Capitol Complex

Capitol Complex

This is the most magnificent work of Le Corbusier – the architect of Chandigarh. Capitol Complex is the seat of the governments of Punjab and Haryana. Set against the Shivalik Hills the complex comprises of three edifices – the Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly, representing the monumental character authority of the complex. Separated by large piazzas, the subtle and most evocative grouping of these buildings is of breath-taking beauty.

The “Open Hand” Chandigarh’s Emblem

The “Open Hand” Emblem

One of the significant monuments constructed by Le Corbusier was the Open Hand Chandigarh’s emblem. A giant open hand made up of metal is meant to convey the message of peace among the humanity. It tells “open to give, open to receive”. Rising 85 feet above the ground the monument is designed like a "weather cock", not to show the incertitude of ideas, but to indicate symbolically the direction of wind (that is the state of affairs). The surface of the hand is coated with baked enamel in orange, green and while – the tri colours of Indian flag.


Martyr's Memorial

Just right of the Assembly building one can see the Martyr’s Memorial – a monument to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Punjab partition. The memorial consists of a square enclosure with one side elongated into a ramp by which one mounts the enclosing wall, Within the enclosure are to be symbolic figures of a prone man, a snake, and a lion set amid ruins, The concrete ramp permits one to see, from above, the Capitol in its entirety and creates a promenade -rising and descending.

Other stunning monuments include the Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill and Martyr's Memorial which are worth visiting.