7 India Regional Styles

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2 Indian Architecture has always been inquisitive due to its magnanimity and the arty creations.
The country has a plethora of monuments, baroque and modernistic buildings which echo the
tales of their era.
Regional Architecture
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7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

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3 The following are the 4 regional styles found in the Indian Subcontinent
Regional Styles of India
Rajput Architectur
Sikh Architectur
Maratha Architectur
Bengal Architecture
4 Rajput Architecture is a architectural style notable for the forts and palaces of the many Rajput
rulers, which are popular tourist attractions, many of the Rajput forts are UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
Rajput Architecture represents di erent types of buildings, which may broadly be classed either
as secular or religious. The secular buildings are of various scales. These include temples, forts,
stepwells, gardens, and palaces. The forts were specially built for defense and military
purposes due to the Islamic invasions. The Mughal architecture greatly in uenced indigenous
Rajput Rajput styles of art and architecture.
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5 Rajput Architecture continued well into the 20th and 21st centuries, as the rulers of the princely
Rajput Architecture states of British India commissioned vast palaces and other buildings. These usually
The prevailing architecture of North Indi
incorporated European styles as well, a practice which eventually led to the Indo-Saracenic
style.
Notable for the palaces and fort

The architecture of the Indian state of Rajasthan has usually been a regional variant of the style
Hindu and Jai
of Indian architecture prevailing in north India at the time. Its architecture is most notably seen
Followed the Maru Gurjara styl in palaces and Forts. The architecture of the palaces shows clear Mughal in uences. This
In uenced by Mughal Architecture regional style is also known for signi cant Hindu and Jain temple architecture. Māru-Gurjara
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architecture, or Solaṅkī style is a distinctive style that began in Rajputana and neighbouring
Gujarat around the 11th century by the Solanki Rajputs. The small but richly-carved Hindu
Ambika Mata temple in Jagat, built before 960,and The ve Kiradu temples, of the 11th or 12th
centuries are an example of the Pratihar Rajput style.
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6 The generally arid climate has made stepwells (baoli or bawdi) more common than in other
Rajput Architecture parts of India, as well as the distinctive covered taanka underground tanks.
The dry climate in Rajasthan led to the utilization of these architectural elements
Stone carved jali screens are very common, both in temples and secular buildings. As well as
Jali - stone scree palaces, many cities have surviving large townhouses or haveli from the last few centuries.
Jharokha - a type of overhanging enclosed balcon A number of the Rajput dynasties built groups of cenotaph memorials for their members,
Chhatri - dome-shaped pavilions (Mughal Architecture mostly using the chatri form, and often at the traditional site for cremations.
Haveli - traditional townhouses seen in Indian Subcontinen
Baoli - stepwells (bawdi
Taanka - underground water storage and rainwater harvesting

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Chhatri 7
Jharokha Taanka
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8 The Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Amer, Chittor, Gagron, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore), a
Six Hill Forts of Rajasthan group of six forts built by various Rajput kingdoms and principalities during the medieval period
1. Chittor Fort or Chittorgar
are among the best examples of Rajput Architecture. The ensemble is also a UNESCO World
2. Kumbhalgarh Fort at Kumbhalgar
Heritage Site. Other forts include the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort.
Jai Singh II in 1727 The walled city of Jaipur was formed in 1727 by Jai Singh II, and is "a unique example of
3. Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopu
traditional Hindu town planning",following the precepts set out in much older Hindu texts.
4. Gagron Fort at Jhalawa
Subsequently, the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Jal Mahal and Albert Hall
5. Amer Fort at Jaipu
Museum were also built. Udaipur also has several palaces, including the Bagore-ki-Haveli, now
6. Jaisalmer Fort at Jaisalmer
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a museum, built by an 18th-century chief minister.
The rulers of the princely states of Rajasthan continued the tradition of building elaborate
palaces almost until independence, with examples such as the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner,
Monsoon Palace in Udaipur, and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. Many of these are in
versions of Indo-Saracenic architecture, often using European architects.

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9 The Chittor Fort or Chittorgarh is one of the largest forts in India. It is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The fort was the capital of Mewar and is located in the present-day town of
Chittor. It sprawls over a hill 180 m in height spread over an area of 280 ha above the plains of
the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort covers 65 historic structures, which include four
palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water bodies, 4 memorials and a few victory towers.
The fort, which is roughly in the shape of a sh, has a circumference of 13 km with a maximum
length of 5 km and it covers an area of 700 acres. The fort is approached through a di cult zig-
Chittor Fort or Chittorgarh zag ascent of more than 1 km from the plains, after crossing over a limestone bridge. The
Chittorgarh (garh means fort) was origina y ca ed Chitrakut
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bridge spans the Gambhiri River and is supported by ten arches. Apart from the two tall towers,
which dominate the majestic forti cations, the sprawling fort has a plethora of palaces and
temples within its precincts.
The 305 hectare component site, with a bu er zone of 427 hectares, encompasses the forti ed
stronghold of Chittorgarh, a spacious fort located on an isolated rocky plateau of approximately
2 km length and 155 m width.
It is surrounded by a perimeter wall 13 km long, beyond which a 45° hill slope makes it almost
inaccessible to enemies. The ascent to the fort passes through seven gateways built by the
Mewar ruler Rana Kumbha.
The fort complex comprises 65 historic built structures, among them 4 palace complexes, 19
main temples, 4 memorials, and 20 functional water bodies.
In 2013, at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, Chittorgarh, along with 5 other
forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group Hill Forts of
Rajasthan.

