Secretariat Building, Government building in New Delhi, India
Description
The Secretariat Building consists of two symmetrical wings made from cream and red Dholpur sandstone, featuring domes, colonnaded balconies, and detailed stone screens. The two blocks face each other and form an architectural pair along Raisina Hill, housing several important ministries.
History
Herbert Baker designed this complex in 1927 during British rule as part of the new capital on Raisina Hill. After independence in 1947, the Indian government took over the building and continues to use it for central administrative purposes.
Culture
The name Secretariat reflects its function as the home of India's central ministries after independence, while the architecture combines Mughal elements with regional Rajasthan details. Today thousands of civil servants work inside both wings, though visitors can observe the domes and stone screens from the outside.
Practical
The Central Secretariat metro station provides direct access to the complex, which houses several key ministries including Defense, Finance, and External Affairs. The building is an active government site and access inside is restricted, but the exterior can be viewed from the surrounding streets and gardens.
Did you know?
Four dominion columns stand in front of the building, representing contributions from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa during the British colonial period. These columns commemorate the shared funding of the new capital complex by the Commonwealth.
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