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Source — Source: HT ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-02-23 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire, CA, Quick Facts For Prelims ///Source — Source: HT ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-02-23 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire, CA, Quick Facts For Prelims ///

Source: HT · GS Paper 1

Rajagopalachari Statue to Replace Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Prime Minister announced that the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by that of C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor‑General. This move underscores the re‑evaluation of colonial symbols and highlights Rajaji’s multifaceted role in India’s freedom struggle, governance and economic thought.

2026-02-23

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Source: HT

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Key Facts and Data Points

Date of announcement: 23 February 2026
Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
Statues involved: Edwin Lutyens (British architect) → C. Rajagopalachari (first Indian Governor‑General)
Rajaji’s birth: 10 December 1878, Salem, Madras Province
Major positions held: Governor‑General of India (1948‑52), Governor of West Bengal, Union Home Minister, Chief Minister of Madras, Founder of Swatantra Party
Awards: Bharat Ratna (1954), Sahitya Akademi Award (1958)

Background and Context

Edwin Lutyens (1869‑1944) designed Rashtrapati Bhavan, North & South Blocks, India Gate; his work gave rise to the term Lutyens’ Delhi.
C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) was a freedom fighter, senior Congress leader, and the first and last Indian Governor‑General after independence.
The decision to replace the statue reflects a broader governmental trend to de‑colonise public spaces and honour Indian leaders who shaped the nation’s constitutional and economic framework.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Symbolic Re‑orientation: Replacing a colonial architect’s statue with that of an Indian statesman signals a shift in national narrative towards indigenous leadership.
Historical Recognition: Highlights Rajaji’s contributions – from the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha to the C.R. Formula (1944) aimed at resolving the INC‑Muslim League deadlock, and his role in early Five‑Year Plans.
Policy Legacy: Rajaji’s advocacy for market‑oriented economics through the Swatantra Party provides a historical reference point for contemporary debates on liberalisation vs. state‑led development.
Cultural Heritage: The act may set a precedent for reviewing other colonial monuments, influencing future heritage conservation policies.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 51A (d) of the Constitution: Duty to develop scientific temper, humanism, and respect for heritage – can be interpreted to support re‑evaluation of colonial symbols.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: Governs preservation of historic monuments; any alteration (including statue replacement) requires compliance with heritage regulations.

References

C. Rajagopalachari – Biography and contributions
Edwin Lutyens – Architectural legacy in New Delhi
Government press release, 23 Feb 2026