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10 Kumbhalgarh (literally "Kumbhal fort") is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills,
in western India. It is a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the
course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is
now open to the public. It was the most important fort in Mewar after Chittorgarh Fort.
The chief Architect who build this fort was Architect Mandan.
Kumbhalgarh Fort at Kumbhalgarh The fort is among the largest fort complexes in the world, and the second largest fort in India
Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha.
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after Chittor Fort.
Built on a hilltop 1,100 m (3,600 ft) above sea level on the Aravalli range, the fort of
Kumbhalgarh has perimeter walls that extend 36 km (22 mi), making it the second longest wall
in the world. The frontal walls are fteen feet thick. Kumbhalgarh has seven forti ed gateways.
There are over 360 temples within the fort, 300 ancient Jain and the rest Hindu. From the
palace top, it is possible to see kilometers into the Aravalli Range. The sand dunes of the Thar
Desert can be seen from the fort walls.
11 Ranthambore Fort lies within the Ranthambore National Park, near the city of Sawai Madhopur,
the park being the former hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur until the time of India's
Independence. It is a formidable fort having been a focal point of the historical developments of
Rajasthan. The fort is believed to be constructed by the Chahamanas (Chauhans) associated
with Jainism. In the 13th century the Delhi Sultanate captured it.
Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopur

It is a formidable fort having been a focal point of the historical developments of Rajasthan.
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12 Gagron Fort is a hill and water fort and is situated in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, in the
Hadoti region of India. It is an example of a hill and water fort. The fort was built by Bijaldev in
the twelfth century. Later, the fort has also been controlled by Sher Shah and Akbar. The fort is
constructed on the con uence of Ahu River and Kali Sindh River. The fort is surrounded by
water on three sides and a moat on the forth side and hence earned the name Jaladurg. It was
designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2013 as a part of Hill Forts in Rajasthan.
Gagron Fort at Jhalawar
It is a hi and water fort, one of 12 kinds of Vedic fort architecture known as JalDurg (water fort).
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13 Amer Fort or Amber Fort is a fort located in Amer, Rajasthan, India. Amer is a town with an area
of 4 square kilometres. The town of Amer and the Amber Fort were originally built by Meena's
Community and additions were, later, made by Sawai Jai Singh. Mughal architecture greatly
in uenced the architectural style of several buildings of the fort. Constructed of red sandstone
and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It
consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas, or "Hall of
Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where
Amer Fort at Jaipur a cool climate is arti cially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace.
Mughal architecture greatly in uenced the architectural style of several buildings of the fort.
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Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. The palace was the
residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. This palace, along with Jaigarh Fort, is
located immediately above on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the same Aravalli range of
hills. The palace and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a
subterranean passage.

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14 Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is believed
to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's
population still resides within the fort. For the better part of its 800-year history, the fort was the
city of Jaisalmer. The rst settlements outside the fort walls, to accommodate the growing
population of Jaisalmer, are said to have come up in the 17th century.
Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rajput Rawal
(ruler) Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stood at the crossroads of important trade
Jaisalmer Fort at Jaisalmer routes (including the ancient Silk road).
It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's
population sti resides within the fort
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The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to
honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camou aging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason
it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of
the great Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill.
The fort is 460 m long and 230 m wide and is built on a hill that raises above a height of 76 m
above the surrounding countryside. The base of the fort has a 4.6 m tall wall forming the fort's
outermost ring, within its triple ringed defense architecture. The fort's upper bastions or towers
form a defensive inner-wall perimeter that is about 4.0 km long. The fort now incorporates 99
bastions, 92 of which were built or substantially rebuilt between the period of 1633-1647. The
fort also has four forti ed entrances or gates from the townside, one of which was once
guarded by cannon.

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15 Sikh Architecture is a style of architecture that was developed under Sikh Empire during 18th
and 19th century in the Punjab region. Due to its progressive style, it is constantly evolving into
many newly developing branches with new contemporary styles. Although Sikh architecture
was initially developed within Sikhism its style has been used in many non-religious buildings
Sikh Architecture due to its beauty. 300 years ago, Sikh architecture was distinguished for its many curves and
straight lines
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16 Sikh Architecture is heavily in uenced by Mughal and Islamic styles. The onion dome, frescoes,
Sikh Architecture in-lay work, and multi-foil arches, are Mughal in uences, more specially from Shah Jahan's
Characterized with values of progressiveness, exquisite intricacy,
period, whereas chattris, oriel windows, bracket supported eaves at the string-course, and
austere beauty and logical owing lines. ornamented friezes are derived from elements of Rajput architecture.
Constantly evolving into many newly developing branches with
new contemporary styles.
Although Sikh architecture was initially developed within Sikhism its

style has been used in many non-religious buildings due to its beauty.
Generally a mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture
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Sikh Architecture
Apart from religious buildings, Sikh architecture includes
secular forts, bungas (residential places), palaces, and
colleges. The religious structure is called gurdwara (a place
where the Guru dwells).
The word gurdwara is a compound of guru (guide or

