Basics
- The British brought with them the Gothic style of architecture.
- It merged with the Indian architecture and resulted in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture.
- Post-1911, a new style of architecture known as the Neo – Roman architecture emerged.
Indo-Gothic Style
- Also known as the Victorian style.
- It was a unique blend of Indian, Persian and Gothic styles of architecture.
- Basic Features are
- The constructions were extremely large and elaborate in their execution.
- The walls were thinner.
- The arches were pointed.
- Presence of large windows.
- The churches had a crucified ground plan.
- Steel, iron and poured concrete started being used.
- For Example – Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
Neo-Roman Style
- The architecture of New Delhi, done by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were the finest examples of this style.
- Basic Features
- The constructions were anonymous (simple facade with little ornamentation or design) and without any interesting features.
- It was a confluence of all styles of architecture which made the style congested and cramped the space of artistic expression.
- Modernity and utility were highly compromised due to the hybrid nature of the constructions.
- There was a focus on circular buildings.
- There was an overuse of oriental motifs to realise western architectural designs.
- The concept of the upturned dome, as can be seen at the top of the Supreme Court and Rashtrapati Bhavan, was introduced during this phase.
- For Example – Old Parliament of India