India is incredibly diverse in its culture and traditions. This diversity extends into the realm of architecture as well. Over the years, the country has preserved its grip on its culture, which has led to its rich architectural heritage.
India has endured a long history of invasions and colonisation by various external powers. The journey has led to some great additions to the built environment of our country. Every invasion left its imprint on some part of the country by influencing the architecture of the region. The Mughal architecture, for example, can be seen extensively in parts of Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, and many other places where there was a siege of the Mughal Empire.
Similarly, British colonisation led to advancements in the country’s systems. They bought their inventions and architecture for their colonies. Mumbai’s Victorian-Gothic style or Kolkata’s revival-style architecture stands as living proof of the fantastic contributions to this country’s architecture.
The diversity of this country is beyond measure. Here, we’ve curated a brief list of 15 Indian cities with significant architectural backgrounds.
15 Cities with Architectural Marvels of India
Listed below are the top 15 Indian cities with great architectural background.
01. Jaisalmer: Golden City of India
Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan, is the golden fortress town rising from the Thar Desert. The historic architecture of the region is a blend of Mughal and vernacular Rajasthan architecture. Richly sculptured structures adorned in local sandstone are seen in this marvellous town.
The architecture has numerous peculiar elements that are unique to the state of Rajasthan. Grand courtyard houses such as havelis with ornate balconies called “jharokhas” and the umbrella-shaped cupolas called “chhatris” are a few defining features of the architectural style seen here. The indigenous architecture here possesses several climate-responsive qualities.
There are many temples, palaces, and monuments worth visiting here. A few of the most famous architectural attractions include the Jaisalmer fort, Jain temples, Patwon ki Haveli, and Bada Bagh.
02. Jaipur: Pink City of India
The pink city of India, Jaipur, has perhaps the most flamboyant architecture. Its splendid historic builtscape has several monuments, palaces, squares, and gardens of the Indo-Saracenic style. The city has had a glorious past, and its architecture carries glimpses of the same.
It is one of the oldest planned Indian cities and has a blend of traditional and contemporary structures. Jali-patterned walls, jharokhas, and chattris are typical architectural elements. Hawa Mahal is the most popular attraction in the city. The unique marvel is not only known for its exquisite facade but also for its engineering as per the Venturi effect.
Other famous monuments in the city include the Jal Mahal, which is one of the finest pieces of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Albert Hall is an architectural marvel and is also the oldest museum in the city.
The Amer Fort is a large fortification located at a distance of a few kilometres from the city. It has several richly ornate structures, and the Sheesh Mahal is one of the most popular attractions. A modern attraction in the city is the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory
03. Jodhpur: Blue City of India
Jodhpur is another incredible city in Rajasthan with great architecture. It is often called the Sun City or Blue City of India because of its blue and white builtscape. The city exists in two parts: the old fortified town and the new city.
The strategic location of the city paved the way for its glorious past in ancient times. It was the nodal city between the west and the east. The city’s diverse monuments have significantly enriched the panorama of the country’s architecture.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most famous attractions in the city. This Indo-Saracenic marvel has several exquisite features; it is elaborately ornate and has built-in Chittor sandstone. Other architectural attractions include the Mehrangarh Fort, which is a spectacular fort perched on a hill and has structures with distinct Bengaldar roofs. Other palaces, like the Jaswant Thanda Palace and the Balsamad Lake Palace, are also popular tourist destinations.
04. Ahmedabad: Heritage City
Located along the banks of the river Sabarmati, the city of Ahmedabad is a rich amalgamation of the ancient and the modern. It is the first Indian city to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The builtscape is a mix-bag of indigenous architecture that is heavily influenced by vernacular and Mughal styles, along with modern architecture. There are several mosques, temples, palaces, stepwells, and traditional pol houses that constitute the old part of the city. The newer structures include works by eminent modernist architects like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.
Sidi Sayyed Mosque, Jama Masjid, Sarkhej Roza, and Jhulta Minara are a few Islamic marvels of the city. The prominent modern structures include the Sabarmati Ashram, Mill Owner’s Building, Sarabhai residence, IIM Ahmedabad, Sanskar Kendra, etc. The latest addition to the list of attractions is the newly developed Sabarmati riverfront.
Have a look at other heritage homes and sites of India as well.
05. Varanasi: Oldest Living City
Situated along the banks of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India. The magnificent ghats and temples define this holy city. There are over 88 ghats in this city, and it’s believed to be one of the holiest places on the planet.
Built in the ‘Nagara’ style of architecture, the city boasts over 23,000 temples and is thus the spiritual capital of the country. Among them, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most famous. This magnificent temple has several smaller shrines and is planned in a quadrangle shape.
