Famous Indian Architects During British Rule – Pioneers of Modern Indian Architecture

When the British government ruled India, architecture reflected a unique blend of European styles and Indian traditions. While colonial architects such as Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed many iconic structures, several brilliant Indian architects and engineers also made their mark during this period. They not only contributed to landmark projects but also laid the foundation for modern Indian architecture.

Below is a list of some of the most popular and influential Indian architects during the British era:

1. Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962)

• Profession: Civil Engineer, Statesman, Visionary
• Achievements:
  • Designed and supervised the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Karnataka.
  • Contributed to industrial development and modern town planning in Mysore.
  • Introduced advanced irrigation systems and flood protection designs.
• Recognition: Knighted by the British Crown and awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955.

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2. Rajendranath Mookerjee (1854–1936)

• Profession: Civil Engineer and Industrialist
• Contributions:
  • Co-founder of Martin & Co., one of the largest engineering firms in colonial India.
  • Helped construct the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
  • Promoted Indian involvement in major infrastructure projects.

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3. G. B. Mhatre (1902–1973)

• Profession: Architect
• Contributions:
  • Designed hundreds of buildings in Bombay (now Mumbai).
  • Known as the “Father of Art Deco in Mumbai”.
  • Combined European Art Deco with Indian aesthetics, influencing modern housing styles.

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4. Achyut Kanvinde (1916–2002) – Early Career under Colonial Influence

• Profession: Architect, Modernist Pioneer
• Contributions:
  • Educated under British-influenced systems before studying at Harvard.
  • Introduced modernist architecture in India, merging functionality with tradition.
  • Although he became famous after independence, his roots were shaped by the colonial era.

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5. S. N. H. Jhabvala

• Profession: Architect and Academic
• Contributions:
  • Worked on several public and institutional buildings during late colonial India.
  • Promoted professional architecture education in India.

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6. Pherozeshah Mehta (1845–1915) – Civic Visionary

• Profession: Lawyer, Politician, Civic Planner
• Contributions:
  • Though not a professional architect, he influenced urban planning in Bombay.
  • Advocated for sanitation, public works, and municipal reforms.
  • His ideas shaped the architectural layout of colonial Bombay.

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🏗️ Legacy of Indian Architects During British Rule

These brilliant Indian architects and engineers worked alongside or under British masters, yet they established their own identity. Their designs combined traditional Indian values with modern techniques, influencing city planning, housing, and infrastructure.

They proved that Indian talent could thrive even in a colonial environment, paving the way for post-independence architects like Charles Correa, Balkrishna Doshi, and Laurie Baker.

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