master) and dwara (gateway or seat). A commemorative
building
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Sikh Architecture
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19 At least since the days of early Buddhist rock-cut architecture at Ajanta and Ellora, the part of
the Deccan that lies in Maharashtra has been a centre of architectural activity. A tradition of
carving from the living rock was active up to the 9th century. A proli c phase of temple building
Maratha began in the 11th century under the Yadavas and their feudatories, which was only in general
Architecture terms related to the tradition of rock cut architecture in the Deccan. This tradition of structural
temple building in stone ourished until the early 13th centuly when the Yadavas were
supplanted by the Muslim invaders from northern India. Indigenous temple traditions in Gujarat
and Rajasthan survived Muslim invasion, and indeed readily adapted itself to the requirements
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of the Muslim patronage. However, in Maharashtra, after initial persistence of Yadava patronage
in the 14th century, the impression is of a wholesale importation of Islamic architecture from
outside the region.
Islamic rule in the Deccan was challenged by the rising powers of the Marathas. Under the
leadership of Shivaji, the Marathas revolted against the Deccani Islamic powers and gradually
established their rule in the region. The Marathas ruled over most of Maharashtra from the mid
17th to the early 19th centuries. Their religious activity took full shape and soon the skyline of
Maharashtrian towns was dominated by the rising temple spires. Old forms returned with this
'renewal' of Hindu architecture, infused by Sultanate and later the Mughal tradition.
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20 Maratha Architecture evolved after the height of the Mughal era. Their architecture can be
Maratha Architecture divided into 3, Religious, Domestic, and Military as seen in examples of Temples, Wadas, and
Post Mughal Er
Gadis respectively.
Religious: Temple
Domestic: Wada
Military: Forts/Gadis
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21 Wadas are a rich and cherished architectural heritage in Maharashtra, re ecting the pride,
religion, culture, traditions and history of Marathas. A form of housing in the past, Wadas today
are being re-used and preserved as cultural and architectural heritage. The people of
Maharashtra are highly inclined by the introduction of the international metropolitan city of
Mumbai and also home to one of the biggest lm industry Bollywood. The people of the state
are amboyant and are known to spend generously to remain up to date with the latest fashion
trends. At the same time, the Maharashtra folklore did not completely lost its traditions they are
Wadas going hand in hand with the changing times and protecting the heritage of their ancestors as
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well. The people of Maharashtra have a rich traditional heritage and values which are depicted
through their religious practices and architecture.
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22 1. Wadas are planned depending on the weather conditions of the areas.
2. The arrangement is generally linear.
3. They are two or three-storey houses which are rectangular in shape with a courtyard in the
centre and rooms around them.
4. Wadas have two or three courtyards with di erent function rooms around them.
5. The rst courtyard is considered as the public area for social events while the other
courtyard is meant for rooms only for ladies.
6. The wadas also have a well that is placed within one of the courtyards.
Basic Floor Plan of a Typical Wada, Google Image

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7. The main staircase for the owners was from the courtyard while the staircase for servants
were hidden between walls so they are no seen.
8. The wada with three courts were used in a di erent way:
9. 1st court was used for social gathering leading to rooms accessed by guests.
10.2nd court was used for the o ce called the ‘Kacheri’ and was accessed by the o cials only.
11.3rd court was for private use especially by the ladies of the house the spaces were the
kitchen, store room, and the balantini kholi (delivery room). It also contained the tulsi
vrindavan plant for prayer purposes.

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23 The temple tradition of the Marathas ourished between the 17th and 19th century, evolving in
three phases corresponding to the major political developments. Products of a disrupted
tradition, the Maratha architectural vocabulary developed two temple types. The 'Indigenous'
type temples are an original contribution of the Marathas to
the mainstream of temple traditions in India. They developed out of an early ‘hands on/
unselfconscious’ approach of Maratha architects, leading to a deliberate mixing of disparate
vocabularies of Yadava and Indo-Islamic architectures. The 'Revivalist' type temples resulted
Temples out of the patron's desire for grand stone temples as built by their ancestors and comparable to
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those in other parts of India.
24 MILITARY BUILDINGS : FORTS •Nearly 340 forts of di erent types are found in Maharashtra
many of them were built in pre maratha period by both Hindu dynasties (Yadava & Shilahar) &
Muslim ruller (Deccan sultanate). •Most of these forts were built mainly along the highways to
check on the enemies . •Maratha kings mainly Shivaji built many forts Several defensive
architectural features were evolved for the guerilla warfare tactics, forts are mainly of three
types: 1. Hill forts 2. Sea forts 3. Land forts
Pratapgad Raigad Fort
Gadi
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25 The architecture of Bengal, which comprises the modern country of Bangladesh and the Indian
states of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam's Barak Valley, has a long and rich history, blending
indigenous elements from the Indian subcontinent, with in uences from di erent parts of the
world.
Bengal Architecture
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26 Bengali architecture includes ancient urban architecture, religious architecture, rural vernacular
Bengal Architecture architecture, colonial townhouses and country houses and modern urban styles. The bungalow
Bengali architecture includes ancient urban architecture, religious
style is a notable architectural export of Bengal. The corner towers of Bengali religious
architecture, rural vernacular architecture, colonial townhouses and country
houses and modern urban styles.
buildings were replicated in medieval Southeast Asia. Bengali curved roofs, suitable for the very
The bungalow style
heavy rains, were adopted into a distinct local style of Indo-Islamic architecture, and used
The corner towers of Bengali religious buildings were replicated in medieval decoratively elsewhere in north India in Mughal architecture.
Southeast Asia.
Bengali curved roof

Bengal is not rich in good stone for building, and traditional Bengali architecture mostly uses
Brick and wood; bamboo and thatch
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brick and wood, often re ecting the styles of the wood, bamboo and thatch styles of local
vernacular architecture for houses. Decorative carved or moulded plaques of terracotta (the
same material as the brick) are a special feature. The brick is extremely durable and disused
ancient buildings were often used as a convenient source of materials by local people, often
being stripped to their foundations over the centuries.

