Which famous monument, located in New Delhi, is popularly known as "the National Monument of India" because it commemorates Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and related campaigns?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: India Gate

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Monuments are frequently asked in static general knowledge questions, especially those related to Indian history and heritage. This question focuses on the monument that is often referred to as the National Monument of India, a title that reflects both historical importance and symbolic value. Knowing which monument in New Delhi carries this informal title helps exam aspirants connect geography, history, and national symbolism in a single fact that appears often in competitive examinations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks which monument is known as the National Monument of India.
  • The monument is located in New Delhi and commemorates Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and related operations.
  • Available options are India Gate, Gateway of India, Raj Ghat, Red Fort, and Amar Jawan Jyoti.
  • We assume the learner has a basic idea of major monuments in Delhi and Mumbai.


Concept / Approach:
India Gate is a war memorial situated on Rajpath in New Delhi. It was originally called the All India War Memorial and was built in memory of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the First World War and the Third Anglo Afghan War. Due to its central position in the capital and its role in Republic Day parades, it has come to be popularly known as the National Monument of India. The approach is to identify which monument matches this description and location, and to clearly distinguish India Gate in New Delhi from the Gateway of India in Mumbai.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the monument is in New Delhi and is associated with soldiers who died in war. Step 2: Recall that India Gate is located in New Delhi and is a large triumphal arch type structure built as a war memorial. Step 3: Recognise that Gateway of India is in Mumbai, not in New Delhi, so it cannot match the description in the question. Step 4: Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, while Red Fort is a historic fort; neither is primarily called the National Monument of India. Amar Jawan Jyoti is a flame of the immortal soldier placed under India Gate but not the monument itself. Therefore select India Gate.


Verification / Alternative check:
As an alternative verification, remember the Republic Day parade visuals often seen in media, where India Gate stands as the backdrop to major national ceremonial events. It is repeatedly described in school textbooks and general knowledge books as the National Monument of India. Gateway of India, by contrast, is associated with colonial era sea entry to Bombay and is called an iconic structure but not the national monument. This cross reference confirms India Gate as the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gateway of India is in Mumbai and commemorates the visit of a British monarch; it is not in New Delhi and is not labelled as the National Monument of India. Raj Ghat is the cremation site memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and does not function as a war memorial. Red Fort is a famous Mughal fort and the site from where the Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day, but it is described as a fort and heritage site rather than the National Monument. Amar Jawan Jyoti is the eternal flame honouring unknown soldiers located beneath India Gate, but it is part of the memorial complex rather than the monument that carries the title in the question.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse India Gate with Gateway of India because of the similarity in names and the fact that both are arch like structures. Another confusion arises between India Gate and Red Fort because both are associated with national events in the capital. To avoid such errors, always associate India Gate in New Delhi with the war memorial concept and the title National Monument of India, while remembering that Gateway of India is in Mumbai on the seafront and Red Fort is a fort, not a war memorial arch.


Final Answer:
The monument popularly known as the National Monument of India is India Gate.

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