Significant Shift in India's Colonial Legacy: Edwin Lutyens' Statue Relocated

India is taking significant steps towards decolonization, marked by the removal of Edwin Lutyens' statue from the President's House and the installation of a statue honoring C. Rajagopalachari. This article delves into the historical context of these events, exploring Rajagopalachari's pivotal role in India's independence movement and his close association with Mahatma Gandhi. The narrative highlights the ongoing struggle against colonial remnants in modern India and the importance of recognizing national heroes. Discover how these changes reflect a broader movement towards reclaiming India's identity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 16:22 IST

A Step Towards Decolonization

Although India's independence in 1947 may seem like a distant memory, numerous symbols of colonial mentality still persist today. On February 24, 2026, a significant move was made to overcome this mindset with the removal of the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens from the President's House, where it had stood for nearly 79 years. The inscription beneath the statue read 'Edwin Lutyens, Architect of this House.' The statue will now be relocated to Coronation Park near Burari, which has become a sort of 'graveyard' for British-era memories, housing statues of figures like King George V, Lord Hardinge, Lord Chelmsford, and Lord Willingdon. Lutyens' statue was installed in April 1947, shortly after Lord Mountbatten took office as the last Viceroy of India.

Statue of C. Rajagopalachari Unveiled

In conjunction with the 'Rajaji Utsav,' a statue of C. Rajagopalachari has been erected in the Central Courtyard of the President's House. An exhibition celebrating his life will also take place from February 24 to March 1. This initiative is a crucial step towards decolonization. Interestingly, Lutyens moved into a bungalow at 10 Hastings Road (now Rajaji Marg) around 1917, which was also home to India's first Governor-General, C. Rajagopalachari. Consequently, the road in front of this bungalow was named Rajaji Marg.

Who Was Rajagopalachari?

C. Rajagopalachari, often referred to as Rajaji, is remembered for several significant contributions. He was not only the first and last Indian Governor-General of independent India but also a remarkable leader, an exceptional lawyer, and a prominent figure in the Hindi movement. Born in a small village near Madras, his father was Lalit Chakravarti. After completing his primary education, he graduated from Central College in Bangalore in 1894 and later studied law at the Presidency College in Madras. He married in 1897.

Influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Rajagopalachari

At the age of 28, Rajagopalachari joined the Indian National Congress, influenced by Gandhi's movements against untouchability and for Hindu-Muslim unity. He became an active participant in the freedom struggle and was a follower of Gandhi. In 1930, during Gandhi's Dandi March, he broke the salt law in Nagapattinam, which led to his imprisonment. He vehemently opposed the ban on Dalits entering temples, which eventually led to their inclusion. His commitment to Gandhi's non-cooperation movement was so profound that he relinquished his lucrative legal practice and adopted khadi, becoming the first lawyer in Salem, Tamil Nadu, to own a car.

Rajagopalachari's Political Journey

In 1937, the Congress party won the provincial assembly elections in Madras, which included much of present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Rajagopalachari was appointed as the Premier of Madras. However, his attempts to promote Hindi in the region faced violent opposition. He famously stated in an article for the Tamil magazine Sudesh Mitra that learning Hindi was essential for gaining respect in South India. Despite facing challenges, he continued to advocate for the language.

A Close Relationship with Gandhi

Rajagopalachari was considered a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Their relationship was so strong that Gandhi often sought Rajaji's advice on serious matters. The bond deepened to the extent that Rajagopalachari sent his daughter to live at Gandhi's ashram. While at the ashram, a romance blossomed between his daughter Lakshmi and Gandhi's younger son Devdas, leading to their marriage and making Rajagopalachari and Gandhi in-laws.

Differences with Nehru

From 1952 to 1954, Rajagopalachari served again as the Chief Minister of Madras, during which he made Hindi compulsory in secondary education. However, this initiative faced strong opposition from Tamil nationalists and remained largely unimplemented. Over time, Rajagopalachari grew increasingly discontent with Nehru's economic policies and the changing dynamics within the Congress party. His disagreements with Nehru intensified, leading to a split within the party, as seen with the departure of former Congress president Acharya J.B. Kripalani in 1951. In a seminar in 1957, Rajagopalachari emphasized the need for a strong opposition in democracy, likening a one-sided government to a donkey burdened with weight on one side. The Swatantra Party, which he founded, contested its first Lok Sabha elections in 1962, winning 18 seats and establishing itself as a significant opposition force.