European Art and Architecture

Question 1

Influence of European paintings

Answer 1

1. Influence of European paintings was started during the period of Akbar when he encouraged European, Chinese and south-east paintings. However European paintings influenced mainly during the colonial period i.e. second half of 18th century and 19th century.
2. In Goa, a hybrid style of paintings called company art which included both Indian and British developed. Nawab of Arcot had European painter Francis for his European painting collections. Oil paintings, water colour techniques, use of paper and ivory, etc was now inserted in painting field.
3. Europe’s romantic movement also influenced the Indian ainting by bringing picturesque such as evocative landscape.
4. Kalighat paintings in Calcutta featured lively, brightly coloured mythological and secular subject. One popular feature was depicting bureaucratic red tapism and infamous work.
5. Western colleges of art were established at Chennai, Calcutta, Bombay. Most famous painter from India was Raja Ravi Varma who got nternational recognition in second half of nineteenth century.

Question 2

East India companies on Architecture of India

Answer 2

1. The European impact led to synthesis of indigenous styles and instituted the typical colonial style of architecture. Transition from traders to establishing their settlements at various places paved way towards building European style houses, factories and strong fortresses.
2. French gave a distinct urban design to its settlement in Pondicherry by applying the Cartesian grid plans (perpendicular streets) and classical architectural patterns. Churches at Pondicherry have a distinct French influence.
3. Portuguese built utilitarian warehouses and fortified towns along the coastline. This is evident in all the major churches of Goa (St. Cathedral).
4. While the Danish influence is evident in Nagapattinam (TN). Dutch cemetery is a combination of Indian and European styled graves with domed tombs.

Question 3

British influence

Answer 3

1. British used architecture as the symbol of power. Churches, built in great styles was mainly an inspiration from leading churches in England. However new material like concrete, glass, cast iron was used.
2. The passing of power from the EIC to the British crown, rise of Indian Nationalism and the introduction of railways design and construction, were the watershed in the British architectural history. They attempted to imitate oriental style while trying to construct public buildings.
3. Neo-classical: Construction of geometrical structures fronted with lofty pillars and arches. Derived from Greco-Roman Architecture. It was considered particularly appropriate for the British Empire in India. They thought to replicate grandeur of imperial Rome in Imperial India. It was suitable for tropical weather. Prominent examples include Town Hall and Elphinstone circle in Bombay.
4. Neo-Gothic: This was characterised by high pitched roofs, pointed arches, detailed decoration and had its roots in buildings especially churches, built in Northern Europe during medieval period. This style was adapted for buildings in Bombay (Gothic city of India). Victoria terminus is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic revival architecture in India.
5. Indo-Saracenic style: This represented hybrid architectural style combined diverse architectural elements of Hindu and Mughal with gothic cusped arches, domes, spires, minarets and stained glass. It was developed towards the beginning of 20th century and the inspiration for this style was medieval buildings in India with their domes, chatris, jalis and arches. By integrating Indian and European styles in public architecture, the British wanted to prove that they were legitimate rulers of India. The prominent ones include Gateway of India, Chepauk palace in Madras, Victoria memorial hall.
6. In addition, the architecture of New Delhi (Rome of India) by Luytens and Baker is considered as one of the most significant contribution of British rule

Question 4

Architecture before British was from the social point of view

Answer 4

Before the arrival of Britishers in India, most of the stone architecture was a spectacle to behold, but their main purposes were just for socio-religious gatherings and were not much of practical use to the common use.
Examples
1. Magnificent stupas adorned with beautiful carvings and images were built for religious purposes.
2. Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools produced beautiful images of Buddha.
3. Temple architecture began during Gupta period, latter flourished under various rulers. They were built to show the wealth and power of rulers.
4. Mughal emperors built tombs, minarets, mausoleums, arches which reflected their wealth and glory.
3. British architecture
1. British architecture were of daily use, like administration, post offices or railway stations.
2. They build forts and fortified them to protect themselves and their trade.
They built administrative and residential buildings such as Parliament house, Connaught place, Victoria terminus of Mumbai all them had practical relevance.
4. But architecture before British was also not completely devoid of practical relevance. For example, Buddhists built viharas for residence of monks, temple were used for dance competitions, etc