Neo-Gothic Architecture in India

In the early nineteenth century, a resurgance of interest in Gothic architecture led to new gothic-style buildings in Europe and Britain. For an example of this in Britain, see the Neo-Gothic Architecture in Britain page. As a British colony, India was also effected by this new interest in the Gothic style. To recognize the broad category of Gothic, look for a vertical emphasis in the architecture (especially in details), spindly spires, lots of elaborate, filigree-like stone-work, and pointed archways. One of the prime examples of an Indian version of the neo-Gothic is Victoria Terminus in Bombay. Check out the three pictures below.

Click on any of the three images for a close-up.
Victoria Terminus, Bombay
1878-1887
Designed by Frederick William Stevens

Things you might want to look for:
  trefoil arch
  pointed arch
  rounded arch As you can probably tell, there are a lot of details in this building. Take a look at the gargoyles sticking out from the side of the pointed dome! A couple of historical notes of interest: the sculpture on top of the dome (Progress) was designed in Europe by European artists. Most of the rest of the decoration was executed by Indian artists in Bombay or Madras. The building served as the major train station for one of India's largest railway systems (and still does today).

What kinds of messages does this building send? How would it feel to see it as an Indian Bombay resident--a huge building with clear European aesthetic? Would it be an intrusion or a source of pride? What do you think the British visitor, fresh off of the boat from England, would think of it? What about the Persian Parsi merchant, traveling from Persia (present-day Iran) to re-locate in India? What did the Gothic style mean in England, and what does it mean here?



Neo-Classical Architecture
Britain | India | B&I Neo-Gothic Architecture
Britain | India | B&I

Hybridity in Architecture
India in Britain | British/Indian in India | Hybridity

© 1998. Created by Rebecca M. Brown. Last updated 4/18/98.

	In the early nineteenth century, a resurgance of interest in Gothic architecture led to new gothic-style buildings in Europe and Britain. For an example of this in Britain, see the Neo-Gothic Architecture in Britain page. As a British colony, India was also effected by this new interest in the Gothic style. To recognize the broad category of Gothic, look for a vertical emphasis in the architecture (especially in details), spindly spires, lots of elaborate, filigree-like stone-work, and pointed archways. One of the prime examples of an Indian version of the neo-Gothic is Victoria Terminus in Bombay. Check out the three pictures below.
	Click on any of the three images for a close-up. Victoria Terminus, Bombay 1878-1887 Designed by Frederick William Stevens

	Things you might want to look for: trefoil arch pointed arch rounded arch	As you can probably tell, there are a lot of details in this building. Take a look at the gargoyles sticking out from the side of the pointed dome! A couple of historical notes of interest: the sculpture on top of the dome (Progress) was designed in Europe by European artists. Most of the rest of the decoration was executed by Indian artists in Bombay or Madras. The building served as the major train station for one of India's largest railway systems (and still does today).
	What kinds of messages does this building send? How would it feel to see it as an Indian Bombay resident--a huge building with clear European aesthetic? Would it be an intrusion or a source of pride? What do you think the British visitor, fresh off of the boat from England, would think of it? What about the Persian Parsi merchant, traveling from Persia (present-day Iran) to re-locate in India? What did the Gothic style mean in England, and what does it mean here?