Chanakyapuri

Encyclopedia

Chanakyapuri

 (IAST: Cāṅakyapurī ) is a neighbourhood and diplomatic enclave established in the 1950s in New Delhi. It is also a sub-division of the New Delhi district and plays host to the majority of foreign embassies in New Delhi. Chanakyapuri, meaning “city of Chanakya”, is named after Chanakya, a third-century BC advisor to Chandragupta Maurya.

History

Chanakyapuri was the first major extension of New Delhi beyond Lutyens’ Delhi. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) developed a large area of land acquired from a Gurjar village that was located there to create this diplomatic enclave in the 1950s. Subsequently, this land was allotted to embassies, chanceries, high commissions and ambassador residences. The enclave is built around a wide central vista, known as Shanti Path (Peace Road), with wide green areas. A large landscaped park spread over an area of 80 acres, known as Nehru Park, was developed in 1969 for the families of the diplomatic personnel. In time, two markets, two colleges and schools run by diplomatic missions (including The British School and the American Embassy School) were established in the neighbourhood.

Accessibility

Major roads in Chanakyapuri include Shanti Path, Nyaya Marg, Niti Marg, Chandragupta Marg and Panchsheel Marg. In addition to these, the Ring Road traverses the southern expanse of the neighbourhood and intersects National Highway 8 on the border with neighbouring Dhaula Kuan. Sardar Patel Marg marks the Western periphery, while the Chanakya Cinema complex, which lies beyond Nehru Park, forms the south-western perimeter. The Delhi Ring Railway stops at Chanakyapuri, while Lok Kalyan Marg metro station and Jor Bagh metro station are the nearest stations of Delhi Metro.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

  • The American Embassy School, for expatriates from the US and other countries.
  • The British School offers the British National Curriculum, the IGCSE and IB. It primarily serves the international community.
  • German School New Delhi
  • Russian Embassy School in Delhi
  • Sanskriti School, a renowned education institution, which mainly serves the children of civil servants.
  • Navy Children School which mainly serves the children of Naval background.

Universities

  • Jesus and Mary College, a constituent college of the University of Delhi.
  • Maitreyi College, another constituent college of the University of Delhi.
  • South Asian University, an international university established by the SAARC.