Where is India House located in London?
India House is located on Aldwych in central London, between Bush House, Marconi House (now Citibank), and Australia House. It faces the London School of Economics and King's College London.
Questions about India House, London
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was India House built and who designed it?
India House was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1930. It was formally inaugurated on the 8th of July 1930 by King-Emperor George V. The building was proposed in 1925 by Indian High Commissioner Sir Atul Chatterjee.
Who was the first High Commissioner for India in London?
The first High Commissioner for India was Sir William Stevenson Meyer, an Indian Civil Service officer. The first High Commissioner of Indian origin was Sir Dadiba Merwanji Dalal.
What are the twelve emblems on the outside of India House?
Twelve emblems on India House represent provinces of British India during the Raj, including Bengal, Bombay, Madras, the United Provinces, Punjab, Bihar and Orissa, the Central Provinces and Berar, Delhi, Assam, Burma, Baluchistan, and the North West Frontier. Each emblem uses local symbols such as animals, rivers, forts, and plants specific to that province.
When did India House become a listed building?
India House was designated a Grade II listed building in 1981, giving it formal protection as a structure of special architectural or historic interest.
Why was the position of High Commissioner for India created?
A committee chaired by the Marquess of Crewe recommended in 1919 that the agency work of the India Office be separated from its political and administrative roles, leading to the creation of the High Commissioner post. The Government of India Act 1919 enacted these recommendations, and King-Emperor George V issued the Order in Council establishing the post on the 13th of August 1920.