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Lecture 10

The document discusses the transition from Mughal to Colonial architecture in the Indian subcontinent, highlighting the emergence of Indo-Saracenic architecture as a hybrid style. It describes how British imperialists used architecture as a status symbol, merging British and Indian/Islamic styles to assert their power. The resulting architectural forms included offices, public buildings, and residences that reflect both functional and ornamental elements.

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8 views16 pages

Lecture 10

The document discusses the transition from Mughal to Colonial architecture in the Indian subcontinent, highlighting the emergence of Indo-Saracenic architecture as a hybrid style. It describes how British imperialists used architecture as a status symbol, merging British and Indian/Islamic styles to assert their power. The resulting architectural forms included offices, public buildings, and residences that reflect both functional and ornamental elements.

Uploaded by

brave man
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Presented by: Ar.

Sidra Khokhar

From Mughal to Colonial


Architecture: An introduction to
Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Where the Mughals mostly
The British entered the
indulged in luxurious spaces and
subcontinent under the banner of Their architectural notions were
monumental architecture inspired
the East India Company in the absorbed by the locals, and this
by religion, the Colonial
early 1600s and slowly began to was reflected in the built
architecture was more functional
infiltrate their authority over the environment that emerged even
and focused on developing the
region and its people, culture and after the Independence of 1947.
infrastructure of the region for them
ultimately the built environment.
to expand their control.
The term colonial itself depicts power and dominancy. The British imperialists who
entered the subcontinent back then, used this architectural style as a status symbol.

The main building typologies under this movement included offices, public buildings
and residences.

The architectural style which we see today in Pakistan is a hybrid style known as ‘Indo-
Saracenic’.
Formal,
Mostly rectilinear in Central vertical
symmetrical and
form. circulation
rational style.

Window design is
also rectilinear and Usage of flattened Usually had
evenly spaced out columns/arches pitched rooftops.
across the façade.
Merged British (Neo-Gothic
Also known as the Indo-Gothic and Neo-Classical Styles) (for The hybrid combined diverse
Style of Architecture which spatial organization) and architectural elements of
was used by the British Indian/Islamic (for Hindu and Mughal with cusped
architects during the late 19th ornamentation) Architectural arches, domes, spires, tracery,
Century in the subcontinent. styles to showcase a new minarets and stained glass.
Imperial Power.
Onion domes
Overhanging eaves
Pointed arches (which is why this style was also known as Indo-Gothic)
Miniature domes or cupolas
Towers
Harem windows
Open pavilions
Understanding how an external power made use of their new territory to expand and
mobilise power.

The hybrid architectural style that was created demonstrated the British colonial power
which was relative to the indo-pak context (social and geographical)

Observing how secular architecture created a new power identity for the British and
have buildings that serve as a legacy even today.

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