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27 Bengal was one of the last strongholds of Buddhism in the medieval period, and Hindu temples
Bengal Architecture before the Muslim conquest (starting in 1204) were relatively small. Most of the Hindu temples
Hindu and Jain
Roo ng styles: were built in Gupta era, Shashanka, Pala and Sena dynasty who ruled since 5th century until
Do-chal Dala the conquest. However, most of temples are in ruins and relatively small.
Terracott
Char-chal Rasmancha
Curved paddy roo
At-chal
Indo-Islamic architecture in the Bengali architecture can be seen from the 13th century, but
Indo Islamic before the Mughals has usually strongly re ected local traditions. The mosque architecture of
Ratn
Delhi Sultanate (Provincial) the independent Bengal Sultanate period (14th, 15 and 16th centuries) represents the most
Ek-ratna
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important element of the Islamic architecture of Bengal. This distinctive regional style drew its
inspiration from the indigenous vernacular architecture of Bengal, including curved chala roofs,
corner towers and complex oral carvings. Sultanate-era mosques featured multiple domes or
a single dome, richly designed mihrabs and minbars and an absence of minarets. While clay
bricks and terracotta were the most widely used materials, stone was used from mines in the
Rarh region. The Sultanate style also includes gateways and bridges. The style is widely
scattered across the region.
The Bengal Sultanate (1352–1576) normally used brick as the primary construction material, as
pre-Islamic buildings had done. Stone had to be imported to most of Bengal, whereas clay for
bricks is plentiful. But stone was used for columns and prominent details, often re-used from
Hindu or Buddhist temples. These features are also seen in the Choto Sona Mosque (around
1500), which is in stone, unusually for Bengal, but shares the style and mixes domes and a
curving "paddy" roof based on village house roofs made of vegetable thatch. Such roofs
feature even more strongly in later Bengal Hindu temple architecture.
The Bengal Temple Architecture has 7 unique roo ng styles.

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28 The do-chala, also known as ek-bangla, is a structure that has two sloping roofs with curved
Do-chala cornices that meet at curved ridges. In terms of the internal structure, there is a rectangular
The do-chala, also known as ek-bangla, is a
chamber, which is enclosed under a vaulted roof. This particular style re ects the single-celled
structure that has two sloping roofs with curved
huts of the State and has been adapted even in Islamic Architecture.
cornices that meet at curved ridges. In terms of the
internal structure, there is a rectangular chamber,
which is enclosed under a vaulted roof.
This particular style re ects the single-celled huts of

the State and has been adapted even in Islamic
Architecture.
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29 The Char-chala temples have four rectangular roofs meeting at one point. The edges of the
Char-chala chala, along with the cornices, are carved. It is quite a rare roo ng style as far as the temples of
The Char-chala temples have four rectangular roofs
Bengal are concerned, and you will only nd a few structures with this roo ng style in Nadia,
meeting at one point. The edges of the chala, along
Murshidabad, and Birbhum districts.
with the cornices, are carved.
It is quite a rare roo ng style as far as the temples

of Bengal are concerned.
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30 The At-chala can be best described as a variation of the Char-chala temple. Think of a Char-
At-chala chala temple with a truncated roof and another Char-chala temple added on top of it, and that
The At-chala can be best described as a variation of
is exactly how the roof of an At-chala temple looks like. This style of roo ng is widely noted in
the Char-chala temple. Think of a Char-chala
Hugli, Medinipur, Howrah, and Bankura districts. The Malancha Dakshina Kali temple in
temple with a truncated roof and another Char-
chala temple added on top of it, and that is exactly Medinipur is the nest example of the At-chala roo ng style.
how the roof of an At-chala temple looks like.
The Malancha Dakshina Kali temple in Medinipur

is the nest example of the At-chala roo ng style.
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31 The Ratna design shows a marked deviation from the sloping or chala roo ng styles. The roof
Ratna in these temples is at, and it is surmounted by pinnacles, known as ratnas or churas. The
The Ratna design shows a marked deviation from
origin of this style is unclear because there are both Islamic and Hindu precedents of structures
the sloping or chala roo ng styles. The roof in these
that have one turret or more than that.
temples is at, and it is surmounted by pinnacles,
known as ratnas or churas.
The origin of this style is unclear because there are

