the capital moved from Calcutta to this location. The plans placed the Viceroy's House on the highest point, which later became the residence of the Indian President.
The site takes its name from a demolished village and now gathers ceremonial structures around the presidential residence. The complex serves as a backdrop for official events and is crossed by wide avenues that open for state guests on ceremonial days.
Access to the hill is limited because of the government offices, but visitors can walk along the broad avenues and view the buildings from the outside. The area is best visited in the morning or evening when the light falls favorably on the facades.
The gradient of the approach to the summit was chosen deliberately so that an ascending train or carriage reveals the facade of the residence step by step. The rising perspective creates a theatrical impression that underlines the importance of the buildings.
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