The Influence of British Architecture on Civilizing India

This essay delves into the profound influence of British architecture on India, examining its role in representing and promoting a 'civilizing' influence. It explores how architectural infrastructures, such as St. Andrew's Kirk and the Madras High Court, reflected European colonial rule and its associated symbols. The essay analyzes the revival of the Indo-Saracenic style, highlighting its blend of Indian and European design elements. Furthermore, it discusses the impact of British rule on India's education system and the construction of iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India. The analysis considers the political motives behind these architectural endeavors and their lasting effects on Indian society, including the evolution of legal structures and the introduction of modern education. The essay underscores how British architecture served as a tool for asserting power and shaping the cultural landscape of colonial India.

INFLUENCE OF
BRITISH
ARCHITECTURE ON
INDIA

Table of Contents
TOPIC: “The architecture of British India represented and promoted a ‘civilizing’ influence upon
India.”...............................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

TOPIC: “The architecture of British India represented and promoted a
‘civilizing’ influence upon India.”
India has been under the influences of a diverse set of cultural, social and psychological
aspects since inception. These aspects mainly developed as the years went by. Today, India is a
home to many religions and languages. These influences have mainly originated from the early
visitors who came and settled in the country (Abbott, 2013). One of the most prominent
influence that can be observed in India is Colonial or Imperialism. The British arrived in early
16th Century in India with a motive to take advantage of the rich raw materials available in the
country then. Gradually, as the decades passed, they established the East India Company and
declared a colonial rule on the country. During this period, there were many incidents that
occurred in the economy. The British Era had an impact on almost every aspect of Indian
Economy from social to educational, cultural to legal. One of such influence that is notable today
relates to the Architecture. This essay explores, analyse and discuss cultural, social, political or
theoretical issues of architectural history in relation to India.
The Architectural Infrastructures found in India as well as worldwide depict a sense of
symbolism and endorses occupying power of the ruler or administrator under whom such a
monument or building was created. The Architecture of British India is reflective of European
Colonial Rule which mainly boded with symbols and designs that endorsed mission of conquest.
During British India Era, some of the major cities that were colonized included Chennai,
Calcutta, Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad and Karachi (Ayothiraman, Kanth and Sreelatha,
2012).
For instance, St. Andrew's Kirk in Chennai is a circular building with a motto of East
India Company engraved on the entrance. The entrance is seamed with 12 colonnades and two
British Lions. The main purpose of building this kirk was to serve the Presbyterian Scottish
Community living in Chennai at that time. The Church featured a Neo-Classical Style of
Structure. The main influence of this architecture in relation to civilizing of the Indian Society is
that it laid the foundation for the Christian Society. One of the main aim of the British
Representatives was to promote Christian Superiority in the nation, for which missionaries led
a movement in order to save about 300 million people. Apart form this, India was a society with
a lot of beliefs and cultural values that bonded them with their ancestral rights and duties. These
included certain practices or acts that were performed on a public stage and required sacrifices to
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be made on individual's and their family's part. One such practice prevalent under the British
Rule was that of Sati. Sati practice demanded a wife of the demised to sit next to her husband on
the pyre so as to immolate herself in the process. Thus, taking her own life in the process.
Establishment of Churches in most of the highly colonized cities had an objective to spread the
writings and learnings of Christianity among the Indian Society (Brougher, 2013). It is one of the
most regressive funeral customs performed in the Indian Society then. Saving the women
through outlawing this practice and spreading the learnings of Christianity through the Churches
and Kirks built across the nation was one of the methods to uplift and civilize the society on the
part of East India Company Representatives active in Colonial India at that point of time.
It is important to note that under the rule of Britishers, Indo-Saracenic Architecture Style
was revived, especially in the later part of the 19th Century. This is clearly visible in the public
and government buildings as well as palaces of rulers of the princely states. Indo-Saracenic
Style is also known as Indo-Gothic Style, in which, a blend of Indian and European styles of
architectural designing. This Style of Architecture exhibited a prominent art of Mughal Dynasty
which is known for its intricacies and artistic importance. Indo-Saracenic Style of Architecture is
mainly found among the public buildings of all sorts such as railway stations, high courts, banks,
clubs, museums and insurance institutions. Chepauk Palace is one of the first infrastructures
found in India that was built under the rule of Britishers in 1768. Another astounding example of
such architectural style is that of Madras High Court, Chennai. The principal features of these
infrastructures included vaulted roofs, overhanging eaves, bulbous domes, towers (also known as
'Minars') and Open Pavilions among others.
