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There are many war memorials in India that remind us to be thankful to our brave soldiers. The sacrifices of our Army is supreme. Every year some brave heroes lay down their life for the country. So, let’s have a look at the Top 10 War Memorials of India.
India Gate
India Gate was built in remembrance of 70000 British Indian Army soldiers who died during World War I between 1914 and 1921. It is a 42m high standing gate on the Rajpath in Delhi. The names of the martyrs are engraved on the arched stone. Edwin Lutyens designed it in 1931, a prominent designer of the war memorial. As a mark of respect, an inverted rifle with a helmet is placed under the arch. Amar Jawan Jyoti is an eternal flame that burns in a black marble plinth. Its beauty and architectural prowess attract tourists across the world.
Tawang War Memorial
The monument was built in Arunachal Pradesh as a tribute to war heroes who fought the Sino-India war in 1962. The height of this large stupa-shaped structure is 40 feet. It is also known as Namgyal Chorten. It is located on the opposite side of Twang-Chu valley. it was visited by Dalai Lama in 1997. The multi-coloured building has names of 2420 martyrs, carved out on granite plates. It also has a museum of images, maps, and artefacts depicting the brave story of our soldiers. The light show is also organized for visitors.
National War Memorial, Southern Command
The museum is spread over 25 feet of land in Pune Cantonment. It was constructed in 1997 using the War Memorial Fund raised by the Express Citizen Forum of Pune. The uniforms, weapons, and personal souvenirs of the soldiers are preserved in the museum. MIG 23 BN Jet Fighter of Kargil war is also placed there which draws the attention of the visitors. A model of INS Trishul used during the liberation of Goa and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 is also there.
Victory War Memorial, Chennai
This war memorial is located in Chennai was originally built to mark the victory of allied armies in World War 1. It is located at the beginning of the Marina beach. Earlier known as Cupid’s bow, the name was replaced by Victory War Memorial after World War 2 to pay respect to the soldiers of Madras presidency. The names of soldiers from 1948 Kashmir aggression, the 1962 Sino-India War, and the Indo-Pakistan War is also inscribed there.
Balidan Stambh, Jammu
Indian Army built this war memorial in memory of Fighters of war against China & Pakistan. Balidan Stamb lies at Bahuwali Rakh, near Bahu Fort. A 60 m high pillar in the form of ‘Bayoneted Rifle’ signifies our brave soldiers. The inscription wall placed there is decorated with the paintings of some Param Veer Chakra and Ashok Chakra recipients. The sight feels a sense of pride and belongingness in Indian people.
Kargil Memorial, Drass
Indian history is incomplete without the mention of the Kargil War. A memorial dedicated to martyrs of the Kargil War is situated in Drass. This historic tribute made with pink sandstone is the epitome of courage and sacrifice. The cemetery and the war museum express our gratitude to the soldiers and their families. If you are going to the Leh Ladakh sector of Jammu and Kashmir, a tour of the Kargil War Memorial is the best thing you could do.
IMA War Memorial, Dehradun
The war memorial is located within the Indian Military Academy. It was inaugurated in 1999 to pay tribute to those fearless fighters of the Indian Army who dedicated their lives while fighting for the country. Names of many officers from the academy who have lost their lives are also engraved here. The memorial has a bronze sculpture of a Gentleman Cadet carrying a sword.
Chandigarh War Memorial
The Chandigarh War Memorial is located in the Bougainvillea Garden of Chandigarh. It is India’s largest martyr’s site. It was inaugurated on August 17, 2006, by the former president Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam. Total 8459 martyr names are engraved here since 1947.
Darjeeling War Memorial
This war memorial is located in the middle of Bastia Loop garden, Darjeeling. The War Memorial stands in remembrance of the Gurkha martyrs and 76 brave heroes of Darjeeling who sacrificed their lives for the nation. One can enjoy the sight while the popular Darjeeling Toy Train passes through this place on a circular path. Apart from the panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and snowy hills, it also provides an amazing shopping experience.
EME War Memorial, Bhopal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 62-feet high Shaurya Stambh on 14 October 2016. It is located at Arera Hills, Bhopal, and covers over a large area of about 12 acres. It is the first memorial in India that has a light and sound facility to depict legendary stories of brave fighters who lost their lives during the war.
This war memorial also displays some ancient warriors like Maharana Pratap and Tipu Sultan. The galleries depict the unique handicraft and paintings of war heroes and demonstrate different arms. It also exhibited the replicas of several warships, submarines, and aircraft. The central attraction of the museum is that it enables the visitants to undergo the cold of Siachen Glacier and get the experience of Siachen war zones.
All the above-stated war memorials are remarkable war memorials sites that hold the history and sacrifice of our Indian Army.
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