Characteristics Of Indian Architecture

RECONCILING CULTURAL CHARACTER IN CONTEMPORARY INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURAL DISSERTATION

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 THE INDIAN PLURALITY
The term ‘contemporary’ stands for anything of the present day. The contemporary architecture of India has evolved over time, with each era representing a certain unique style of its own. A style, which changed as the kingdoms and their rulers did. From ancient Buddhist and rock cut architecture to distinctive Hindu and Islamic styles, India had a culture so rich, that it inspired so many styles of architecture through the ages.
The culture of India was such that it accommodated for various schools of thought to develop and co-exist simultaneously. (Gast, 2007) Being a land and birthplace of

Anti-colonial feelings lead to the wide conception of anything that was colonial, being negative and irrelevant. The newly formed government, having redevelopment of an entire nation in hand as priority, approached a socialist model of governance. This involved construction of Government and public buildings and housing projects. (Gast, 2007) These projects, were built as a solution to a problem, a problem of shortage of housing. And naturally, principles of architecture, regional context or the portrayal of Indian style in architecture were ignored. Although Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister had a vision of industrial India. For this purpose he turned to the most influential modern architect of the time – Le Corbusier, to build the city of Chandigarh, as a symbol of growing India and free India, ready to be a part of the modern world.
With this began the modern phase in Indian architecture, although ‘Corbusian’ era did not pick until the 1980s. The city of Chandigarh stood as a symbol of modern India, and Corbusier’s ideals and principles lead him to create a city true to its location. Le Corbusier’s influence spread throughout India and inspired many great architects – Charles Correa, Raj Rewal and BV Doshi. These three architects, along with others like AP Kanvinde, Laurie Baker are renowned names that come to mind when talking about contemporary Indian

After reform measure in 1991, the Indian economy was liberalized and foreign capital was allowed to be invested in India. This had a huge impact on urban Indian architecture. Corporate architecture, backed up by global finance started dominating the construction industry and became a part of the global architecture (Gast, 2007). Much like the west, technology started to determine much of architectural production. Since a growing nation required low cost dynamic in almost all aspects, traditional construction materials and methods were replaced by new and ‘cheaper’ materials; for example dumping stone to replace it with concrete, concrete being easy to use, handle and obtain. Also, it proved to be cheaper because of mass