A colonial architectural rivalry shaped the seat of Indian power

Wars & Conflicts · Published 17 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Secretariat Building was born from a professional feud between two of Britain's most prominent architects. While one sought to create a humble backdrop for the Viceroy’s House, his rival insisted on a structure of equal height, resulting in a symmetrical masterpiece that still defines New Delhi's ceremonial axis.

The construction of the Secretariat Building was a product of the 1911 decision to move the capital of the British Indian Empire to Delhi. The project was led by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who designed the Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan), and his second-in-command, Herbert Baker. While Lutyens planned the overall layout of New Delhi, Baker was specifically tasked with designing the Secretariat on Raisina Hill—the only other building permitted to stand there. A significant architectural tension emerged during construction: Baker wanted the Secretariat to be the same height as the Viceroy’s House, while Lutyens preferred it to be lower so as not to obstruct the view from India Gate. Ultimately, Baker's vision prevailed.

This design choice meant that from a distance, only the top of the Viceroy's dome is visible, rather than the full structure. The buildings were constructed between 1912 and 1929 using cream and red Dholpur sandstone from Rajasthan. The architecture is a blend of Indo-Saracenic Revival styles, incorporating Mughal and Rajasthani motifs like jali (perforated screens) and chatris (dome-shaped pavilions). Interestingly, the design bears a striking resemblance to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, which Baker designed between 1910 and 1913. The similarities include the two-wing structure and colonnaded balconies, though the color schemes were reversed: the Secretariat uses red sandstone only on its ground floor base.

Today, these buildings serve as the nerve center for the Indian government. The Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and Prime Minister's Office are situated within the South Block; conversely, the Home Ministry and Ministry of Finance occupy most of the North Block. To facilitate the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, authorities are relocating departments into Kartavya Bhavan and Seva Teerth, aiming to transform the old Secretariat blocks into a national museum by 2025–2026.

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