National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak)

January 27, 2024

GS Paper I Art and Culture

Context:

On the Occasion of 75th Republic Day, the PM, all three military chiefs placed a wreath on the Amar jawan Jyoti situated at the Amar Chakra of the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

About National War Memorial

It is a national monument built to honour & remember soldiers of the Indian military who laid their supreme sacrifice in military conflicts with: Pakistan & China, as well as the 1961 war of Goa, operation Pawan and other operations Rakshak, their names are inscribed in golden script on the monument walls.
Unveiled on : 25th February 2019
Layout : C-hexagon
Main Architect : Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab.

History of Amar Jawan Jyoti

It was conceived & built to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. The then PM Indira Gandhi had inaugurated it on Republic Day 1972.
Earlier eternal flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti underneath India Gate, now it is united with newer ones at National War Memorial.
The India Gate memorial was built by the British government in memory of the British Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives between 1914-1921.

Features of National War Memorial

Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality):
- The Eternal Flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti): It symbolises the immortality of fallen soldiers with the assurance that the nation will never forget their sacrifices.
Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery): It signifies the bravery of Indian soldiers in the form of a covered gallery with six bronze paintings representing courageous fighting acts of the Indian Armed Forces.
Tyag Chakra (Sacrifice Circle): The honour walls are circular concentric walls that represent the ancient war formation ‘Chakravyuh.’
Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection): It provides comfort to the residents of the country regarding their safety against any danger, with each tree symbolising the troops who ensure the Nation’s territorial integrity around the clock.

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News Source: PIB

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