A New House, Again in Red Sandstone
Context:
In order to maintain continuity, the new triangular Parliament House, which was constructed to accommodate the three-sided block of ground on which it stands, confronts the previous circular building. 
Points to Ponder:
- Construction Design:
-
-
- To accommodate the three-sided block of land it occupies, the new Parliament House is shaped like a triangle.
- For visual consistency, the new triangular Parliament House and the previous circular one are both covered in red sandstone.
- The new four-story construction includes gold-embedded lights in the ceilings, whereas the old building’s 1927 opening had timber panelling and high ceilings.
- The new structure has a golden spire on its flat roof that is reminiscent of those in temples and gurdwaras.
- The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) has lotus themes throughout, whereas the Lok Sabha (Lower House) has peacock feather decorations.
- The new Parliament House maintains the custom of using green for the Lower House and red for the Upper House in terms of wall cladding, carpeting, and upholstery.
-
- Modifications to Functionality:
-
-
- A central hall used for joint parliamentary sessions does not exist in the new Parliament House, unlike the previous one.
- Instead, there are three cafes meant to act as a neutral space and an open-to-the-sky patio.
- 22 political parties have decided to boycott the inauguration because of the dispute surrounding the central hall’s absence.
-
- Capacity for Seating:
-
-
- During combined sessions of Parliament, the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament House can accommodate 1,272 more people.
- There are 384 seats available in the Rajya Sabha.
- The size of both chambers has increased by about three times compared to the previous Parliament.
-
- Background History and Controversy:
-
-
- Herbert Baker, a British architect, originally intended the ancient Parliament House to be a triangular structure with interior chambers of various shapes.
- Because 22 political parties abstained from the inauguration, there has been controversy around the new Parliament House.
- The aesthetics and practicality of the ancient Parliament House were sacrificed in the past in order to accommodate more MPs.
-
- Interior Design:
-
-
- The new Parliament House has a biometric digital voting console and a smart screen for document access at each member’s seat.
- Due to the elevated elevation of the Chairperson and Speaker’s chairs, it is challenging for opposition members to hold placards.
- A wooden barricade has been installed around the reporters’ table, where important administrators of Parliament normally sit.
-
- Sourcing of Materials:
-
-
- Various states in India contributed materials to the construction of the new Parliament House.
- Teakwood was sourced from Maharashtra, sandstone from Rajasthan, carpets from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, and bamboo flooring from Tripura.
-
- Concerns about Fittings:
-
- An electrician who worked on the new Parliament House raised concerns that some fittings in the building were made in China.
- This raised questions about the inconsistency between politicians’ statements against Chinese-made goods and the presence of such fittings in the new Parliament House.
