Modern Architecture in India

The arrival of European powers in Indian subcontinent brought number of changes in many fields of Indian state. The Europeans also brought new style of architecture to India and they built significant buildings in India. But European bring different forms of architectural styles, for example, Portuguese brought Iberian style of architecture, British brought Gothic style of architecture with them. This period was also the transition phase from Medieval time to Modern time.

Also Read : Mughal Architecture (c. 1526 – mid. 18th Century AD)

Regional Temple Architecture in India

Architecture Style of Sikh, Rajput, and Kashmir Rulers

French Architecture in India

The concept of modern urban city planning was introduced in India by French peoples. They used Cartesian grid plans and scientific architectural designs for building towns in India, for example, Pondicherry and Chandernagore (modern Chandannagar, West Bengal) were built by using these techniques. They also introduced the concept of anonymous architecture which involves simple façade without much designs. The coastal towns of Mahe (Kerala), Karaikal (Tamilnadu) etc. were developed by French.

Portuguese Style of Architecture in India

The Iberian style of architecture was introduced by Portuguese in India. Portuguese initially started to build trading posts and ware houses and later, they remodeled these posts and houses in fortified town along the coastal lines in India, like in Goa. The concept of “patio houses” were introduced by them in India. They developed Baroque style and express their strength by building churches with elaborate, detailed and theatrical design to create dramatic effect.

Se Cathedral (in late-Gothic style) in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, Diu Fort, Church of St.  Anne in Goa, St. Paul Church at Diu, Castella de Aguanda in Mumbai etc. the examples of the Portuguese or Iberian style architecture.

British Influence Over Indian Architecture (Indo-Gothic Style)

The Gothic style brought by British colonialists in India and eventually Indo-Gothic style after merging the Gothic style with Indian style of architecture. This style was also known as Victorian style of architecture. They used large windows in buildings and walls were thinner than the Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

The overall constructions were very extremely large and elaborate in their execution, and the arches were pointed. The churches were built with a crucified ground plan. It adhered to advanced structural engineering standards of Britain, steel, iron and poured concrete started being used. Example, Gateway of India in Mumbai, Victoria Memorial in Kolkata etc.

Neo-Roman Style of Architecture in India

The architectures built by British colonialist after c. 1911 AD were done in Neo-Roman or Neo-Classical style. The architecture of this period was without any interesting features as they built anonymously. This style was the confluence of all styles of architecture which made the style congested and cramped the space of artistic expressions. Modernity and utility were highly compromised due to hybrid nature of construction and they focused on circular buildings.

The concept of upturned dome, can be seen on the top of Supreme court and Rashtrapati Bhavan of India. These features were introduced during this phase and they overused the oriental motifs in architectural building. The architecture done by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in Delhi are the finest examples of the Neo-Roman style of architecture.

Thus, the advent of Europeans to India gave new features to Indian architectures.