About Memorial

About Memorial

History of National War Memorial

The iconic India Gate in Lutyen's Delhi was constructed in 1931 by erstwhile British empire to commemorate the Battle Casualty (Fatal) of India during World War I as well as Third Anglo-Afghan War. It stands tall as a must visit monument for visitors in New Delhi. Out of over 83,000 Indians who laid down their lives, India Gate bears 13,516 names, etched all over the monument.

Amar Jawan Jyoti (AJJ)

An inverted bayonet with a helmet structure along with Amar Jawan Jyoti was installed over night under the Arch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India's victory in India - Pakistan War 1971 and as Nation's tribute to our brave soldiers who laid down their lives. After inception of National War Memorial, the Amar Jawan Jyoti merged with eternal flame of National War Memorial on 21 January 2022. Wreaths have been laid at AJJ ever since by dignitaries at various occasions, including by foreign dignitaries.

Amar Jawan Jyoti (AJJ)

Post Independence Era Battle Casualties

Post India's independence on 15th August 1947, our country has been involved in many conflicts of different magnitudes and participated in innumerable operations both inland and overseas. Our country continues to engage in counter-terrorism operations and proxy war from across the front resulting in number of battle casualties. While a number of area/battle specific memorials are built across the country, but no memorial existed that was all - encompassing.

Post Independence Era Battle Casualties

Decision to Construct National War Memorial

The requirement to construct a National War Memorial had been under consideration since 1961 at the apex level. The consideration acquired momentum in 2014 and after a deliberate process the Union Cabinet on 07 October 2015 approved construction of National War Memorial & Museum (NWM&M) within the National capital's Lutyen's zone. Taking into consideration the existing ceremonial practices at India Gate and AJJ, area East of the India Gate around the Canopy at 'C' Hexagon in New Delhi was found to be the most suited site for the Memorial.

Decision to Construct National War Memorial

Process of Creation

A two stage Global competition to select a suitable design for the Memorial was held in 2016-17. Shri Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab Chennai, won the Global competition for his design and was appointed Project Consultant. Necessary sanctions from statutory besides consultations with urban bodies in Delhi were held and a Detailed Project Report was prepared. M/s NCC Ltd was awarded the contract on 25 January 2018 and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) executed the project on behalf of Ministry of Defence. The monument was dedicated by the Nation to the Armed Forces of India on 25 Feb 2019 by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Process of Creation
Layout of Memorial C-Hexagon

Layout of Memorial C-Hexagon

  • National War Memorial
  • Param Yodhdha Sthal
  • Canopy
  • India Gate
  • Children's Park
  • Conveniences
Explore MapVirtual Tour

Significance

A war memorial is a building, monument, statue or an edifice to celebrate a war or victory or to commemorate those who died or were injured in war. It provides an opportunity to the visitors to develop a conscious connect with the site, with the institution and people in whose memory the structure is built. The memorial attempts to invoke a deep and moving experience and serves as symbol of inspiration for future generations.

Significance. Since-Independence, more than 26,000 soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces have made the supreme sacrifice to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The National War Memorial thus represents the gratitude of a nation to its Armed Forces. The Memorial will help strengthen the sense of belonging, high moral values, sacrifice and national pride in our citizens. It shall stand testimony to the sacrifices made by our soldiers during various conflicts, United Nations Operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations since Independence.

Remarks & Messages

The Lighting Scheme

The lighting plan is sewn into the fabric of the overall design of National War Memorial to highlight the details, materials and colours within the complete landscape. It seamlessly integrates with the architecture so as to provide an immersive and evocative environment, thus enhancing the emotive and visual experience.

The lighting design is the catalyst which transforms the monumental landscape from day to night at sunset. It provides a dynamic scheme creating a visual hierarchy by focusing on points of interest and accentuating different areas using suitable lighting fixtures. The warm white light and the lighting design creates a warm ambience for the visitors.

National War Memorial Aerial View by Night
Raksha Chakra
National War Memorial Veerta Chakra by night
National War Memorial with India Gate in backdrop by night
National War Memorial Aerial View by Night
Raksha Chakra

Lighting Design Layers

Raksha Chakra

The theme reflects solidity and duality. Lights highlight 'Rakshaks'.

Tyag Chakra

The light illuminates inscribed names of the soldiers to highlight supreme sacrifices.

Veerta Chakra

The theme emphasises celebration of bravery and victory.

Amar Chakra

Glow & aura is created around the Obelisk and Eternal Flame as a sign of purity.

Highlights at National War Memorial

Located Due East of India Gate

Located Due East
of India Gate

Amar Chakra with the Obelisk & Eternal Flame

Amar Chakra with the Obelisk & Eternal Flame

Param Yodha Sthal with Sprawling Lawns

Param Yodha Sthal with Sprawling Lawns

Tyag Chakra with 29,760 Granite Tablets

Tyag Chakra with 29,760 Granite Tablets

Raksha Chakra landscaped with Trees

Raksha Chakra landscaped with Trees

Veerta Chakra with six Bronze Murals

Veerta Chakra with six Bronze Murals

Amenities at National War Memorial

  • Gallery
  • Souvenirs (Smarika)
  • Conveniences
  • Public Plazas
  • Public Utilities
  • Urban Corridor
  • Adequate Benches
  • Disabled Friendly
  • Walkways
  • Drinking Water
  • First Aid
  • Help Desk
  • Digital Panels
  • Drop & Pick Up Zones
  • e- Rickshaws
  • Wheel Chairs
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