Explore the ‘Indo-saracenic’ Styles
Colonial Architecture
Colonial Architecture “. The Term Colonial itself depicts power and dominancy. In Early eras, when a country was conquered by the military forces , they used to built their official , residential and public buildings in a way which could portrays their official powers and dominancy. The Colonial Style of Architecture has always been inspired by the locality and contextual environment of the region and similarly the local available materials. In terms of the newly built architectural history of the country, the Colonial style of architecture comes first in the row as they are considered the first official settlements.
Muhammad Aizaz Shaheen
British Colonial architecture
Colonial architecture is an architectural style from a mother country that has been incorporated into the buildings of settlements or colonies in distant locations. Colonists frequently built settlements that synthesized the architecture of their countries of origin with the design characteristics of their new lands. The British rule in Indian sub-continent sustained for more than three hundred years.
One of the earliest architectural influences of the British colonial rule is seen on the churches. Gothic and neo-classical style. However, such style was not suitable due to the climate of the subcontinent.
So, they created hybrid designs known as Indo-Saracenic architecture, a mixture of European, Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture. It drew stylistic and decorative elements from native Indo-Islamic architecture, especially Mughal architecture, which the British regarded as the classic Indian style. Among the more prominent works are seen in the cities of Karachi (Mohatta Palace, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Building), in Peshawar (Islamia College University) and Lahore (Lahore Museum, University of the Punjab and King Edward Medical University). European architectural styles such as baroque, gothic and neoclassical became more predominant. The Frere Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Mereweather Clock Tower in Karachi, and neoclassical Montgomery Hall in Lahore are some examples.
Colonial architecture is an architectural style from a mother country that has been incorporated into the buildings of settlements or colonies in distant locations. Colonists frequently built settlements that synthesized the architecture of their countries of origin with the design characteristics of their new lands. The British rule in Indian sub-continent sustained for more than three hundred years.
One of the earliest architectural influences of the British colonial rule is seen on the churches. Gothic and neo-classical style. However, such style was not suitable due to the climate of the subcontinent.
So, they created hybrid designs known as Indo-Saracenic architecture, a mixture of European, Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture. It drew stylistic and decorative elements from native Indo-Islamic architecture, especially Mughal architecture, which the British regarded as the classic Indian style. Among the more prominent works are seen in the cities of Karachi (Mohatta Palace, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Building), in Peshawar (Islamia College University) and Lahore (Lahore Museum, University of the Punjab and King Edward Medical University). European architectural styles such as baroque, gothic and neoclassical became more predominant. The Frere Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Mereweather Clock Tower in Karachi, and neoclassical Montgomery Hall in Lahore are some examples.
Indo-Saracenic architecture: COLONIAL HYBRID STYLE
Lawrence and Montgomery Halls
Lawrence and Montgomery Halls presently known as Quaid – e – Azam Library are located in the premises of Jinnah Garden (the then Lawrence Garden) at Lower Mall Road Lahore. The main driving forces for creation of these buildings were to acknowledge the service of two European commanders of Indian Empire namely Sir John Lawrence (Governor General and Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869) and Sir Robert Montgomery (the first Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab from 01-01- 1859 to 25-02-1859), for their contribution to the British Indian Empire generally and betterment of the Punjabi people particularly. Lawrence and Montgomery Halls were designed by the chief engineers of Public Works Department Mr. G. Stone and Mr. J. Gordon respectively.
The buildings were made with symmetrical composition in an efficient manner, creating interest for the viewers at all level from closer as well as longer distances The building reflects the classical style of architecture which was mostly in practice in Europe. The major architectural elements of buildings composition are massive walls, round arches, Doric order, lofty columns, horizontal lines, pediment, small windows, balustrade and floral patterns. However, the interior designing of this gallery was accomplished by the students of Mayo School of Art presently known as National College of Arts under the supervision of their Principal John Lock Wood Kipling. Lights were also introduced in the Halls to make these more attractive during the visit of Prince and Princess of Wales who visited these Halls in Nov 1905. The flooring of the buildings other than halls was made with burnt hexagonal tiles laid in cement. The continuity of original uses to greater extent in Lawrence and Montgomery Halls made the survival of building possible for the last 150 years. In fact the halls were purposely built for durbars, readings, official meetings, social gatherings, cultural evenings, entertainment, theatrical and sports activities. At present time the main use of the buildings as library is in fact the partial continuation of original functions which supports the architectural spaces and structural scheme created long ago and in result of that the building underwent little intervention such as addition of stairs for upper gallery in Montgomery Hall and some rooms with Lawrence Hall.
Published by: Pakistan Journal of Science (Vol. 65 No. 2 June, 2013), STONES OF BRITISH COLONIAL LAHORE: A STUDY OF TWO REMARKABLE BUILDINGS OF EARLIER PERIOD OF BRITISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE. A. Khan, S. Arif, A. Rehman, M. Mushtaq and S. R. Ahmed.