Madras High Court is the high court of Indian and it is situated in Tamil Nadu state. It is one of
the three high court of the India which established in Calcutta, Madras and Bombay. These
letters patent by the Queen Victoria on 26 June 1862. In the history of British India, Queen
Victoria pass the authority of British parliament where they provide justice for the people and it
will be develop under the royal charter. Constitution of India recognize it as a status of the older
court. Britishers build this court for the civilization which directly or indirectly support them in
order to increase their efficiency or effectiveness. Initially high court administered it's
jurisdiction within presidency town and it is established by the Act of British Parliament where
they have power to issue prerogative writs under the section 491 of the Cr.P.C (1898). Madras
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court was formed through merging supreme court of judicature at Madras and it is develop for
the discussion of various cases related to the justice, equity and conscience.
This court will be constructed after shifting various temples that existing on the land at
the time of 19 centuries. Current building of this court was look like a home. Construction of
High Court building is exquisite example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Building
construction will start in October 1888 and completed in the year 1892 and it's design prepared
by the J. W. Brassington. Along with this, it is prepared with the guidance of famed architecture
Henry Irwin who complete their assistance under the J. H. Stephens. British empire build this
court to provide the justice to the civilians but all the laws are made by them and they regulate it
according to their requirement. Most of the legislation are in favor of the Britishers where they
basically drain the wealth of India. Rules and regulation related to the trade, manufacturing or
services are build as per their connivance. Most of the legislation regarding justice are in favor of
the Britishers. They develop this court to provide the justice regarding civil or criminal cases
where Indian citizens can live in civilized way.
Before civilization people are use to go with kings decision where he is the only person
who provide final judgment which general public have to use. But after civilization, court will
provide the proper structure which increase the effectiveness of work. After introducing Madras
high court, people can come with their case or issues which is resolved according to their act
which is build in the Britishers time and still they are followed. Only the different is that, after
the independence government use the same laws and regulations with the few changes. After
introducing court and these structure of laws. People will live in more civilized form where they
can resolve their problems with the help of prescribed rules and the further actions will take as
per the constitution.
Gateway of India is the India's most unique landmark which is situated in the Mumbai
city. It was constructed in 1924 and located at the tip of Apollo Bunder where this gate overlook
the Mumbai harbor. It is civilized due to increase in trade and tourism in India because this is the
place which attract most of people and people will arrived Mumbai just to visit the place. This
monument represent the grandeur of the British Raj in India (Falser, 2015). Approx cost of
constructing this building is about 21 lakhs and the whole cost borne by the Indian government.
It is the most loving spot for the tourist and now recently they attract vendors, food stalls,
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photographer and other things which generate the employment. It is constructed on
February,1948 when the last set of British troops and division left India after independence.
Main objective of building Gateway of India was to commemorate the visitors of King
George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in march 1911. Approval of constructing this building
was made on the year 1914. Architectural design the Gateway of India and design by the
architecture, George Wittet and it take almost 4 years to complete the construction of this
monument. Architecture layout of the Gateway of India is constituted of large architectural
where height is 26m. It is build with the yellow basalt and indissoluble concrete. This structure
of Gateway of India is designed in Indo-Saracenic style and also find the traces of another style
which is related to the Muslim architectural styles incorporated with the structure of the
grandiose edifice. Central dome of the monument is about 48 feet in diameter with total height is
about 83 feet and designed with intricate latticework, the 4 turrets are the prominent features of
the entire structure of the Gateway of India. Structure of the monument is one of the own witness
that large expanse occur for it's construction (Falconer, 2013). 'Blue blanket' right ahead,
welcoming and sending off ships and visitors are take advantage of building this which increase
the efficiency or effectiveness of trade and the tourist sector.
It is worthy to note that, initially, the British traders and settlers followed a classic
European Style of Architecture for public and other buildings. This style was, usually, a
reflection of their power and status as a community. This style underwent a drastic change,
especially after the revolt of 1857. One of the reasons to choose such an alternative style of
architecture was to explicitly declare their reign on the Indian Sub-continent by relating
themselves to the Mughals who were the previous rulers of the nation. “They tried to encapsulate
India's past within their own building”. However, this architectural style kept both the British
Citizens as well as native Indians content, even though the infrastructures were built on political
motives.
