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India House, London facts for kids

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This page is about the diplomatic mission in Aldwych, London. For the student residence in North London that existed between 1905 and 1910, see India House.
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High Commission of India in London
London - India House High Commission of India (40412413273).jpg
Address India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA, United Kingdom
Jurisdiction  United Kingdom
High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami
Website
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name: India House
Designated: 16 January 1981
Reference #: 1066491

The High Commission of India in London is like India's official office in the United Kingdom. It is where Indian diplomats work to keep good relations between India and the UK. This important office is located in a building called India House on Aldwych street in London. It is near other famous buildings like Bush House and Australia House. It also faces the London School of Economics and King's College London. Since 1981, India House has been a Grade II listed building, which means it is a special historic building.

History of India House

Why was the High Commission created?

In 1919, a group led by the Marquess of Crewe decided that India needed its own representative in London. This person would handle India's business and official tasks. Before this, the India Office in London managed everything. People in India also hoped this change would help India gain more independence.

The Government of India Act 1919 agreed with this idea. It allowed for a "High Commissioner for India" to be appointed. This person would act on behalf of the Indian government.

Who was the first High Commissioner?

On August 13, 1920, King George V officially created the position. Until India became independent in 1947, the role was called "High Commissioner for India." The very first High Commissioner was Sir William Stevenson Meyer. The first Indian person to hold this important job was Sir Dadiba Merwanji Dalal. The High Commissioner had the same important status as representatives from other British Dominions. After India gained independence, the title changed to its current name, "High Commission of India."

When was India House built?

The idea for the India House building came from Sir Atul Chandra Chatterjee, who was the Indian High Commissioner in 1925. The building was designed by a famous architect named Sir Herbert Baker. It was finished in 1930. King George V officially opened India House on July 8, 1930.

In 1991, a statue (called a bust) of Jawaharlal Nehru, who was India's first Prime Minister, was put in place. Prime Minister John Major unveiled it.

Emblems on India House

There are twelve special symbols, called emblems, on the outside of India House. These emblems represent the different provinces of India during the time of the British Raj (British rule). Each emblem tells a story about a specific region.

Emblem Province Image
Bengal tiger and an East India Company ship Bengal Indian Embassy in London wall plaque.jpg
Two ships and Fort George Bombay Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (5).jpg
Fort St. George Madras Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (4).jpg
Bow and arrow, two rivers (Ganges and Yamuna), and two fishes United Provinces Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (7).jpg
Sun and five rivers (Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej) Punjab Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (6).jpg
Bodhi tree and two swastikas Bihar and Orissa Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (3).jpg
Hills, Indian cobra, and orange and grape plantations Central Provinces and Berar Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (1).jpg
Indian elephant and nine lotuses Delhi India House, London 20130414 121 - Copy.jpg
Indian rhinoceros Assam India House, London 20130414 118 - Copy.jpg
Indian peacock Burma Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (2).jpg
Two Dromedary camels and hills Baluchistan India House, London 20130414 119 - Copy.jpg
Crescent moon, hills, and Jamrud Fort North West Frontier India House, London 20130414 120 - Copy.jpg

Gallery

  • High Commission of India in London 2

    The High Commission from India Place

  • High Commission of India in London 3

    Close-up of some designs

  • High Commission of India in London 4

    Bust of Jawaharlal Nehru on India Place

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