Indo - Saracenic architecture in the British (European) Period

INDO-SARACENIC ARCHITECTURE IN THE BRITISH (EUROPEAN) PERIOD

The meaning of Saracen

Saracen is the ancient name created by the British (European) for Arabic language talking muslim.

The meaning of Indo-Saracen

The name saracen was created by the British with a purpose of uniting the Hindus and Muslims. This is considered to be an attempt of stopping the separation between Hindus and Muslims. It is a non- religious forum.

Indo-Saracen Architecture

It is considered to be a combination of three types of architecture. The Indo-Saracen architecture is an architectural art that combines Mughal architecture, Hindu temple architecture and the British architecture.

During the British rule, the layouts of temples and designs were done combining the elegance of Mughal architecture:

1. The Special Features of Indo-Saracen Architecture

1. Onion (Kumizh) domes.

2. Sharp curves (or) bend curves.

3. Horsetail curves.

4. Around a bend, contrasting colours of red and white.

5. Curved roofs in Bengali styles like Char-sala.

6. Chatri kiosks with a dome on the roof.

7. Peaks.

8. Towers (or) Minarets.

9. Open pavillions.

10. Jollys (or) open air screens.

11. Mashrabiya (or) Jeroca style screened window.

2. Indo-Saracenic Architecture in Chennai

This architecture has a close relationship with Chennai. Chennai is the city with the most buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style of construction.

The first building in Tamil Nadu to use the Indo-Saracenic architecture was the Arcot Nawab's Palace at Cheppakkam in Chennai, which was completed in 1768. This palace has been built on 117 acres.

Examples

i) Chennai University Senate Building,

ii) Chennai Egmore Railway Station,

iii) Victoria Public Hall,

iv) Rippon Building and

v) Amir Mahal

are the important buildings built in this style.

Salient Features of this Architecture

All government offices, courts, railway stations and museums built in the 19th to 20th Centuries are based on Indo-Saracenic architecture. The high towers belong to Indian heritage. Domes belong to Islamic art. Beautiful floral carvings at the ends of the buildings and canopies with beautiful carvings deserve appreciation.

Domed buildings are special, figures are also carved in such buildings. The windows are made of stones and don't look like ordinary windows. More pillars can be seen in these buildings. That is where most of the artistic works are found.

3. Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus (CST)

Its majestic appearance best reflects the architecture of India for the period as well. The combination of brick and stone with oriental elements enhances the look of CST. The domed roof is highlighted with patterned decoration. CST is a combination of Hindu and Islamic styles. It emphasizes domes, towers and stained glass windows. The Central dome has eight ornate ribs that highlight Victorian elements. Adding to the beauty of the Station are stained glass windows, colourful tiles and decorative cast iron grills. Under the dome are green ornate stained glass windows.