India House, London
In 1919, a committee chaired by the Marquess of Crewe determined there existed the need to separate the agency work of the India Office from its other political and administrative roles. The group recommended the transfer of all such work to "a High Commissioner for India or some similar Indian Governmental Representative in London." Popular opinion in India would view this as a step towards full Dominion status for India. The Government of India Act 1919 upheld these recommendations. It made provision for "the appointment of a High Commissioner by His Majesty by Order in Council." This legal framework might delegate to the official any of the contractual powers of the Secretary of State in Council. It also prescribed the conditions under which he should act on behalf of the Government of India or any Provincial Government. On the 13th of August 1920, King-Emperor George V issued the required Order in Council. Until India became independent in 1947, the post was styled "High Commissioner for India".
Proposed in 1925 by the Indian High Commissioner Sir Atul Chatterjee, the building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Construction finished in 1930, marking a significant milestone for diplomatic architecture in London. The structure stands on Aldwych between Bush House and what was then Marconi House. Today that neighboring site houses Citibank. Australia House sits nearby while the building faces both the London School of Economics and King's College London. It was formally inaugurated on the 8th of July 1930 by the King-Emperor George V. The location places it directly opposite major academic institutions that have shaped British intellectual history for over a century.
The first High Commissioner for India was Indian Civil Service officer Sir William Stevenson Meyer. He held office when the position was newly created under the 1919 Act. The first High Commissioner of Indian origin was Sir Dadiba Merwanji Dalal. During the colonial period, the High Commissioner enjoyed the same status as his counterparts from the British Dominions. This equality reflected the evolving relationship between Britain and its colonies. Upon Indian independence the post received its present designation. The transition marked a shift from colonial agency to independent diplomatic mission following Indian independence in 1947. The change signaled a new chapter in international relations between two nations with deep historical ties.
There are twelve emblems on the outside of the building representing the various provinces of India during the British Raj. A Bengal tiger and an East India Company ship appear above the entrance for Bengal province. Two ships and Fort George represent Bombay. Fort St. George stands for Madras. Bow and arrow, two rivers (Ganges and Yamuna), and two fishes symbolize United Provinces. Sun and five rivers (Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej) mark Punjab territory. Bodhi tree and two swastikas identify Bihar and Orissa. Hills, Indian cobra, and orange and grape plantations depict Central Provinces and Berar. An Indian elephant and nine lotuses represent Delhi. The rhinoceros appears for Assam while the peacock represents Burma. Two Dromedary camels and hills show Baluchistan. Crescent moon, hills, and Jamrud Fort complete the set for North West Frontier.
Since 1981, India House is a Grade II listed building. This designation protects the structure from unauthorized alteration or demolition. Preservation efforts have maintained its architectural integrity over decades. In 1991, Prime Minister John Major unveiled a bust of Jawaharlal Nehru on the premises. The ceremony honored one of India's most influential political figures. The bust remains visible today as part of the building's historical narrative. The location continues to serve as the diplomatic mission of India in the United Kingdom. It stands between Bush House and Australia House facing major educational institutions. The listing ensures future generations can study this example of early twentieth-century diplomatic architecture.
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Common questions
When was India House London established as a diplomatic mission?
India House London was officially established on the 13th of August 1920 when King-Emperor George V issued an Order in Council. The Government of India Act 1919 had previously mandated the creation of this High Commissioner role to handle agency work separate from political administration.
Who designed the building known as India House London?
Sir Herbert Baker designed the structure after it was proposed by Indian High Commissioner Sir Atul Chatterjee in 1925. Construction concluded in 1930 and the building was formally inaugurated on the 8th of July 1930 by King-Emperor George V.
Where is India House London located relative to other landmarks?
The building stands on Aldwych between Bush House and what was then Marconi House which now houses Citibank. It faces both the London School of Economics and King's College London while sitting near Australia House.
What emblems appear on the exterior of India House London?
Twelve emblems representing provinces of British Raj India decorate the outside including a Bengal tiger above the entrance for Bengal province. Other symbols include Fort St. George for Madras, nine lotuses for Delhi, and a rhinoceros for Assam.
When did India House London receive Grade II listed status?
India House London has been a Grade II listed building since 1981 to protect it from unauthorized alteration or demolition. This designation ensures preservation efforts maintain architectural integrity for future generations studying early twentieth-century diplomatic architecture.