Bharat Mandapam stands on the site of the former Hall of Nations, a distinct architectural addition to the Pragati Maidan project. Designed by architect Raj Rewal, the Hall was celebrated as the world’s first and then-largest space-frame structure built in reinforced concrete. Pragati Maidan was inaugurated on November 3, 1972, by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the eve of the International Trade Fair called Asia 72. The venue and the event were meant to commemorate and celebrate 25 years of India's independence.