Great-grandson of Edwin Lutyens in the UK criticises removal of Lutyens’ bust from Rashtrapati Bhavan
Times of India
by NAOMI CANTONFebruary 24, 2026
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The great-grandson of British architect Edwin Lutyens, Matt Ridley, has criticized the removal of a bust of his ancestor from Rashtrapati Bhavan in India. The bust was replaced with that of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and last Indian governor-general of independent India. Ridley expressed sadness over the decision, calling it "appalling" and questioning why Lutyens' name had been removed from the plinth. He highlighted that Lutyens was an architect, not a colonial administrator, emphasizing his significant contribution to Indian architecture, including the design of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Lutyens’ work is celebrated for its blend of Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Muslim architectural influences, creating a unique and elegant structure. Ridley pointed out that Rashtrapati Bhavan is more remarkable than other global presidential palaces, such as Buckingham Palace or the White House. His comments sparked a broader debate about India’s approach to colonial-era heritage. While some argue for removing symbols of colonialism, others warn against erasing cultural history. Supporters of preservation note that many countries retain historical artifacts, including those with problematic legacies, to learn from their past.
Ridley also shared a replica of the bust in his home, suggesting he already honored Lutyens’ legacy. Critics, however, accused Lutyens of being a racist and questioned whether his architectural contributions outweighed his colonial ties. This controversy reflects deeper tensions over how India balances its colonial history with its commitment to cultural preservation and decolonization. While some view the removal as petty vandalism, others see it as an important step toward reckoning with colonialism.
The debate also highlights the global conversation about heritage preservation. For instance, Singapore chose to retain Sir Stamford Raffles’ statue, believing it was essential for national
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026