The city also has numerous mosques built in typical Mughal architecture. Ramnagar Fort is also a famous example of Mughal architecture. The composite religious architecture of Varanasi portrays its plurality and diversity.
06. Mathura: Temple Town of North India
Positioned on the banks of the Yamuna, the pilgrimage town of Mathura is located 15 km from Vrindavan. The city boasts hundreds of temples spread across the city, which is of great significance as it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Banke Bihari temple, Govind Dev temple, Radha Vallabh temple, and Rangji temple are a few of the most well-known temples. Devotees from all over the country visit the place for its temples. The architectural style of these temples is a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles.
Banke Bihari temple is a magnificent temple with a massive footprint. It has all the elements of a Hindu temple: a front court, a courtyard, a garba griha, etc. It boasts superior, traditional stone masonry. Similarly, the Govind Dev temple is slightly influenced by the Mughal architectural style.
07. Agra: The City of Architectural Wonders
Home to one of the world’s seven wonders, the city of Agra is known for its historic architectural fabric. The city is one of the most visited places in the country, where people from all across the world come to see the mighty Taj Mahal.
The monument is the epitome of architectural genius; its remarkable scale, form, intricate carvings, and surrounding landscape make this mausoleum out of this world. The city is also proud of its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The rich Mughal architecture adorns the city.
Agra Fort, or Lal Quila, and Fatehpur Sikri are the other two UNESCO sites. These structures built in red sandstone are a blend of Indian, Islamic, and Persian architectural styles. The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is also a significant Mughal monument that marked the beginning of a new era where Mughal buildings used marble.
08. Delhi: Capital City of India
One of the oldest surviving cities in the world, Delhi is also the capital of India. Although the city has been the cradle of several civilisations, it reached its peak during the reign of the Mughals. It initially developed in eight parts; the walled city of Shahjahanabad is the most significant of them all.
Jama Masjid, the Old Red Fort, or Purana Qila, and Humayun’s Tomb are a few of the most famous architectural works of the Mughal style in Delhi. The city particularly flourished during the British era, with Sir Edwin Lutyens’s design of the Capitol Complex and the central vista.
The plan of Lutyen’s Delhi has two major visual corridors, one with the Purana Qila and the other with Jama Masjid. Along the Purana Qila axis is the central vista that ends with the Viceregal Palace or the Parliament Building. The India Gate also lies on this same axis.
The structures around this are formally set up and borrow elements from the European, Indian, and Mughal styles of architecture. The architectural fabric of the city is gloriously rich and diverse.
09. Chandigarh: Planned Modern City
The joint capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, the city of Chandigarh, is distinctly modern. Built after Independence, the city aimed to make a modernist statement, symbolising freedom and independence.
The city follows a strict rectilinear grid with rectangular, monolithic buildings. One of the greatest architects of the modern era, Le Corbusier laid out the masterplan of the city. The Capitol Complex with the Secretariat Building, the High Court Building, and the Palace of Assembly are noteworthy buildings.
The Brise soleil and the hand-like sculpture are two other structures that are also part of the Capitol Complex. The architectural language of Chandigarh has cues from Indian architecture blended with modern forms in concrete.
10. Hampi: Historic Town
The once-forgotten historic town of Hampi in Karnataka is home to relics of the resplendent Vijayanagara style of architecture. It has over 1600 remains of forts, temples, palaces, mandapas, etc. that date back to 1336.
Even in its ruined state, the city has a unique charm. A few of the famous temples include the Vitthal Temple complex, the Krishna Temple complex, the Pattabhirama temple, and more such temples carved in sandstone.
Several pre-Vijayanagara temples consist of monolithic sculptures of gods and goddesses. Hampihas numerous structural ruins of Mughal architecture in the form of mosques, graves, and monuments. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under the preservative care of the Architectural Survey of India.
11. Auroville: The Creative Township
Auroville in South India is the centre of architectural innovation in India. With various experimental architectural works, this city is a hotbed of new-age sustainable innovations. Once a desert land, the city now thrives as a green pocket.
The city’s fabric flaunts vernacular houses with thatched roofs and Kahn-like modern sandstone houses. The architecture is centred on earth-based techniques and adopts several climate-friendly measures, like the use of solar panels.
Matrimandir Temple, Auroville Visitor Centre, Vikas Settlement, and Temple Tree Retreat are a few of the famous public buildings designed by eminent architects. The built environment of Auroville is vividly unique.
12. Kolkata: Port City
The port city of Kolkata flourished during the British era in the 18th century. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, the city has several architectural marvels and was historically divided into the White Town and the Black Town.
The architectural style is predominantly Neoclassical. It was an important cultural centre and, briefly, the capital of the British Empire. Victoria Memorial, William Fort, Writer’s Building, and High Court Building are a few of the popular monuments. These buildings are predominantly European, with cues from Islamic and Venetian architecture.