both Islamic and Hindu precedents of structures
that have one turret or more than that.
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32 The ek-ratna or single-towered structure is a more simpli ed version of the ratna style. This
Ek-ratna temple was particularly favored by the Malla rulers, who had built many of such structures at
The ek-ratna or single-towered structure is a more
the seat of their power in Bishnupur. It is also important to mention that most of these temples,
simpli ed version of the ratna style.
including the pinnacles and the cornices, are made of laterite, and not brick.
The temples, including the pinnacles and the
cornices, are made of laterite, and not brick.
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33 These at-roofed styles of the temple became popular during the 19th century, especially in the
Dalan district of Medinipur. In fact, in Medinipur, there is a clear distinction made between the large
These at-roofed styles of the temple became
at roofs, known as dalan, and the smaller at roof known as chandni. The Rupesvara temple in
popular during the 19th centur
Kalna and the Raghunatha temple in Bardhaman are good examples of Dalan roo ng style.
There is a clear distinction made between the large
at roofs, known as dalan, and the smaller at roof
known as chandni.
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34 The rasmancha used to be center of the autumn festivals, and it is generally octagonal with
Rasmancha arches opening on every side, and roofs having eight turrets situated around a large central
The rasmancha used to be center of the autumn
tower. The roof of these temples bears a close resemblance to an inverted ower, and it has a
festivals, and it is generally octagonal with arches
vase-like base.
opening on every side, and roofs having eight
turrets situated around a large central tower.
The roof of these temples bears a close resemblance

to an inverted ower, and it has a vase-like base.
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37 A bungalow is a small house or cottage that is either single-storey or has a second storey built
Bungalow into a sloping roof (usually with dormer windows), and may be surrounded by wide verandas.
The origin of the bungalow has its roots in the vernacular The term baṅgalo, meaning "Bengali" and used elliptically for a "house in the Bengal style”.
architecture of Bengal.
The term baṅgalo, meaning "Bengali" and used elliptically for a

"house in the Bengal style".
Such houses were traditionally small, only one storey and

detached, and had a wide veranda were adapted by the British,
who used them as houses for colonial administrators in summer
retreats in the Himalayas and in compounds outside Indian
cities. In the rural areas of Bangladesh, it is often called “Bangla
Ghar” (Bengali Style House).
Maerial: wood, bamboo and khar (a kind of straw); now GI

sheets and/or red clay tiles.
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38 As with the Mughals, under European colonial rule, architecture became an emblem of power,
designed to endorse the occupying power. Numerous European countries invaded India and
created architectural styles re ective of their ancestral and adopted homes. The European
colonizers created architecture that symbolized their mission of conquest, dedicated to the
European Colonial Architecture state or religion.
The British, French, Dutch and the Portuguese were the main European powers that
established colonies in India.
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OverlySarcasticProductions, retrieved 26 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-cbIenKTM0&t=348s.
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40 Colonial India was the part of the Indian subcontinent that was under the jurisdiction of
Colonial India European colonial powers during the Age of Discovery. European power was exerted both by
Age of Discovery conquest and trade, especially in spices. The search for the wealth and prosperity of India led
Jurisdiction of European colonial power to the colonization of the Americas after their discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Only
Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama became the rst European to re-establish direct trade
links with India
a few years later, near the end of the 15th century, Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama became
As with the Mughals, under European colonial rule, architecture became an emblem of the rst European to re-establish direct trade links with India since Roman times by being the
power, designed to endorse the occupying power.
The architectural styles re ective of their ancestral and adopted homes.

rst to arrive by circumnavigating Africa (c. 1497–1499). Having arrived in Calicut, which by
The British, French, Dutch and the Portuguese were the main European powers that then was one of the major trading ports of the eastern world, he obtained permission to trade in
colonized parts of India.
40
the city from Saamoothiri Rajah. The next to arrive were the Dutch, with their main base in
Ceylon. Their expansion into India was halted, after their defeat in the Battle of Colachel by the
Kingdom of Travancore, during the Travancore-Dutch War.
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The European colonizers created architecture

that symbolized their mission of conquest,
dedicated to the state or religion
41

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BritishIndian
Colonial
Subcontinent
Era
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42
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43 The following are the types of architecture in uenced and produced during the British colonial
British Colonial Era 1747-1947 era in India
Indo Saracenic Architectur
Garden house(s
Neoclassical Architectur
Art Deco Architecture
43

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44 Britain's legacy in India remains among others in building and infrastructure. The major cities
during the period of British rule were Madras, Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Bankipore,
Karachi, Nagpur, Bhopal and Hyderabad, which saw the rise of Indo-Saracenic Revival
architecture.
Indo-Saracenic architecture evolved by combining Indian architectural features with European

styles. Vincent Esch (Esh) and George Wittet were pioneers in this style.
Indo Saracenic Architecture

Vincent Esch and George Wittet
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44
45
Curzon Hall, Dhaka Ahsan Manzil, Dhaka
Examples
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Rose Garden Palace Tajhat Palace
Examples
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47
Gateway of India, Mumbai Uttara Gonobhaban - royal palace of the British Raj
Examples
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48
Replication of Imperial Indian architecture, including Rajasthani,
Mughal and Maratha eras, which the British regarded as the classic
Indian style.
The basic layout and structure of the buildings shared commonalities

to that used in contemporary buildings in other styles, such as Gothic
revival and Neo-Classical.
Saracen was a term used in Europe until the 19th century referring to

Muslim and/or Arabic-speaking people and regions of the Middle
East and North Africa.
48
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49
Incorporated Asian Exoticism (European art design inspired by
exotic styles of distant regions
Grand scal
British and Indian standards of construction
Use of iron, steel, and poured concret
In conformance to Indian standards

