Raisina Hill: What Existed Before Rashtrapati Bhavan And Who Owned The Land?

News18

22-04-2025

Raisina Hill, once a village, became Rashtrapati Bhavan's site after the British moved the national capital to Delhi in 1911.
Long before the stately domes and manicured gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan began to dominate the skyline of New Delhi, the land it stands on had a much humbler identity. Known then as Raisina Hill, it was little more than a modest village where about 300 families led simple lives, relying on agriculture and cattle rearing. But the tide of history was about to sweep through this quiet enclave in a way no one could have imagined.
The transformation began in 1911 when the British Empire, during the Delhi Durbar of that year, declared that the national capital would be shifted from Kolkata to Delhi. This strategic move was rooted in both historical resonance and geographical convenience. In the aftermath of that decision, Raisina Hill was chosen as the epicentre of the new capital. Its elevated terrain made it a prime candidate for housing the most important buildings of the British Raj, including what was then envisioned as the residence of the Viceroy.
The land, however, was not empty. A report from DNA suggests that prior to the British taking ownership of the land, the area was under the ownership of Jaipur's Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh who, at that time, gifted the Jaipur Column, a towering structure in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan which stands as a tribute to the royal association.
However, in recent years, some people have came forward claiming that they are the original owners of Lutyens' Delhi, which includes the land where the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament, North Block, and South Block are located.
As reported by The New Indian Express, residents of the erstwhile Malcha village, now known as Raisina Hill, have accused the Centre of failing to provide compensation for ancestral land appropriated nearly 103 years ago. According to a few reports, the British government, in 1912, had acquired about 1,700 acres of the land from farmers residing in 150 villages. Some of the descendants of those farmers, now relocated in Haryana, are asking for compensation for the acquired land at the current market rate.
As per a petition filed at the Delhi High Court, the petitioners, Sajjan Singh and Kadam Singh, claimed lineage to original residents of Malcha village and currently reside in Sonepat, Haryana. Their plea challenged what they call an unjust land grab executed under the Land Acquisition Act of 1894.
Construction of the grand Viceroy's House, renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan after independence, began in 1912 and took 17 long years to complete, wrapping up in 1929. It was a massive undertaking in every sense. Originally expected to be finished in four years, the project ballooned in both time and cost, eventually consuming over Rs 1.38 crore.
Two architects, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, were entrusted with the design. Lutyens in particular left a lasting mark on the city; the surrounding area, known today as Lutyens' Delhi, still bears his name and architectural legacy. A blend of Indian motifs and Western classical styles, the building is a harmonious fusion of domes, columns, and intricate carvings, a testament to imperial ambition and architectural grandeur.
The construction process itself was a monumental feat. Raisina Hill had to be flattened significantly to accommodate the sprawling structure. This meant extensive use of explosives and the transportation of massive quantities of soil and stone. A special railway line was laid to facilitate the movement of heavy building materials, including sandstone and marble sourced from Rajasthan and other parts of the country.
Rashtrapati Bhavan today boasts 340 rooms, including the majestic Durbar Hall and sprawling Mughal Gardens that draw thousands of visitors annually. Yet, beneath its polished floors and gilded ceilings lies a story of displacement, royal patronage, colonial ambition, and architectural marvel, a story rooted in a once-quiet hill that rose to become the most powerful address in the country.
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