The British Rule also impacted the education system of India gravely. Prior to the start of
British Era, the methods and practices adopted to impart knowledge and wisdom among the new
generation of rulers as well as common people were a few thousand years old. It included mostly
the recital of religious texts and Abrahamic religions which was completely eradicated once the
British Rule initiated. Various ministers and authoritative figures of East India Company were of
the view that institutional education of the boys was of paramount importance. They also
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observed that Indian Civilization had experienced some of the most glorious years in the
previous periods, specifically dating back to the times when Universities such as Takshila and
Nalanda were established. However, due to a continuous series of invasion and growing poverty
the educational system had suffered gravely. At such a time, the British introduced a new
education system in accordance with the industrial as well as scientific reforms that were
happening back in England. Here, again, the political motive came into play. However, it did
help in creating a civilizing influence on the colonial India then and even today. Hence, one can
say that Britishers were responsible for introducing Modern Education to the Indian Society as a
whole.
One of the best examples of this move is the establishment of a boarding school in 1875
by the 6th Earl of Mayo, Richard Burke (Dorsett, Clark and Phadke, 2017). The idea for this
college was first proposed by Colonel Walter in 1869 who was an agent to the Governor of
Rajputana. The main aim was to provide the leaders of the princely states and other affluent
families belonging to the Indian Upper Classes with an education similar to that given in Eton
College. Being a Princely State itself, England and other European countries were known to have
a touch of modernisation, delicacy and etiquettes in its system at each and every level. The sons
of nobles and royalties were known to have a proper system that needed to be followed in order
to be imparted knowledge in politics, art and literature among others. This made them competent
in world history and helped them in maintaining relations not only in domestic regions but also
internationally, something which was lacking in the Indian Educational System at that point of
time.
After the establishment of this school, the architectural build-up was highly inspired by
European and Mughal Styles. Hence, the viceroy, Richard Burke adopted the Indo-Gothic Style
for this Building too (Cleall, 2012). Again, the objective here was to make the place as relatable
to the Indian Royal Houses as possible. Even today, this institution is one of the better known
boarding schools of India. The main influence here, is that, it helped in uplifting the educational
system of India, promoting Modernisation and introducing worldly literature of arts, science and
language among the society. The pupils graduating from this institution held a wider knowledge
in comparison to their other noble counterparts. Making it exclusive for the Indian Upper
Classes, also instigated a sense of uniqueness to the families for which the then royals were
known widely.
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On the basis of above discussion it can be concluded that the architecture of British India
did have a certain amount of influence on the social, cultural as well as other aspects of Indian
Society. It can also be clearly inferred that every decision to undergo an architectural process
was related to expand British Power and Status among the citizens of Colonial India. Thus, one
can assert that the architecture of British India represented and promoted a 'civilizing' influence
upon India.
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REFERENCES.
Books and Journals:
Abbott, F. M., 2013. The judgment in Novartis v. India: what the supreme court of India
said. Inside Views, Intellectual Property Watch.
Ayothiraman, R., Kanth, S. R. and Sreelatha, S., 2012. Evaluation of liquefaction potential of
Guwahati: Gateway city to Northeastern India. Natural hazards. 63(2). pp.449-460.
Brougher, J., 2013. Evergreening patents: The Indian Supreme Court rejects patenting of
incremental improvements. Journal of Commercial Biotechnology. 19(3).
Cleall, E., 2012. Missionary discourses of difference: Negotiating otherness in the British
Empire, 1840-1900. Palgrave Macmillan.
Dorsett, P., Clark, J. and Phadke, S. K., 2017. India Gateway Program: Transformational
learning opportunities in an international context. International Social Work. 60(4).
pp.883-896.
Falconer, J., 2013. “A pure labor of love”: A publishing history of The People of India.
In Colonialist Photography (pp. 64-96). Routledge.
Falser, M., 2015. Cultural Heritage as Civilizing Mission: Methodological Considerations.
In Cultural Heritage as Civilizing Mission (pp. 1-32). Springer, Cham.
Geary, D., 2013. Incredible India in a global age: The cultural politics of image branding in
tourism. Tourist Studies. 13(1). pp.36-61.
Grover, A., 2013. Analysing the Supreme Court Judgment. Economic and Political Weekly,
pp.46-49.
Hyson, S. and Lester, A., 2012. ‘British India on trial’: Brighton Military Hospitals and the
politics of empire in World War I. Journal of Historical Geography. 38(1). pp.18-34.
Latha, S. and Thilagaraj, R., 2013. Restorative justice in India. Asian Journal of Criminology.
8(4). pp.309-319.
Sykes, P., 2013. A History Of Persia (Volume 1). Routledge.
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