With colonisation in India, came architectural influences of the various countries that resulted in a style of design based on its cultural and historical past combined with region-specific aspects. The British, due to their powerful political and military presence in the country, influenced all aspects of the Indian lifestyle. Secular, religious, and residential buildings were built, and the outcome of the design themes based on a Greco-Roman flavour was a Colonial style of architecture in India. Nuances of Neo-Classical, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance were also apparent.
Architecture in colonies around the world has been influenced by the culture that the settlers brought with them to the new land and resulted in a hybrid essence of many cultures and influences. The British brought timber-framed structures with chimneys, which, in India, became a decorative element only as it was not a requirement in Indian climatic conditions. Steeply pitched gable roofs, fireplaces (sometimes purely decorative), and a classically elegant look with symmetrical simplicity are recurring aspects.
The Portuguese gave India the galleried patio house. Danish and French signature nuances are evident in many parts of the Colonial architecture in the country, mainly in churches and urban settlements. Stucco facades are also an aspect of this style. Other elements include Indo-Saracenic motifs like stone, decorated tile marble, and stained glass which is Victorian in essence but heavily influenced by native Indian styles.
The Indo-Saracenic style largely has an Indian influence on the exterior but with a Victorian interior. Additions of Oriental motifs in chajjas, jaalis, and chhattris make the styling suitable to the regional context.
[ad_2]Source by Prasanth Kumar