Lawrence and Montgomery Halls presently known as Quaid – e – Azam Library are located in the premises of Jinnah Garden (the then Lawrence Garden) at Lower Mall Road Lahore. The main driving forces for creation of these buildings were to acknowledge the service of two European commanders of Indian Empire namely Sir John Lawrence (Governor General and Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869) and Sir Robert Montgomery (the first Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab from 01-01- 1859 to 25-02-1859), for their contribution to the British Indian Empire generally and betterment of the Punjabi people particularly. Lawrence and Montgomery Halls were designed by the chief engineers of Public Works Department Mr. G. Stone and Mr. J. Gordon respectively.
The buildings were made with symmetrical composition in an efficient manner, creating interest for the viewers at all level from closer as well as longer distances The building reflects the classical style of architecture which was mostly in practice in Europe. The major architectural elements of buildings composition are massive walls, round arches, Doric order, lofty columns, horizontal lines, pediment, small windows, balustrade and floral patterns. However, the interior designing of this gallery was accomplished by the students of Mayo School of Art presently known as National College of Arts under the supervision of their Principal John Lock Wood Kipling. Lights were also introduced in the Halls to make these more attractive during the visit of Prince and Princess of Wales who visited these Halls in Nov 1905.
The flooring of the buildings other than halls was made with burnt hexagonal tiles laid in cement. The continuity of original uses to greater extent in Lawrence and Montgomery Halls made the survival of building possible for the last 150 years. In fact the halls were purposely built for durbars, readings, official meetings, social gatherings, cultural evenings, entertainment, theatrical and sports activities. At present time the main use of the buildings as library is in fact the partial continuation of original functions which supports the architectural spaces and structural scheme created long ago and in result of that the building underwent little intervention such as addition of stairs for upper gallery in Montgomery Hall and some rooms with Lawrence Hall.
Published by: Pakistan Journal of Science (Vol. 65 No. 2 June, 2013), STONES OF BRITISH COLONIAL LAHORE: A STUDY OF TWO REMARKABLE BUILDINGS OF EARLIER PERIOD OF BRITISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE. A. Khan, S. Arif, A. Rehman, M. Mushtaq and S. R. Ahmed.
DISCOVER: THE GOVERNOR HOUSE
Historic wonder of Anglo-British architecture
EXPLORE EXCEPTIONAL EXCELLENCE
The present building of Governor House, a historic wonder of Anglo-British architecture surrounded by lush green lawns, presents a beautiful panoramic view with a history of 419 years
The present building of Governor House, a historic wonder of Anglo-British architecture surrounded by lush green lawns, presents a beautiful panoramic view with a history of 419 years. In 1600 A.D, Emperor Akbar built a magnificent tomb (which still forms the nucleus of the building) on the grave of his cousin Qasim khan (d.1597 A. D). Kushal Singh, one of the Generals of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799-1839), built residence for himself and his contingent officers adjacent to the tomb. He used the front lawns to establish military camps for his troops.
Tollinton Market: The Mall’s oldest colonial structure
Tollinton Market was initially built in 1864 as the First Punjab Exhibition Hall — a temporary building constructed for an exhibition of handicrafts and manufactured goods. Once the exhibition was over after a few months, it was decided that the many artifacts and exhibits would stay in the building and keep it in use as the Lahore Museum. The Museum occupied the building till 1980 after which it was moved to its present location. Earlier, the exhibition hall was turned into a market in 1920 by Sir Ganga Ram, and named ‘Tollinton Market’ after H P Tollinton, Punjab’s secretary of the time. It fast became one of the city’s most popular places. In 1993, it was decided that the building be vacated as a cleanliness drive and the Tollinton was converted into The Lahore Heritage Museum. Courtesy: Tollinton today by Nushmiya Sukhera published in The News on Sunday.
Charing Cross, Lahore
Faisal Chowk, formerly known as Charing Cross, Picture by Imtiaz Husain Khan.
Lahore Railway station (1861)
The station was built during the colonial era, and was built just outside the Walled City.
GPO Lahore, an incredible monument
The magnificent building of General Post Office Lahore.
Kim's Gun or Zamzama.1757
The Zamzama Gun or "Zam-Zammeh" also known as Bhangianwali Toap is a large bore cannon.
PUNJAB ASSEMBY BUILDING 1938
The building of Provincial Assembly of the Punjab was designed by Mr Bazel M Salune,
Christ Church Rawalpindi 1852
The Christ Church Rawalpindi was built in 1852 in the Gothic style.
If you are fond of history and architecture then Punjab is loaded with historical buildings of Mughal, Sikh and colonial architecture. TDCP Professional guides have enough experience and knowledge of such heritage assets. Please contact TDCP and book your exciting tour now.