49

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50
Characteristics
onion (bulbous) dome
Chhajja, overhanging eaves, often supported by conspicuous bracket
pointed arches, cusped arches, or scalloped arche
horseshoe arches, in fact characteristic of Islamic Spain or North Africa, but often
used contrasting colours of voussoirs around an arch, especially red and white;
another feature more typical of North Africa and Spai
curved roofs in Bengali styles such as char-chal
domed chhatri kiosks on the roo ine
50
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51
Characteristics
Pinnacle
Towers or minaret
Harem window
Open pavilions or pavilions with Bangala roof
Jalis or openwork screen
Mashrabiya or jharokha-style screened windows

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Contrasting voussoirs (red and white) Onion domes 52
Horseshoe arch Chajja - overhanging eaves

52
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Jali screens Pinnacles 53
Chhatri kiosks on roof Char-chala curved roof style

53

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Minarets Bangala roof open pavilion 54
Mashrabiya or jharokha-style screened windows Harem windows

54
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55 Neoclassical buildings are characterized by their magni cence of scale, the prominent use of
Neoclassical Architecture in India columns, the use of geometric forms and symmetry, predominantly blank walls and the
Neo-Classical architecture in India was initiated by the European
triangular pediment. Some large private houses were built in and around Kolkata by wealthy
colonists who brought with them the vast concept of their 'world merchants. Examples of Neoclassical architecture in Indian public buildings include the British
view' and a baggage full of the history of European architecture
including Romanesque, Neo-Classical, Gothic and Renaissance Residency (1798) and Falaknuma Palace (1893) both in Hyderabad, St Andrews Church in
The architectural designs of these ne Indian mansions were in
Madras (1821), Raj Bhawan (1803) and Metcalfe Hall (1844) in Kolkata, and Bangalore Town
an accomplished classical style, which marks the rst stage in the Hall (1935) in Bangalore.
adaptation of European forms of architecture to an Indian
context.
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56 The Neoclassical school of architecture began in the 18th and early 19th centuries as a reaction
Neoclassical Architecture in India to the extravagance and ornamentation of the earlier styles. It was a revival of the classical
A well-proportioned cube of two or three
architecture going back to the simplicity of geometric forms used in ancient Greek and Roman
storeys set in a garden compound with styles. Since this style was on the way out by mid-19th century, the number of buildings
the inner rooms screened by a colonnaded
verandah or portico. The setting of the conforming to it is few and covers the early years of railway construction in the country.
houses in separate garden areas was

prompted as much by good planning and
Neoclassical buildings are characterized by their magni cence of scale, the prominent use of
it encouraged a cool ow of air and columns, the use of geometric forms and symmetry, predominantly blank walls and the
reduced the risk of disease, as by a desire
for exaggerated individual impact. triangular pediment.
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Neoclassical Architecture in India
Howdah
Entrance porches became portes-cocheres (pôrt kō

ˈSHer), often of enormous proportions, to
accommodate the elephants of visiting grandees
arriving by howdah.
The materials used for the construction were always

the same, which include a rough brick core covered
with chunam (mixture of burnt-lime and river sand
with suf cient quantity of water), a form of lime stucco
made from burnt seashells and polished to a high
sheen, although in the harsh climate of Bengal this
deteriorated to reveal the sham beneath the facade.
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58 The Art Deco in Mumbai, India style is a notable feature of the architecture of the city. It was
Art Deco in India (Mumbai) used primarily for o ce buildings, residences and movie theaters, during a period when India
The Art Deco in Mumbai (formerly Bombay, India) style is a
was part of the British Empire. On 30 June 2018, an ensemble of such buildings were o cially
notable feature of the architecture of the city. It was used recognized as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO World Heritage committee held in Bahrain
primarily for of ce buildings, residences and movie theaters,
during a period when India was part of the British Empire.
as the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai.
Mumbai is believed to have the second-most Art Deco buildings in the world, after Miami.
58
The Indian Institute of Architects, founded in Bombay in 1929, played a prominent role in
propagating the Art Deco movement. In November 1937, this institute organized the 'Ideal
Home Exhibition' held in the Town Hall in Mumbai which spanned over 12 days and attracted
about one hundred thousand visitors. As a result, it was declared a success by the 'Journal of
the Indian Institute of Architects'. The exhibits displayed the 'ideal', or better described as the
most 'modern' arrangements for various parts of the house, paying close detail to avoid
architectural blunders and present the most e cient and well-thought-out models. The
exhibition focused on various elements of a home ranging from furniture, elements of interior
decoration as well as radios and refrigerators using new and scienti cally relevant materials and
methods.[3] Guided by their desire to emulate the west, the Indian architects were fascinated
by the industrial modernity that Art Deco o ered.[3] The western elites were the rst to
experiment with the technologically advanced facets of Art Deco, and architects began the
process of transformation by the early 1930s

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59 The following are the characteristics of Art Deco in India
Art Deco in India (Mumbai) Streamlining and rounded corners
Characteristics
Rounded corners and streamlined designs in uenced by the design of airplanes, ships, trains,
and automobiles in the early 20th century, made buildings appear aerodynamic, fast, futuristic
Streamlining and rounded corner
and sleek. This was done with the intention to make Art Deco buildings appear modern and
Nautical feature
sophisticated.
The frozen fountain (Renee Lalique) Nautical features
Being a port city, Bombay was in uenced by the era's new ocean liners: Bremen (1929), Queen
59
Mary (1936) and Queen Elizabeth (1940). As a result of this enchantment with the luxury and
grandeur that these ocean liners brought with them buildings were manifested with nautical
features such as porthole windows, ship deck-style railings and observatory towers.
The frozen fountain
The motif of the frozen fountain, a historical symbol for eternal life was popularized by the
French Glass designer Rene Lalique. Some of his best-known works were seen in his designs
at the 1926 Paris exposition. This symbol soon became a prevalent feature in building facades
and metal grills on Art Deco buildings across Bombay
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Characteristics
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61 In uences:
Art Deco in India Tropical imagery - externally decorated with stylized forms of waves, sunburst rays, tropical
In uences
ora and fauna which can be seen in porch railings, facades, metal balcony grilles, ornamental
Tropical imagery gates and porch railings
Eyebrows Eyebrows - projecting edges or "shelves" above a structures portico to shade from direct
Architectural lettering sunlight
Ziggurats and zigzags

