5,000 works of art for new Parliament building, highlighting 5,000 years of Indian civilisation

Besides these, the new building’s six entrances exhibit “guardian statues showing auspicious animals”, sources added. These “auspicious animals” have been chosen based on their importance in Indian culture, vaastu shastra and traits such as wisdom, victory, power and success. “Each animal chosen to be installed in the building possesses a set of affirmations, spreading well-being and harmony,” said the source.

Design of the new Parliament building. The new building has been built adjacent to the existing Parliament House. (Photo credit: centralvista.gov.in)

Guarding the ceremonial entrance to the north is the gaja (elephant), which represents wisdom, wealth, intellect and memory. According to vaastu shastra, the northern direction is associated with Mercury, which is the source of higher intellect. Standing alert and ready at the southern entrance is the ashva (horse), which is symbolic of endurance, strength, power and speed — describing the quality of governance. Soaring at the eastern entrance is the garuda (eagle), which symbolises the aspirations of the people. In vaastu shastra, the east is associated with the rising sun, representing victory.

The north-eastern entrance has hamsa (swan), which represents discernment and wisdom. The remaining entrances showcase the makara (a mythical aquatic creature that is a combination of the body parts of different animals), which represents unity in diversity, and the shardula (a mythical animal that is said to be the most powerful of all living beings), which symbolises the power of the people of the country.

Rajya Sabha Hall in the New Parliament. The interior of the Upper House is Lotus themed. (Photo Credit: centralvista.gov.in)

The new building, which is likely to be inaugurated soon, will also have six granite statues devoted to personalities involved in the freedom struggle and making of the Constitution, four galleries each for the two Houses, three ceremonial foyers, as many India galleries and one Constitution gallery.

Stating that no artwork from a repository has been used, sources said all works of art that will adorn the walls of the new building have been commissioned afresh. They added that over a thousand artisans and artists have been involved in this process. Efforts were made to involve indigenous and grassroots artists from across the country, said a source privy to the proceedings, since the parliament is supposed to belong to the people of the country and represent their aspirations. The artworks will depict Indian ethos and identity, related to both the civilisation and culture, the official added.

The new Lok Sabha chamber, with 888 setas, has peacock-themed interiors.
(Photo: centralvista.gov.in)

Inside the building, each wall will have a theme reflecting a certain aspect, such as contributions by tribal and women leaders. Stating that the underlying narrative was to highlight “5,000 years of Indian civilisation”, an official said there will be adequate focus on Indian knowledge traditions, the Bhakti tradition, Indian scientific traditions as well as monuments.

An official vision document entailing the objectives of artwork at the upcoming building, that was reviewed by The Indian Express, states: “The artworks and its installation represent sanatan parampara that continued over thousands of years. Along with that, the overall theme is designed keeping in mind the study of vaastu shastra and maintaining the character of the building.”

Blueprint of the new Parliament building. (Photo credit: centralvista.gov.in)

While sanatan parampara broadly refers to Hindu culture, which is believed to have been in continuity for centuries, vaastu shastra is the traditional Indian system of architecture based on ancient texts that describe principles of design, layout, measurements, space arrangement and spatial geometry.

A commitee room in the new Parliament building. As per MoHUA’s Central Vista website, the new Parliament will have extensive use of wooden structure. (Photo credit: centralvista.gov.in)

Since the parliament building is not a public gallery or museum, another source added, there is no scope for immersive art or high technology here. However, digital displays will be used at some places. To plan the interiors of the new building, the Culture Ministry has formed various committees comprising academics, historians, artists, archaeologists, and officials from the Culture and Urban Development Ministries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last year unveiled a cast of the National Emblem on the building’s roof. The 6.5-metre-high National Emblem is made of bronze and weighs 9,500 kg. Bimal Patel of HCP Design, Ahmedabad, is the architect in charge of the building, which is triangular in shape and incorporates architecture styles from across India. The building will have an open-sky area of 2,000 sq metre for a banyan tree.

Sansad Bhavan. (Photo credit: centralvista.gov.in)

Being built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore, the building is part of the Central Vista Project, which also includes a joint Central Secretariat, revamp of the Rajpath, a new Prime Minister’s residence, a new Prime Minister’s Office, and a new Vice-President’s enclave.