CONCLUSION. This study seeks to make some contribution to the study of colonial

Transcription

1 186 CONCLUSION This study seeks to make some contribution to the study of colonial architecture. We have focused on the colonial buildings in the city of Delhi, with a view to unravel the nature and political significance of colonial architecture. The first chapter, "The City: Its History and Landscape" provides a clear understanding of the historical background of Delhi. It looks at the physical layout of the city, its morphology and architectural heritage. In this chapter, we have also identified the major localities and wards or mohallas into which the city was divided in the pre- and early colonial period. The chapter concludes by an examination of the process of the synthesis between European and Mughal architecture. In this context, it looks at the architecture of the War Memorial (India Gate), Viceroy House (President House), Council Chamber/Legislative Building (Parliament House), North Block and South Block. In the second chapter, "Indian and European Architectural Heritage", an attempt has been made to provide an in-depth understanding of the architectural features of buildings constructed during the colonial period. These buildings are an expression of the splendor and

2 187 magnificence that the colonial power enjoyed during their rule in India. These are also remarkable in so far as they were designed to adapt to the climate of Indian subcontinent, as well. From 1883 till 1911 Calcutta was the capital of India, and the colonial buildings there reflected both utilitarian as well as administrative needs. The buildings were constructed in Gothic style, partially involving the indigenous architectural features. In Bombay also the building pattern was more or less the same. The Gateway of India and VT are representative buildings of the British period in Bombay. Madras also witnessed almost the same building pattern, i.e. Gothic style partially involving indigenous architecture. The Marina Promenode Chepauk Palace and the Cathedral of St. Thome in Madras invoke a Gothic style, modified by indigenous architectural style. When Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, the British were engaged in considerable construction activity. Initially, as in Bombay and Madras, the colonial architecture in Delhi was based on the amalgamation of Gothic style with Mughal architecture. The colonial buildings in Delhi reflected a notable diffusion of indigenous architectural features with European architecture. The Council Chamber/Legislative Building ( ), Viceroy House ( ), War Memorial (1931), and the North and South Block ( ). Administrative Buildings are some of the important

3 188 buildings constructed in the colonial period. In all of them there is a remarkable synthesis of British with indigenous architectural techniques. The third chapter "Public buildings: Major Architectural Features and their Utilitarian and Symbolic Significance," deals with the public buildings constructed during the colonial period. By public buildings we mean those buildings that were open and accessible to the general public. According to their nature, these buildings were classified into the following different categories: (a) Churches/Chapel (b) Circuit House (c) Hospitals (d) Schools/Colleges (e) Bridges (f) Post Office (g) Library/Stadium/Club (h) Police Station (i) Commercial Place (j) War Memorial/Canopy. The public buildings show a remarkable amalgamation of British architecture with the indigenous style/elements. This was partly owing to the fact that several architects, masons and workers involved in the construction of these buildings were Indians. In this chapter, I have discussed the architectural features of the important public buildings, their period of construction, their architects, decoration pattern, etc. In the category of the public buildings, I have included the hospitals, the churches, the schools, the post offices, etc. that were constructed by the British in colonial India. The fourth chapter "Residential Bungalows: Architecture as a Resource of Power", is devoted to the discussion of the Bungalows

4 189 constructed under the British rule. Bungalows were residential complexes in which resided the high officials of the British Raj. These buildings provide us with an insight into the British Indian architectural pattern, and help us see the process of cultural diffusion during the colonial period. The Bungalows reflected, and their architecture sustained both class and racial difference. The bungalows spatially separated the whites from the blacks, but, more significandy, also the higher class whites from the lower class whites. The pattern of the residential building construction give one an idea of the class status, its residents occupied. It also signified how architecture reflected differences based on class and race. The fifth chapter, namely "Official Building" deals with those buildings of colonial period, which were built to serve as sites of administration. Like several other buildings of the colonial period, the official buildings were based the design of Lutyens and Baker. These two architects were well versed in the neo-classical style that was the brainchild of Renaissance. They were responsible for the construction of many important buildings in Delhi, after the capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. Among the most magnificent official buildings of that era was the Viceroy House {Rashtrapati Bhawan). Lutyens designed it, and it served both official and residential purposes. The building was divided into different parts in accordance with their utilitarian value but

5 190 to secure an aesthetic touch, were enclosed by some of the indigenous, particularly Mughal, features in the buildings were the presence of chajja, jalis, etc. The official buildings of the British era are, indeed, magnificent examples of the amalgamation of Anglo-Indian styles. They are also remarkable in combining utilitarian needs with aesthetic appreciation. Our study of the colonial architecture demonstrates the immense changes that were introduced by the British in India, in the building construction activities. At the same time, it has shown to us certain structural continuities and the influence of Mughal and other indigenous architectural technique over the British architecture in India. Colonial architecture was a symbolic index of imperial power, and was intended to strike awe and terror in the minds of the subject Indians. To achieve that objective, the scale of its grandeur was matched by a deep and sustained invocation of Mughal architecture. Colonial architecture was not entirely "colonial", after all!