5 significant architectural structures built by British in India

Here's a look at some of the architectural masterpieces built during the British colonial rule in India.

India was under the British rule for a very long period. During that time, the country got exploited in numerous ways. But still, we can't deny the fact that the British colonial rule had some truly positive influence on various things in India, especially architecture. Amongst the best monuments and buildings in this country, some of the most striking ones were built by the British. These structures are still standing there, offering an insight into the history of colonialism in India.

Gateway Of India: The Gateway Of India, also referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in India. The idea behind its construction was to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in 1911. Located at Apollo Bunder, the gateway got completed in 1924. This 26-meter-high structure is a triumphal arch made of basalt and reinforced concrete, of Indo-Saracenic architecture style.

Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial is a white marbled monument located in Kolkata, West Bengal. Constructed between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria, it resembles a lot like the Victoria Memorial in London. It's now a museum, surrounded by a beautiful garden spreading over an area of 64 acres. This 56-meter-high structure is built with Makrana marble, of Indo-Saracenic revivalist architecture style.

Parliament House: Parliament House or Sansad Bhavan, located in New Delhi, serves as the house of Parliament of India. Designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, this structure was built between 1921 and 1927. The structure is circular, houses a Central Chamber surrounded by three semicircular halls which are now used as Library Hall, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

India Gate: The India Gate, constructed between 1921 and 1931, is a war memorial dedicated to more than 80,000 Indian and British soldiers who died during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The structure is 42 meter high and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its breathtakingly beautiful architecture is often compared to the Arch de Triomphe in France, the Arch of Constantine in Rome and the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

Fort St. George: Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, was founded by British East India Company in 1644 in the modern-day Chennai, Tamilnadu. It's now home to the Tamilnadu legislative assembly and several government official buildings. Also, there's a museum filled with galleries, British military uniforms, medals and more. The fort also attracts people with its church, relics and various other historic landmarks.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, Writers' Building, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bombay High Court etc. are some other prominent British colonial structures in India.

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