Introduction
Indo-Saracenic Architecture is a notable part of Indian, Malaysian, and British culture. The style has developed over the course of history with notable influences from both traditionally gothic architecture and classic Indian/South Asian/Arabic features. The buildings created in this style still present both historical and cultural interests. The present annotated bibliography concerns itself with the relationship between Indo-Saracenic Architecture and identities of nations where it is found, in addition to the significance it has in the current day.
Research Questions
- How has Indo-Saracenic Architecture come into being? What inside and outside influences guided its conception?
- How does Indo-Saracenic Architecture reflect the history of colonialism?
- Does the Indo-Saracenic Architecture of today hold significance for societies where it is present?
- Is Indo-Saracenic Architecture culturally, environmentally, or socially relevant in its existing form?
Vishnu, S, and N Amuthakumari. “Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Architecture: A Study Based on Colonial Architecture.” International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 2019, pp. 801????–804????.
The research article concerns itself with the history and colonial realities of architecture. Indo-Saracenic Architecture is partially mentioned as part of the consideration, being given as an example of a movement created through the process of colonization. As highlighted by the authors, the style could not have been formed without influences from major European nations coming into contact with Indian culture. Additionally, Vishnu and Amuthakumari refer to architecture as a tool for expressing ideology, which is a useful lens for viewing Indo-Saracenism. While the outside appearance of Indo-Saracenic buildings is styled according to Indian standards of construction, the inside part essentially copies classical gothic buildings. Similarly, the colonization of India sought to replicate the British style of governance outside of the borders of the United Kingdom, borrowing its structure while replacing aesthetics. The article is relevant both due to its publishing in a journal and relative freshness. The information presented in the piece can be understood to contextualize the historical roots of Indo-Saracenic Architecture.
Patel, Ruchi. “Architecture and Identity: A Study of Colonial and Post-Colonial Architecture in India.” Iowa State University , 2021, pp. 1–45.
The piece discusses and analyzes the many architectural styles of India, ranging from colonist, independent, and globalist India. The significance of each architectural movement is explained and put into context compared to others. The author proposes that architecture is a way to reflect the shared identities of the people, their values and ideas given solid form. Similar to the approach taken by Vishnu (2019), Patel gives significant attention to the ideas behind buildings, the way they interact with the larger cultural monolith and its people. The thesis is relevant to the theme, recent, and well-presented. The information outlined in the piece can be effectively utilized to argue about the present relevance of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Choudhary, Shweta, et al. “Revisiting Architectural Heritage towards a Sustainable Environment.” Advanced Science, Engineering and Medicine, vol. 11, no. 1, 2019, pp. 44–48.
Chouldhary et al. (2019), views the subject of Indo-Saracenic architecture through a combination of the realistic and cultural lens. While the authors understand and agree upon the cultural and historic significance of the style to the Indian identity, they are also critical of the way it may clash with the needs of the present day. With the concerns of environmental sustainability coming into central prominence, the need to promote green buildings becomes more relevant. The authors note that many buildings of the style are not simply objects of history – they are actively being used for public purposes. Therefore, a consideration of environmentally-conscious structure, location, and other considerations are brought up. Authors consider the topic of environmentalism an interesting subject for inquiry. For the purposes of the present overview, however, the arguments presented can be taken to discuss the transformation of architectural identity in the modern age. With a shift in populations, changing needs and advancement of technology, the ways in which people understand and interact with buildings change, and Indo-Saracenic buildings are no exception. Despite their unique position and relevance to the legacy of older India, they still need to be appropriate for modern-day use in order to truly stay relevant. Published in 2019, the article is a part of a credible journal and discusses a topic closely related to the central theme of inquiry. Information procured from this source is vital towards understanding the relationships between the people of today and historic architectural styles.
Conclusion
It can be said that a combination of considerations and concerns is relevant to Indo-Saracenic architecture. The style was formed from a relationship between wildly different cultures, during a time when one dominated the other. The appearance and structure of Indo-Saracenic buildings reflect ideologies of the time and the major goals of British colonialism, offering a look into the Indian culture of the past. Additionally, the presence and significance of Indo-Saracenic buildings can be seen as a reflection of Indian societies, and their people. In the present day, the relationship between society and this style of architecture changes according to the needs of the public.
Works Cited
Choudhary, Shweta, et al. “Energy Efficiency Assessment of Indo-Saracenic Buildings in India.” Malviya National Institute of Technology, 2018, pp. 199–206.
Patel, Ruchi. “Architecture and Identity: A Study of Colonial and Post-Colonial Architecture in India.” Iowa State University , 2021, pp. 1–45.
Vishnu, S, and N Amuthakumari. “Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Architecture: A Study Based on Colonial Architecture.” International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 2019, pp. 801????–804????.