Considering the echoes of history within these walls what stories could this building tell? This is the Old Parliament House. Officially it is known as Samvidhan Sadan. It stands as a silent witness to India’s journey. It observed the transition from British rule to a sovereign nation. For 73 years this building housed India’s bicameral parliament. It housed the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker it was constructed between 1921 and 1927. The Old Parliament House first opened its doors in January 1927. It was initially known as the Council House. It served as the seat of the Imperial Legislative Council. After India gained independence the building was taken over. It was used by the Constituent Assembly of India. Later it became the Indian Parliament in 1950.
The foundation stone was laid in February 1921. HRH Prince Arthur the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn did the honors. Sir Bhupendra Nath Mitra invited Lord Irwin to inaugurate the building on January 18 1927. Lord Irwin was then Viceroy of India. The third session of the Central Legislative Assembly convened here on January 19 1927.
Following independence the Old Parliament House became the seat of the Constituent Assembly. This happened from 1947 to 1950. The Constitution of India was created here. Rajendra Prasad presided over this monumental task.
Due to the growing need for space two additional floors were added in 1956. The Parliament Museum opened in 2006. It stands adjacent to the Old Parliament House. It is located in the building of the Parliamentary Library.
The architecture blends classical Western styles with Indian motifs. The building features 144 columns on its exterior. At its heart is the circular Central Chamber. Surrounding it are three semicircular halls. These halls once served different legislative bodies. They are the Chamber of Princes the State Council and the Central Legislative Assembly. Lush gardens surround the Old Parliament House. Sandstone railings mark its perimeter.
In 2012, concerns about the building’s stability arose. Proposals for a new parliament building emerged. The New Parliament House was inaugurated on May 28 2023. It was part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a new name for the Old Parliament House. In September 2023 he suggested Samvidhan Sadan which means Constitution House. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla officially announced the renaming that same day.
In December 2001 the Old Parliament House faced a terror attack. Five terrorists tried to invade the building. They were killed outside. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Old Parliament House now stands ready for its next chapter. It will be converted into a Museum of Democracy. The Old Parliament House is more than just a building. It represents India’s journey. It has witnessed history unfold. Its walls resonate with the voices of leaders thinkers and revolutionaries. It is a place where India’s destiny was shaped. The Old Parliament House now stands as a reminder of the nation’s past. It also embodies the hopes for its future.