European Colonial Architecture

European Colonial Architecture:

India has been invaded since the time of Aryans. All the invasions on India had a huge impact on the art and architecture of India. Colonisation of India had a huge impact on the economy and the architecture of India. British who came to India as traders ruled India for many decades leaving behind some beautiful architectural buildings.

Even though the Dutch, French and Portuguese did constructed some beautiful architectural buildings but in was the British which had the lasting impact on Indian architecture. Some of the architectural structures built during British Era stands tall and majestic even today. The four main Europeans power that ruled India were Dutch, Portuguese, French and British. The British arrived to India in 1615 by overthrowing the Mughal Empire. They ruled for nearly 300 years.

The Indo Saracenic architecture was the combination of Hindu, Islamic and Western Elements. The colonial architecture built many institutional and important structures like the universities, railway stations, and Government building and rest rooms. One can see much such colonial architecture all over India.

Image Credit-- Wikipedia

European Colonial Architecture during British Period

The British colonial period lasted in India for nearly three centuries from 1615-1947. It was mainly during the British colonial period other European styles like the Gothic revival, Neoclassical and Baroque became more prominent and important in India. Major cities across India that were colonised still have many beautiful structures that were built during this period. These cities are Mumbai, Agra, Delhi, Madras, Nagpur, Bhopal, Calcutta and Bankipore.

Some of the structures which stand tall and beautiful were built in different style of the European architecture. The neo classical architectural style was produced structures mainly on neoclassical movement during mid 18^th century in Italy and France.

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Some of the best examples for neoclassical style of architecture in India include British Residency in Hyderabad, Falakunama Palace in Hyderabad, Bangalore Town Hall in Bangalore, Karnataka. St Andrews Church in Madras, Raj Bhavan and Metcalfe Hall are some of the other classical structures of neoclassical style. The presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay and madras have buildings built in neoclassical style. For example the front part of the residency in Hyderabad was built in neoclassical architecture.

We can also look into the town Hall in Bombay which is now called as Horniman circle which houses the Asiatic society of Bombay was built in 1803 in the neoclassical style with columns and pediment (a triangular shape placed above the lintel). Even though neoclassical style of architecture became very popular still it was not suitable for all the weather conditions of India.

Image credit-- Wikipedia

Indo Saracenic which is also referred as Indo Gothic, Mughal Gothic was another important revival architecture used by British India in the later part of 19^th century. This style was mostly used in the construction of public and government buildings. It took certain characters from Indo Islamic architecture especially form Mughal architecture. Chepauk Palace in Chennai is the first building to be built in Indo Saracenic style.

The construction was completed in the 1768. Some of the other buildings that are examples of Indo Saracenic include Madras High Court, Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, the Khalsa College in Amritsar and many more. The Victoria memorial is the white marble building that was built in memory of Queen Victoria. It is located near the banks of river Hooghly, Kolkata, West Bengal India.

The big Victorian terminus station in Bombay was built in the Victorian gothic revival architectural style in India. It was designed by F.W Stevens. Construction began in the year 1878 and was completed in 1887. Some of the other famous structures that were built in Victorian Gothic revival architecture include Rajabai tower in Bombay, Lalbagh Botanical gardens and Glass house in Bangalore and in Delhi North block, St Stephen’s College, Secretariat Complex and Mutiny Memorial.

Indian Architecture during Portuguese Period

It was in 1498 when Portuguese first came to India. Vasco da gama who was a Portuguese captain opened the sea route to India in 1497-99. He landed in Calicut now known as Kozhikode in Kerala India. Initially Portuguese came to India as traders but later they took control on Goa along with Dadra, Nagra Haveli and Diu and ruled for nearly for four centuries. Portuguese lost control on Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the year 1954 and finally all other parts in India in the year 1961.

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Some of the important architectural structures that were built during the Portugal period include Madh Fort, St John Baptist Church in Mumbai. The seven important churches that were built by Portuguese in Goa are UNESCO world Heritage site now. Important churches are ‘Church of our old Lady of Rosary’, ‘Se Cathedral’, ‘Basillica of Bom Jesus’, ‘Church and convent of St. Francis of Assisi’, ‘Chapel of Santa Catarina’, ‘Church of Augustine’ and St. Cajetan Church. St. Cathedral Church in Goa is the largest church built by Portuguese in 16^th century.

It is just not the churches or the governmental buildings that are built in Portugal architectural style it is also the houses that are built in Portuguese architecture except few Hindu houses.

French Architecture in India

The French East India Company was founded in 1664 and was 1719 it was successfully established in different parts of India. Pondicherry was the first establishment of French in 1674 and later on it spread to different parts of India. The French establishment was constantly in fight with Dutch and later with British. If Goa has Portuguese architecture then Pondicherry has French style architecture and culture. Pondicherry or Puducherry was originally a fishing village but the French transformed Pondicherry into a beautiful port city.

Five trading posts were established along the South Indian coast between 1668 and 1674. The city was separated by a canal into French Quarter and Indian Quarter. The French Quarter has buildings built in European Classical style. There are many heritage sites in Pondicherry in French Quarter which has different gates and doors. The entrance gates are the prominent architecture of the French Villas. They were of different size and colour.

Image credit-- Travelogyindia.com

French windows were similar in size and were quite big. One can see various buildings in French architecture like the Pondicherry International Port, Police stations and banks. Even to this day at many places one can see French names on the boards and streets.

European colonial architecture has given India some of the most beautiful buildings which are still intact and famous

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