The Government of India has announced a significant decision to replace the statue of Edwin Lutyens, the British architect who designed New Delhi’s presidential palace, with that of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), a prominent Indian freedom fighter and statesman.
This change was officially inaugurated on 23 February 2026, during the ‘Rajaji Utsav’, where President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust of Rajagopalachari near the Grand Open Staircase of Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the colonial-era figure of Lutyens.
The move is positioned as part of India’s wider post‑colonial narrative, reflecting efforts to remove symbols of the British colonial period and replace them with national icons who contributed to India’s freedom struggle and democratic governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the replacement underscores a broader initiative of mental decolonisation and reclaiming national spaces for Indian leaders whose legacy resonates with the values of independent India.
Edwin Lutyens, a British architect appointed in 1912, is best known for designing several key elements of New Delhi’s imperial core, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block and South Block, India Gate, and much of what is referred to as “Lutyens’ Delhi.”
His architectural legacy remains a defining element of India’s capital, yet the decision to remove his statue from the presidential palace symbolizes a shift in how India chooses to present its historical narrative in public spaces — prioritizing indigenous leadership over colonial legacy.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was a lawyer, freedom fighter, close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, and the first and only Indian Governor‑General of independent India (1948–1950).
He also served as Home Minister in the first cabinet of independent India and founded the Swatantra Party in 1957. Rajaji is remembered for his administrative discipline, intellectual independence, and commitment to democratic principles — making him a significant figure in India’s political history.
The unveiling of Rajaji’s statue was part of an event called Rajaji Utsav, celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 23, 2026. The event included exhibitions on Rajagopalachari’s life and legacy, running until March 1.
This celebration aimed to educate the public and build awareness about Rajaji’s contributions to India’s freedom movement and democratic development.
According to government statements, the replacement is seen as “shedding colonial symbols” and strengthening national identity and pride. Senior leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighted the importance of honouring Indian stalwarts whose ideals continue to inspire future generations.
However, the shift has sparked debates. For example, relatives of Lutyens have expressed disappointment over the removal of his bust — noting that the architect’s historical and architectural contributions remain significant.
This news holds high significance in current affairs as it encapsulates the debate on colonial legacy versus indigenous recognition — a theme frequently explored in government exams under Modern Indian History, Ethics, Governance, and Nation‑building.
The replacement of a colonial figure with a freedom fighter at the highest constitutional residence of India reflects the ongoing redefinition of national symbols and heritage within the public sphere, connected with post‑colonial theory, historical representation, and cultural policy.
Competitive exams like UPSC, PCS, SSC, and Banking frequently ask aspirants to analyze government decisions in socio‑political context. The move signifies a policy stance on national memory and cultural reforms that align with India’s vision of self‑confidence and democratic values.
Understanding these dynamics helps aspirants frame answers on national heritage management, public discourse on history, and ideological motivations behind state actions.
Knowledge about C. Rajagopalachari — his contributions, roles in Indian politics, and leadership importance — is vital for questions in history and polity. Additionally, recognizing figures like Edwin Lutyens helps contextualize colonial impact on Indian public institutions and architecture.
Therefore, this current affair ties directly into syllabus areas like Modern Indian History, Post‑colonial Studies, and Governance & Society — making it highly relevant for exam preparation.
During British rule in India, significant architectural projects were commissioned to establish New Delhi as the imperial capital. Sir Edwin Lutyens was entrusted with this monumental task, creating iconic structures such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and other government buildings, which became symbols of British authority. The central area of New Delhi came to be known as Lutyens’ Delhi, reflecting his lasting architectural imprint on the city.
Following India’s independence in 1947, Rashtrapati Bhavan remained the official residence of India’s head of state. Over time, India began reassessing symbols of colonial rule, balancing historical preservation with national identity.
In recent years, there has been an increasing push towards decolonisation of public spaces — removing or contextualizing colonial monuments while promoting figures from the freedom movement and national history. This trend resonates with global movements advocating for reframing historical narratives to prioritize indigenous contributions.
Replacing Lutyens’ statue with Rajaji’s bust in the presidential residence reflects this broader historical shift — a symbolic reaffirmation of India’s sovereignty and independent cultural identity.
Answer: The statue of Edwin Lutyens is being replaced by a bust of C. Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India.
Answer: It was unveiled on 23 February 2026 during the Rajaji Utsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Answer: The replacement symbolizes decolonisation of public spaces and honors Indian leaders who contributed to India’s freedom struggle and democratic governance.
Answer: The bust was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of top officials and political leaders.
Answer: C. Rajagopalachari was a freedom fighter, lawyer, Governor-General of India, Home Minister, founder of the Swatantra Party, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer: Edwin Lutyens was a British architect who designed Rashtrapati Bhavan, North & South Blocks, India Gate, and much of Lutyens’ Delhi.
Answer: Rajaji Utsav is a celebration organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan to honor the legacy of C. Rajagopalachari, including exhibitions and public awareness events.
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