The traditional courtyard houses of the Bengali tradesmen are also spectacular architectural works. A few Art Deco and Art Nouveau-style buildings can also be seen in the city. Metro Cinema and Esplanade Mansion are a few popular examples of art deco buildings.
13. Mumbai: Economic Capital of India
The economic capital of the country, Mumbai is an eclectic blend of diverse architectural styles. Numerous marvels of architecture here belong to different styles such as Neoclassical, Victorian-Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, Art-deco, and contemporary styles.
Neoclassical style in Mumbai is a blend of European and Indian styles. A few of these marvels include buildings like the Asiatic Library or the Grand Town Hall. The Gothic-Revival style of architecture was used to make public buildings in the British era. Bombay City Hall, the Fort Campus of the University of Mumbai, St. Xavier’s College, Victoria Terminal (now CST), and Rajabai Clock Tower are all popular examples of this style.
Art Decoprecincts situated on Marine Drive and alongside Oval Maidan in South Bombay are now UNESCO world heritage sites. Along with the rich colonial architectural fabric, the city also houses contemporary-style skyscrapers.
14. Thanjavur: Cultural South Indian City
Thanjavur in South India, is a culturally rich city with a great architectural fabric. It boasts outstanding temples and monuments that are skillfully crafted and finely carved. The town flourished during the era of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century and houses a few UNESCO sites.
Brihadeshwara Temple, Airavatesvara Temple, and Sukkiran Temple are a few famous Chola temples that are marvels of South Indian temple architecture. Out of these, the Brideshwara temple is a magnificent temple that is elaborately carved from large rocks and almost looks like a monolith. Its massive scale and exquisite sculptures make this temple a worthy UNESCO site.
The city also has unique Maratha-style architecture. The Thanjavur Royal Palace Complex is a mixed bag of different styles and structures devoted to the era they were built. Maratha Darbar Hall and Maharaja Serforji Memorial are popular structures known for their craftsmanship.
15. Pondicherry: Indo-French City
Pondicherry is a union territory in South India, facing the Bay of Bengal. It was once a French colony. The colonial French architecture is excellently preserved, even today. The French colony was divided into two parts: the one facing the Bay of Bengal belonged to the French, and the one separated by the canal belongs to the native Tamilians.
The French houses serve as essential tourist destinations today. The European street character, with lavish mansion-style architectural spaces in vibrant colours, gives the city an edge. The city also houses the first modern building in India, the Golconde House, which is a unique architectural marvel.
The Tamil part of the city has traditional, simple courtyard layouts of houses and influences of French architecture. It borrows elements like arched windows, decorative columns, and Greek-style exteriors. This blend of styles birthed the Franco-Tamilian style, which is unique to the region.
16. Goa
The tiny state in western India has a distinctive culture due to Portuguese colonization that continued from the 16th century to mid-20th century. Goa’s architectural history is heavily influenced by Portugal. The blending of profoundly diverse civilizations is evident in Goa’s churches, forts, houses, and other landmarks.
In Goa, there are a lot of churches. These churches distinctly display both the Portuguese touch and the significant European influence. The Portuguese built them for their religious objectives and with a strong desire to promote Christianity.
The majority of Goa’s churches are built in the Baroque style. Constructed by Goa’s elite during the colonial era, these well-known houses feature traditional architectural features that progressively merged with the region’s European architectural style. The brightly coloured houses in Goa are the most humorous buildings. Once the Portuguese began to come and live here, vibrant hues like blue and yellow became more common. Another distinctive aspect of Goan homes is the use of red tiles.
Final Thoughts
The architectural silhouette of India is vividly diverse and spectacular, and every region has something remarkable to offer. From traditional religious architecture to contemporary skyscrapers, this incredible nation has everything.
FAQs:
1. Which is the most famous city in India?
Mumbai is one of the most famous cities in the country. It is the financial capital of the country and is also referred to as the ‘City of Dreams’.
2. What are the Five top architectural marvels in India?
The Taj Mahal, Konark Sun Temple, Temples at Mahabalipuram, Ruins of Hampi, and Khajurahotemple are a few architectural marvels of India.
3. What has influenced the architecture of Goa?
The indigenous architecture of Goa is influenced by Dutch architecture, with vibrant colours and ornate elements.
4. What is Auroville known for?
Auroville is known as the first and only experimental architectural city. It aims to establish unity and transform conscientiousness to adopt more sustainable ways of living.
5. What is the architecture of Pondicherry?
The architecture of Pondicherry is a mix of French colonial architecture and a unique blend of Franco-Tamilian architectural styles.
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.
