Question 1165

'X' and 'Y' who had been assigned to work on the ________(a building) and the Secretariats, began on friendly terms. 'Y' had been assigned to work on the two buildings which were in front of ________. The original plan was to have ________ on the top of Raisina Hill, with the secretariats lower down. It was later decided to build 400 yards back, and put both buildings on top of the plateau. While 'X' wanted ________ to be higher, he was forced to move it back from the intended position, which resulted in a dispute with 'Y'. After completion of the place, 'X' argued with 'Y', because the view of the front of ________ was obscured by the high angle of the road. 'X' wanted to make a long inclined grade all the way to _________ with retaining walls either side. While this would give a view ________ from further back, it would also cut through the square between the other buildings. The committee with 'X' and 'Y' established during January 1914 said the grade was to be no steeper than 1 in 25, though it eventually was changed to 1 in 22, a steeper gradient which made it more difficult to see the ________. 'X' thought 'Y' was more concerned with making money and pleasing the government, rather than making a good architectural design.

'X' had to reduce the size of ________ from 13,000,000 cubic feet (370,000 m³) to 8,500,000 cubic feet (241,000 m³). because of the budget restrictions. While he had demanded that costs be reduced, he nevertheless wanted ________ to retain a certain amount of ceremonial grandeur.

What am I talking about? What's the blank? (all blanks are same). Brownie points for 'X' and 'Y'!!

Answer: The Blank is Viceroy's House or Rashtrapati Bhavan of India and X and Y are Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker respectively.