Gothic architecture flourished in Europe during the medieval period. Abbot Suger (about 1081–1151) that reflects on the old traditional values, sensibilities and classism had begun to decline as the industrialization was in progress. Later structures carried overtones of radicalism and liberalism and the Neo-Gothic style lacked creativity. Obviously, they looked drab, dull unreligious. Gothic Revival was introduced by conservative architects and thinkers to revive the old style associated with conservatism and deep-rooted old values To them Gothic architecture was central to religious experience. The Gothic Revival was supported by medievalism, which had its roots in antiquarian concerns of survivals. This style was widely used in the churches and colleges in Europe. Gothic-Revival became a sort of pan-European movement. It came to India when the Raj started building memorials, government buildings and universities. The churches followed suit.
The churches built during the colonial period are architecturally impressive, and awe-inspiring and stand apart in the urban and semi-urban space in India.
1. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
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| St.Paul church, Kolkata, wikipedia. |
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| St. Paul church, Kolkata. playingwithmemories.wordpress.com |
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| St.Paul Church, Kolkata, flicker.com |
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| St.Paul Church, Kolkata, flicker.com |
St. Paul’s Cathedral, first Anglican cathedral in Asia Kolkata, best known for its impressive Gothic revival architecture is the largest one in Calcutta. It is on the Chowringhee road close to the famous Victoria memorial built by Lord Curzon to honor Queen Victoria. This place of worship came up to cater to the needs of growing population in the early 1800s. The construction began in 1839 and completed completed in 1847. Yet another distinction is it was the first cathedral built in the overseas territory of the British Empire. The cathedral was restructured after two earthquakes in 1897 and 1834.
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| St. Paul cathedral, Kolkata. dreamstime.com |
The church was designed by military engineer, Major William Nairn Forbes (1796–1855) of the EIC Army along with architect C. K. Robinson. The design of spire and tower was on the model of Anglican Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk (it has second largest cloisters in England). St Paul, built on a plot of 7 acres of land included a chancel, a sanctuary, chapels and a 201 feet tall spire; seating capacity 800 to 1000 people at a time. The north large entry and gate made of wrought iron was named Sir William Prentice Memorial Gate, after Sir William Prentice an active member of the congregation. The cathedral (it was the largest span when built) has the shape of a shallow curve arching over iron trusses decorated with Gothic tracery. Another noted feature is the nave of the cathedral is built spaciously without any aisles on its flanks.
Special light weight bricks with good compression strength and well ground lime (chunum) used in the construction. The ashlars used were of Chunar stone. The external and internal walls of the cathedral were plastered with fine chunam (lime plaster) in the form of stucco for extra protection from rain and seepage. The beautiful stained color glass windows were designed by an English company and one of stained color glass windows on the west side in the half-sunk arches was dedicated to Lord Mayo who was assassinated in the Andaman islands on a visit to supervise the famous Kala Pani jail (Cellular Jail) meant for criminals and hard-core freedom fighters.
Bishop Daniel Wilson under whom the cathedral work was finished finally and John Paxton Norman, an acting Chief Justice Calcutta high Court were buried in the grave yard of the cathedral.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Paul%27s_Cathedral,_Kolkata
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02. The Christ Church, Shimla, HP:
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| Christ Church, the Ridge, Shimla, HP. .alamy.com |
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| Stained glass windows,Christ Church (1850),Shimla,wikipedia |
Shimla is the home to the oldest church in North India - the Christ Church, next to St. John's of Meerut city. Consecrated on 10 January 1857 by Bishop Thomas Daltrey, Bishop of Madras, the era of British India, it is a fine example of the Neo-Gothic style. The estimated cost of construction at that time was Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000.The importance of virtue of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility is emphasized on the five well-made stained glass windows of this church. The pipe organ of the church, the largest in India is one of the oldest in this part and was installed in September 1889, but was renovated in 1932. The chancel window of the church was designed by Lockwood Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling).
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| Christ Church. Shimla, HP..tourmyindia.com |
Christ Church built in an impressive area was meant to serve the large Anglican British community living in Shimla and nearby hills. . It is one of the long lasting legacies of British rule in this part of Shimla and in India. An important land mark in the capital city of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh it was designed by architect Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844. It is an important heritage site in this city.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Church_(Shimla)
03. All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad, UP:
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| All Saints cathedral, Allahabad, UP, India. timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
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| All Saints Church, Allahabad, Ucommons.wikimedia.org |
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| All Saints Church, Allahabad, UP. alamy.com |
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| All Saints Church, Allahabad, UP. alamy.com |
Locally called Patthar Girja or The Church of Stone, its foundation stone was laid by Lady Muir Elizabeth Huntly Wemyss in 1871. The church was consecrated in 1887 and the construction was completed in 1891.This impressive Anglican church was built on a land allocated by Sir Muir, the Lieutenant Governor of the North West Provinces. About the design Architect Sir William Emerson struck to the Gothic style of 13th century European cathedrals, hence it stands apart in this neighborhood. Being a famous architect he designed the Crawford Market in Mumbai and the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
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| Gargoyle. All saints church, Allahabad. India dailyhunt.in |
What is unique about the interiors is that the structure has high ceiling with red tiled roof with vaulted hallways, classic columns, and porches for carriages, low windows that could be easily covered with mats to protect interiors from hot winds and dust. This design was implemented taking into account the hot tropical climate for much of the year in Allahabad. The creamish white stone with fine red sandstone dressings on the exterior, the red tiled roof and fine stucco work enhance the look of the façade. The other attractions are the Gothic arches, a tower, flying buttresses and snarling gargoyles (to drain out rains falling on the roof, etc).
An impressive altar with mosaic and marble inlay, artistic pulpit, a fine piece of workmanship in alabaster with three panels and excellent stained glass windows highlight the dominance of European architecture. The church has several plaques in honor of British people who died in these provinces.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/allahabad/all-saints-cathedral/ps50352920.cms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Cathedral,_Allahabad
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2019/11/all-saints-cathedral-allahabad-up.html
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