Architecture and identity: A study of colonial and post-colonial architecture in India

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the historical architecture of colonial, post-independence, and globalized India. In doing so, the paper explores the relationship between two different cultures, those of Western Europe and India, through the lens of architecture and ornamentation. The paper analyzes three different periods in India, Colonial British Raj, a post-independence stage, and a globalized India. The architecture that developed during these three periods is used to conclude the relationship between the identity of the people at that time to the architecture. In this paper, I argue that the architecture of a place represents the people of that location, and this relationship results in understanding architecture beyond style. I note that the architecture is constantly changing, not simply due to external influence, but due to the changing identity of the people. By analyzing India's evolution from the British Raj to post-colonial India, I propose looking at architecture under the labels of the architecture of appeasement, neutrality, and allusion. During its stage as a colony, the conflict between the Indians and English developed an architecture of appeasement. Post-independence, the architecture resulted from the many existing micro-identities within India, asking for an architecture of neutrality. Lastly, further globalization in India results in an inward analysis and growth of architecture that is allusive to its previous histories and cultures.