Architecture is not just infrastructure, it is also a reflection of the cultural, societal and political values of a region. The older public buildings, monuments or houses, each narrate the story of people who built and lived in them. These stories are what make the history and culture of a place, hence historic architecture gives a physical identity to the past. Every element from the typology of windows to the facades built would indicate a societal or cultural reason for it.
Rulers built monuments and memorials to make themselves timeless and ensure that their existence would be known for generations to come. Without architecture, history would have been restricted to the books. Today, most people are in touch with history or at least are aware of it because of the presence of historic architecture in their vicinity; hence, they know the anecdotes about them.
Architecture As Historical Records
Historic architecture has been used as an expression of power and control. The palaces and forts were built for administration, and defence in their native style to impose their culture on occupied territories. As a result, architectural elements in monuments are a combination of different cultures. For example – a significant portion of the architectural landscape of Delhi is derived from Mughal architecture in terms of domes, arches, gardens etc. Or the classical architecture the British brought in, including all the significant government buildings they commissioned. The making of New Delhi into what it is known today is all rooted in its history and its journey can be witnessed by these iconic buildings.
Red Fort
Red Fort has witnessed the Mughal period, and the transition to British India and now stands as a symbol of Independent India. It was a Mughal fort built under the reign of Shah Jahan, glorifying the Islamic style of architecture with several pavilions. Red Fort was built in Delhi to establish the capital of the Mughal empire (Centre). The British turned this Mughal residence to use it for their military (Mukherji, 2007).
India Gate
India Gate is a war memorial built by the British in commemoration of the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War; more than 13000 names are engraved on the archway (Lewis). It is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors to give us what we have today. This also suggests our political stand and what role our country had to play as a British colony in the world.
And such stories of struggle and revolt could be found all over India. There are so many places like Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands etc, that are standing evidence of the oppression and bloodshed that occurred to achieve freedom.
Architecture As a Treasure of Knowledge
Historic architecture is not just a witness of the past but is also a treasure for architectural and structural knowledge. Our previous generations have built such incredible structures from marvellous rock-cut temples to massive palaces, which we still haven’t been able to decode entirely. This is a huge part of our heritage and legacy as a country. The structures constructed hundreds of years ago are still standing. The way they have planned and built such complex geometries and carvings with heavy stone and wood is a witness to great technique and knowledge.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is well known as a symbol of love but also for its incredible Islamic architecture. The mausoleum flaunts a variety of domes, intricate inscriptions and symmetry (2024). The design suggests a beautiful use of proportions in creating a picturesque. The vision to create a perfect symmetric vantage point was realised through smaller details like the proportion of the plinth to the structure, placement of the minarets, surrounding landscape, etc. Such attention reveals the understanding and expertise of the architects, craftsmen and artists.
Ajanta and Ellora caves
Apart from the external influence on Indian architecture, the indigenous architecture of India is a testimony to the structural knowledge and techniques of the craftsmen who carved out entire temples and caves from enormous rocks. The sculptures, murals and paintings in Ajanta and Ellora caves are the entire record of people’s lives and beliefs in that time period. There is still speculation as to how they would have managed to construct structures like these.
The traditional architecture of India also includes innumerable temples, forts, and stepwells suggesting a concept behind the design that exhibits incredible attention to climatic needs and functionality apart from the aesthetics. These structures give insights into social, cultural and religious practices of the time.
But with time, this historical knowledge is weathering even faster because of pollution, climate changes, acid rains and other disasters. Historic architecture is extremely valuable to our cultural identity and binds us together as a community. Hence, we need to take appropriate steps to preserve this legacy.
Preservation, Conservation and Restoration
There are already efforts that are being made to maintain and preserve them, not just in India but all over the world. Policies are being made to prevent the deterioration of these monuments. The broken parts and structures are being restored to elongate their life. Constantly, studies are being done to understand and replicate the techniques and details to conserve, restore, preserve and retain them in their true essence.
Preservation of historic architecture is happening at all scales from old havelis being renovated into heritage hotels to restoration of old buildings retaining some parts to preserve their original identity. It is our responsibility that this legacy and identity endures for the generations to come.
References:
- Centre, U.W.H. (no date) Red Fort Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/231/ (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- Lewis, R. (no date) India Gate, Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/India-Gate (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- Mukherji, A.S. (2007) The red fort – from Imperial Palace to colonial military …, United Service Institution of India . Available at: https://www.usiofindia.org/publication-journal/the-red-fort-from-imperial-palace-to-colonial-military-garrison.html (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- Taj Mahal (2024) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taj-Mahal (Accessed: 26 January 2025).
Image Sources –
Image 1 – Lascar, J. (no date) Lutyens, Sir Edwin: All India War Memorial arch, Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/India-Gate#/media/1/1200443/210291 (Accessed: 26 January 2025).
Image 2 – Jarvis, D. (no date) Old Delhi: Red Fort, Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Red-Fort#/media/1/494257/210403 (Accessed: 26 January 2025).
Image 3 – Tmax.stock.adobe (no date) Taj Mahal, Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taj-Mahal#/media/1/581007/201406.(Accessed: 26 January 2025).
Image 4 – Poppe, B. (no date) Ajanta Caves (India), UNESCO World Heritage Centre. www.brunopoppe.com.br. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242/gallery/ (Accessed: 26 January 2025).
