Colonial architecture in India for the inquisitive traveller
Synopsis
This Republic Day, we will once again be remembering and our freedom struggle, and paying homage to fallen heroes. As a traveller, you can participate in better understanding the
This Republic Day, we will once again be remembering and our freedom struggle, and paying homage to fallen heroes. As a traveller, you can participate in better understanding the history of India. During the time of British rule in India, some of the Indian cities went through major changes. One of the things we cherish presently is the buildings that were built in British style architecture. Colonial architecture in India is proof of a time gone by, presenting a slice of British India in current times. Some of these buildings today are used as important government offices, while others are unfortunately perishing with time. Cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai have fair share of British colonial architecture still present, so let us take a look at all such buildings, and their significance.
Kolkata
Known as Calcutta during the British era, this grand old city is all things Brit. It was by far the most important city during the British Raj. The city of Kolkata was also the capital city of British India, and a lot of colonial architecture is still clearly visible. One of the most beautiful examples of British colonial architecture in the city is the famed Victoria Memorial, which is today a museum. It was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. Yet another one that is close to the Victoria Memorial is St. Paul’s Cathedral built in 1847. Yet another old building is the Metropolitan Building, which was then known as Whiteway Laidlaw department store, and was built in 1905. Other than these there are numerous examples of British architecture, and, or European architecture all throughout the older parts of the city.
Chennai
Erstwhile known as Madras, Chennai is yet another major city of India that was one of British India’s prime cities. In fact, Madras
Presidency was an administrative subdivision of the British Raj. Chennai predominantly has Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, and the city is known to host a large number of heritage structures in the country. The Madras High Court is perhaps one of the most important structures in the city that still stands to this day; it was in fact bombed by a German warship during the British era. The Town Hall is yet another important colonial structure, which was built in 1887 in Romanesque style in honour of Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee. Fort St George is another structure that was built in 1653, while St. Mary’s Church was built in 1680.
Mumbai
Another city with major iconic buildings, Mumbai was then known as Bombay. One of the most prominent structures in the city is the Rajabai Clock Tower, which was modelled after the Big Ben in London. Built in Venetian and Gothic styles, it was completed in 1878, and still stands to this day. One of the oldest post offices in India is also in Mumbai, called the General Post Office, which was built using black basalt. David Sassoon Library is a heritage library that dates back to 1870. There is a rare collection of books here that you can explore. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is also a colonial era building, and has been inducted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was built way back in 1888, and is a prominent example of Victorian Gothic style. Finally, the Gateway of India, the most prominent structure in Mumbai, was built to commemorate the visit of King George V, and was completed in 1924.
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