Architectural lettering - Typefaces consisted of a combination of straight lines and segments of
circles.
61
Ziggurats and zigzags - In order to evoke allusions to the verticality of skyscrapers whilst being
restricted in their height, Art Deco architects used the concept of stepping up and stepping
back of roof lines, used to mimic a ziggurat
Regal Cinema
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62 The Art Deco movement encouraged the replacement of materials such as stone, brick and
concrete with steel columns, beams and reinforced concrete. The advent of Reinforced
concrete in the early 1900s proved to be a boon in disguise providing a changeover to high-
rise buildings to accommodate increasing population density in Bombay.
A majority of Art Deco buildings in Mumbai were built by a breed of architects (mostly Indian)
who were trained along the ideologies of modern architecture of the time. Other than their
education, most of these architects were also sponsored by their clients to travel to world cities
Eros Cinema
62
such as London, Paris and New York to experience and understand the architectural style (Art
Deco) prevalent at the time. Upon their return, these architects designed buildings that very
skillfully combined the design aesthetics of Art Deco with cultural context of India. These
buildings were thoughtfully designed keeping in mind the climatic conditions prevalent in the
Indian sub-continent.[10] Climate responsive architecture and Bombay Deco were born.

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63 The Portuguese had colonized parts of India, including Goa and Mumbai. The Madh Fort, St.
John the Baptist Church, and Castella de Aguada in Mumbai are remnants of Portuguese
Colonial rule. The Churches and convents of Goa, an ensemble of seven churches built by the
Portuguese in Goa are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Portuguese Colonial Era
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63
64 The Portuguese were among the rst European traders to discover the sea route to India as
early as 1498. The rst Portuguese encounter with the subcontinent was on 20 May 1498 when
Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on the Malabar Coast.
Portuguese Colonial Era

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65 The Portuguese landed in 1498 when Vasco de Gama docked ship at Calicut in Kerala. Jesuit
Portuguese Colonial Era Francisco Javier arrived about fty years later to spread the catholic religious way and hence
Catholicis
many of the early architecture of the Portuguese are manifested in churches, cathedrals and
Church architectur
schools. Western India, especially Goa and Daman and Diu have seen the maximum in uence
of Portuguese colonization. Goa is in fact, where the Portuguese ruled for more than 400 years
Jesuit
until in 1961 the Indian Armed Forces annexed the territory.
Goa, Indi
Portuguese, Indian, and Mughal Architectur

Though the Portuguese style of architecture was predominant in Goa and Daman and Dui,
Baroque style
65
sporadic in uences can also be seen in other parts of the country, such as, the Bandel Church
in West Bengal on the banks of the River Hoogly. In Mumbai, the Madh Fort, Castella de
Aguada and St. John’s Baptist Church are structures that remain from the Portuguese colonial
rule.
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66 Factors that in uenced residential design in Goa include:
Portuguese Colonial Era • Protection from seasonal monsoons.
• Portuguese Empire rule allowed Goan people to travel abroad; when they returned they
Factors that in uenced residential design in Goa include
brought with them ideas and in uences from other countries. The Goan master builders
Seasonal monsoons
executed these ideas using local building materials, making the Goan house a mixture and
Portuguese Empire rule allowed Goan people to travel abroad
adaptation of design elements and in uences from other cultures.
The traditional Baroque architecture style • The traditional Baroque architecture style of Portuguese-built churches.
A European aesthetic/lifestyle • A European aesthetic/lifestyle was encouraged to separate newly converted Goan Catholics
66
from their cultural roots. However, they adopted a European outlook but did not cut
themselves o from their Indian roots completely, and resulting cultural fusion a ected house
design.

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The Portuguese regime, mandated the arrival of many Roman Catholic missionaries,
particularly the Portuguese Jesuits, who were instrumental in building many churches in Goa.
The Goan Catholic style of constructing churches thus came to be in uenced by the
Portuguese style.
Traditional houses in Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus Church of St. Cajetan
Portuguese Colonial Architecture

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68 The traditional pre-Portuguese homes were inward-looking with small windows; this re ected
Portuguese Colonial Era the secluded role of women. The houses opened into courtyards, and rarely opened onto
• Covered porches and • Red Mangalore tile for the roo streets. The Catholic houses built or refurbished between the middle of the 18th and the 20th
verandahs (with built in
seating) facing the street • Mangalore tiles used for the
corbe
centuries were more outward-looking and ornamental, with balcões (covered porches) and
verandas facing the street. The large balcões had built-in seating, open to the street, where
• Steps to the plinth - indicate
the stature of the hous • Gateways consisted of
elaborately carved compound
• ornamental windows with
stucco mouldings open onto
walls on either side of the gate
post men and women could sit together and ‘see and be seen’, chat with their neighbours, or just
verandas (decorative
• Front doors were anked by

