Modern architecture of India was developed when Mughal Empire was in decline when European colonists began to settle in India. In this article, you will learn definition, modern architectural details, types of modern architecture of Indian modern architecture buildings.
This article will provide key insights for GS Paper-I Indian Art and Culture of UPSC IAS Exam.
Table of Content
- History of modern architecture in India
- Difference between Iberian and Gothic Architecture in India
- Modern architecture characteristics
- Details of Portuguese Influence on India’s Architecture
- Details of French Influence on India’s Architecture
- Details of British Influence on India’s Architecture
- About Indo-Gothic Style architectural style
- About Neo-Roman Style of architecture
- Post-independence Architecture
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
History of modern architecture in India:
- The modern Indian architecture was developed when Mughal Empire was in decline when European colonists began to settle in India.
- The Portuguese, French, Dutch, Danish, and British were engaged in a power struggle in which British dominance was established over India until 1947.
- Major influences of modern architectural styles: Portugese Influence; French influence; British Influence.
Difference between Iberian and Gothic Architecture in India:
| Elements of difference | Iberian Architecture | Gothic Architecture |
| Material used | Bricks were the chief material for construction.Woods were used to construct roofs and stairs. | Red sandstone and coarse limestone were the chief material for construction. |
| Introduced in India by | Portuguese | Britishers |
| Structural variations | The Portuguese did not introduce any structural variations. | The British adopted Indian style of architecture togive rise to the IndoGothic style of architecture. |
Modern architecture characteristics:
Details of Portuguese Influence on India’s Architecture:
- Portuguese introduced the concept of Iberian style in India.
- Portuguese built trading posts and warehouses along the coast, which were later transformed into fortified towns.
- They also introduced the patio houses and the Baroque style ofarchitecture.
- The Baroque style was developed in Europe in the late 16th century to represent the power of the Church.
- It used contrasting colors.
- Important Constructions:
- Sé Cathedral in Goa:
- Style of architecture: late-Gothic
- Uniqueness: presence of large bell called “Golden Bell”
- Constructed in: 1619 AD
- Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa:
- Term means: Holy Jesus
- Style of architecture: Baroque style
- Uniqueness: contains the body of revered St Francis Xavier
- Constructed in: 1604 AD
- It is a World Heritage Site.
- Castella de Aguanda in Mumbai:
- Constructed in: 1640 AD
- It is a watchtower to safeguard Mahim Bay, the Arabian Sea and the islands of Mahim.
- It is also known as Bandra Fort.
- St Paul’s Church in Diu:
- Style of architecture: Baroque style
- Constructed in: 1610 AD
- Diu Fort on the coast of Diu Island:
- Style of architecture: Baroque style
- Constructed in: 1535 AD
- It has a lighthouse and canons placed on the walls.
- It consists of 3 churches: St. Thomas Church, St. Pauls Church, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
- Church of St. Anne in Goa:
- Style of architecture: Baroque style
- Constructed in: 1695 AD
- Sé Cathedral in Goa:
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
Details of French Influence on India’s Architecture:
- French introduced the concept of urban city planning in India.
- Important urban city planning of: Pondicherry and Chandernagore (both were ruled by French that time).
- Urban city planning consists: Cartesian grid plans and scientific architectural designs.
- Characteristics of Design: simple facade without stressing on ornamentation or design.
- Other important developed towns: coastal towns of Mahe (Kerala); Karaikal (Tamil Nadu) and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh).
- Modern architecture examples: Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Puducherry and the Sacred Heart Church of Chandannagar
Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Puducherry:
Details of British Influence on India’s Architecture:
- British introduced the concept of Gothic architecturalstyle to India.
- This style was mixed with the existing Indian architecture, giving rise to the Indo-Gothic architectural style.
- After 1911, Neo-Roman architecture emerged in India.
About Indo-Gothic Style architectural style:
- It is also known as Victorian Style.
- Elements in Church: large windows, the cruciform ground plan.
- Materials used: steel, iron, and poured concrete.
- It is a mixture of Indian, Persian, and Gothic influences.
- The buildings were large, spacious with elaborated execution.
- The buildings had thinner walls.
- Difference with the Indo-Islamic structures: the building had thicker walls.
- The arches had a pointed design.
- Difference with the Indo-Islamic structures: the building had curvilinear arches.
- It was based on the advanced engineering standards of Britain.
- Modern architecture examples: Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, Gateway of India in Mumbai, etc.
Victoria Memorial in Kolkata:
About Neo-Roman Style of architecture:
- After 1911, the Britishers adopted a Neo-Roman or Neoclassical style for their constructions.
- The present architecture of New Delhi was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
- It is also known as the “Rome of Hindustan”.
- The constructions lacked uniqueness and captivating elements.
- They blended various architectural styles that resulted in a congested and limited space.
- Simplicity, modernity, and practicality were lacking due to the mixed form of constructions.
- Circular buildings were given more focus.
- Oriental motifs were used to denote Western architectural designs.
- The upturned domes were introduced.
- Example: the Supreme Court and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Post modern Architecture features:
- After India’s independence in 1947, 2 distinct architectural schools came into existence: the Revivalist and the Modernist.
- Both schools were influenced from British style of architecture.
- Result: the architectural standards of India experienced a decline.
- Example of modern designers:
- Le Corbusier, a French architect designed the city of Chandigarh.
- Laurie Baker’s design helped in mass housing concept in Kerala.
- Charles Correa designed buildings- Madhya Pradesh Assembly building, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum in Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
Thus, colonial rulers might have brought with them many simplistic styles of architecture that focused more on strength then ornamentation, yet its blending with many elements of Indian style of architecture has given rise to new architectural style. Many modern architecture buildings are based on the on strength and simplicity. The modern and post modern architecture still continue to thrive in India.
Ref: Source-1
| Other Articles in History & Culture | |
| Indo-Islamic Architecture | UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Basic Feature of Hindu Temple | Medieval School of Sculpture |
| Harappan architecture | Pahari School of Painting |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is modern architecture?
The modern architecture in India is the blend of traditional architecture, Islamic architecture and the European architecture
Who had introduced Gothic Architecture in India?
Britishers had introduced Gothic Architecture in Modern architecture of India.
Who had introduced urban city planning in India?
French had introduced urban city planning in Modern architecture of India.
Who had introduced Iberian Architecture in India?
Portuguese had introduced Iberian Architecture in Modern architecture of India.
What were the distinct architectural schools that came into existence post independence?
The Revivalist and the Modernist architectural schools came into existence post independence.
Who is also known as the father of modern architecture?
The Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi is also known as the father of Indian Architecture.