Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai
Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai is a Session II architectural study presented by Professor George J. Jeyaraj of Hindustan University, Chennai. It explains the origins, features and Chennai examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, but does not identify a government department, government order number or issue date, and does not create land use or property requirements.
Purpose and status
Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai pictorially studies how Islamic, Hindu and Byzantine architectural features were used in buildings designed by British architects during the colonial period in Chennai, formerly Madras. The source identifies Professor George J. Jeyaraj of Hindustan University, Chennai, as the presenter.
The study is an architectural and historical reference. It does not contain planning rules, ownership requirements, development controls, fees or approval procedures. Its list of buildings is not described as a statutory heritage list.
Architectural style covered
Indo-Saracenic architecture is described as a synthesis of Islamic designs and Indian materials developed by British architects in India during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It combined Hindu and Mughal elements with British, neo-classical and Gothic architecture.
The study identifies the following principal characteristics:
- Onion or bulbous domes.
- Overhanging eaves.
- Pointed, cusped or scalloped arches.
- Vaulted roofs.
- Domed kiosks and miniature domes or chatris.
- Towers or minarets.
- Harem windows.
- Open pavilions.
The building types associated with the style include courts, civic buildings, clock towers, government colleges, high schools, railway stations, art galleries and palaces.
Architects and historical context
Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai names Robert Fellowes Chisholm, Charles Mant, Henry Irwin, William Emerson, George Wittet and Frederick W. Stevens as leading architects of the style in India. It says Chisholm designed Presidency College and the University Senate House.
The study links the growth of the style to British colonial policy after the Great Revolt of 1857. British architects retained elements of European architecture while incorporating Indian forms into public buildings such as railways, colleges and law courts.
Chennai buildings identified
The Chennai examples listed include Chepauk Palace and Tower, the High Court, General Post Office Building, State Bank of India buildings, Law College, Madras University Library, Senate House, Egmore Railway Station, Madras Veterinary College, State Archives Building, National Art Gallery, College of Arts and Crafts and Southern Railway offices.
Chepauk Palace, dated around 1768 and attributed to Paul Benfield, is described as the first Indo-Saracenic building in India.
Relevance to property readers
Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai can help buyers, owners and professionals recognise the architectural features and historical context of named buildings. The source does not state that inclusion in its list affects title, development rights, planning permission or legal heritage status.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does this study change land use or building permission rules in Chennai?
No land use rules, development controls or permission procedures are set out in the source. It is an architectural study of Indo-Saracenic buildings.
Is every building named in the study legally protected as a heritage building?
The source describes them as prominent examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It does not state that the list is a statutory heritage list or that the buildings receive legal protection.
Which Chennai building does the study identify as the first Indo-Saracenic building in India?
The study identifies Chepauk Palace, dated around 1768 and designed by Paul Benfield, as the first Indo-Saracenic building in India.
What features can help identify an Indo-Saracenic building?
The study lists features including bulbous domes, overhanging eaves, pointed or scalloped arches, vaulted roofs, domed kiosks, miniature domes, towers, minarets, harem windows and open pavilions.