• Dramatic and startling color—
initially achieved with
enjoy the evening breeze. These balcões are bordered by ornamental columns that sometimes
continued along the steps and added to the stature of the house. This, together with the plinth,
columns vegetable and natural dye
• Intricate designs on railing • The walls were made of mud

and then later of laterite stone;
68
which usually indicated the status of the owners. The houses of rich landlords had high plinths
with grand staircases leading to the front door or balcão.
Large ornamental windows with stucco mouldings open onto verandas. These may appear
purely decorative, but have their origins in similar mouldings in the windows of Portuguese
houses. There these elements of style were devices to help sailors identify their homes at a
distance as they sailed in. The design is therefore an import but serves a similar purpose in
Goa: to help construct the identity of the home. Windows gradually became more decorative,
ornate, and expressive.
Front doors were anked by columns or pilasters.
Railings were the most intricate embellishment in a Goan house. Pillars, piers, and colours do
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not seem to be in uenced by any style in particular; rather they conform to a rather mixed bag
of architectural styles. Country tiles used as a corbel are a feature peculiar to Goa. The e ect
achieved is aesthetically pleasing, giving the roof projection a solid, moulded appearance.
Gateways consisted of elaborately carved compound walls on either side of the gate posts.
Dramatic and startling colour—initially achieved with vegetable and natural dyes—plays an
important role in Goan architecture. Colour was decorative and used purely to create a
sensation. With a colour wash, the house looked "dressed" and therefore displayed the
economic well-being of the family that lived in it. Here art in architecture performed a social
function. However, this was not completely a matter of individual choice, since during
Portuguese rule the owner of the house could be ned if his house was not painted.
The walls were made of mud and then later of laterite stone; they were usually plastered then
painted. Very few buildings are coloured exactly alike and solid colours are used for front
facades; interiors are usually in paler colours/white with solid color highlights.
This rendering or piping in white is the result of the unwritten rule during the Portuguese
occupation of Goa that no private house or building could be painted in white. Only churches
and chapels enjoyed this privilege. It is understandable that Goan Christians followed this rule,
as white was associated with the Virgin Mary and therefore the virtues of purity and chastity
(both desirable in Goa), but, surprisingly, Goan Hindus also respected this practice. As a result
of this code, an interesting and aesthetically pleasing trend developed, as competition among
neighbours gave impetus to variety.
Most houses are symmetrical with the entrance door occupying the place of honour. Typically
this front door leads to a foyer which then either leads to the sala (the main hall for entertaining
a large number of guests) or the sala de visita (a smaller hall for entertaining a small number of
guests) and in some cases the chapel in the house. From here one can also directly enter the
rest of the house, which usually revolved around a courtyard. Typically the master bedroom
opens into the sala or is close to it. The dining room is usually perpendicular to these rooms;
the bedrooms ank the courtyard, and the kitchens and service areas are at the rear of the
house. In the case of two-story houses, a staircase, either from the foyer or the dining room,
leads to more bedrooms.
Consisting of humble burnt earth plastered over with cow dung and hay, or with elaborate
patterns made with tiles imported from Europe, the oors in Goan houses have been both
workplaces and statements.
Almost all Goan houses have a false ceiling of wood

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View Amazing India, retrieved 28 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4ppepVOVI8&t=155s. 69
Ancestral house tour
Ancestral house tour
Ancestral
Ancestral house tour Ancestral house tour
Ancestralhouse
housetour
tour
69
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70
End.
70

7 India Regional Styles

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7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Notable for the palaces and fort

Haveli - traditional townhouses seen in Indian Subcontinen

Baoli - stepwells (bawdi

Taanka - underground water storage and rainwater harvesting

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopur

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Although Sikh architecture was initially developed within Sikhism its

Generally a mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

The word gurdwara is a compound of guru (guide or

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

2. The arrangement is generally linear.

Basic Floor Plan of a Typical Wada, Google Image

8. The wada with three courts were used in a di erent way:

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Bengali curved roof

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

The Bengal Temple Architecture has 7 unique roo ng styles.

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

This particular style re ects the single-celled huts of

It is quite a rare roo ng style as far as the temples

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

how the roof of an At-chala temple looks like.

The Malancha Dakshina Kali temple in Medinipur

The origin of this style is unclear because there are

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

The roof of these temples bears a close resemblance

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

The term baṅgalo, meaning "Bengali" and used elliptically for a

Such houses were traditionally small, only one storey and

Maerial: wood, bamboo and khar (a kind of straw); now GI

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

The architectural styles re ective of their ancestral and adopted homes.

The European colonizers created architecture

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Art Deco Architecture

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Indo-Saracenic architecture evolved by combining Indian architectural features with European

Indo Saracenic Architecture

Curzon Hall, Dhaka Ahsan Manzil, Dhaka

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

Rose Garden Palace Tajhat Palace

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

The basic layout and structure of the buildings shared commonalities

Saracen was a term used in Europe until the 19th century referring to

British and Indian standards of construction

Use of iron, steel, and poured concret

In conformance to Indian standards

7 India Regional Styles - September 22, 2021

onion (bulbous) dome

Chhajja, overhanging eaves, often supported by conspicuous bracket

pointed arches, cusped arches, or scalloped arche