Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Discuss the European influence on the architecture of Modern India with suitable examples. (250 words)
Reference: Indian art and culture by Nitin Singhania
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the influence of Europeans on the art and architecture of Modern India.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain why European influence came into picture in the Indian scenario.
Body:
- Start discussing with the onset of Europeans in India.
- The Europeans who came to India for trade established their settlements at various places. In these settlements they built European style houses, besides the factories. When their foothold became strong, they began to construct more durable structures such as strong fortresses and imposing churches.
- Highlight that the Portuguese at Goa established impressive churches in the style of Iberian architecture, and the English, though in a less ambitious manner, built churches resembling the English village churches. A distinct type of building thus began to emerge in India. However, the Victorian style itself, being imitative rather than original, did not have a vitality of its own to inaugurate in India what could have been an Indo-British (like the Indo- Islamic) style of architecture.
- Explain suitable examples and substantiate upon the influence.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of such influence and its impact even as of today.
