01 Apr 2020
Report of Expert Lecture on Indo-Saracenic Architecture
School of Architecture, REVA University
On 1st April, 2020
Faculty coordinator: Prof. Neeraja Jayan, Prof. Akshatha Narayan, Prof. Prerana Hazarika
Course: History of Architecture-IV
Resource Person: Ar. Anup Kumar Prasad
Attended by:
1. Students of School of Architecture- 68
2. Faculty members of the School of Architecture: 04
School of Architecture, REVA University organized an expert lecture on Indo-Saracenic Architecture through famous examples in India. This talk was organized mainly for the 4th semester students, as part of their curriculum, where they have to be introduced to the Colonial Architecture of India
Indo-Saracenic architecture represents a synthesis of Gothic, Islamic designs and Hindu architecture with Indian materials. The hybrid combined diverse architectural elements of Hindu and Mughal with cusped arches, domes, spires, tracery, minarets and stained glass, in a wonderful and playful manner.
Prof. Anup Kumar Prasad began his lecture by re-visiting the characteristics of Mughal Architecture through famous examples such as Humayun’s tomb, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza etc. He also explained how British transformed into a ruling domain from a trading company, after the battle of Plassey in 1757CE. Furthermore, soon after the beginning of effectively ruling India, they started applying Gothic Revival architecture incorporating Greek and Roman features such as columns, triangular pediments for the public buildings in India. The Gothic Revival style emerged in 18th century England as a picturesque and romantic movement in architecture, reflecting the public's taste for buildings inspired by medieval design.
Prof. Anup also explained the architectural characteristics adopted from Hindu Architecture which defined the Indo-Saracenic Architecture such as Onion or bulbous dome, usage of Iwans, extensive use of arches, extensive symmetry, vaulted roofs etc. He introduced, few of the famous architects who designed the buildings which later became the iconic colonial structures of India. Few of these examples are Senate House Madras, Victoria Memorial Kolkata, Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus India etc.
Prof. Anup Kumar Prasad concluded his lecture by giving a list of colonial buildings in India, to be explored by students, as part of self-study component.
Our sincere thanks to Prof. Anup Kumar Prasad for his valuable time. Also we thank the Management, REVA University and our Director, School of Architecture for providing this online platform to conduct the guest lectures amidst this current Covid-19 crisis.
