It
is in the 20th Century suburbs of Srinagar that we find some
of the best examples of Colonial architecture in Kashmir.
Though isolated bungalows can still be found in older sections
of the city, yet it is in areas like Samander Bagh, Barzulla,
Wazir Bagh and parts of Magarmal Bagh and Karan Nagar that
one can even today find continuous residential stretches dotted
with a variety of European looking chalets, cottages and country
houses.
The advent of Colonial architecture in the region can be traced
back to the later part of the 19th Century. Its earliest examples
were the residential quarters of European visitors at Sheikh
Bagh and some institutional buildings like Amar Singh College
and Silk Factory. The Shergarhi palace complex which was rebuilt
in 19th Century AD, made this architectural style quite popular
among the ruling elite of the state.As already stated, colonial
influences could be seen in both public as well as residential
buildings of the late 19th and early 20th Century, yet it
was particularly the residences of this period where this
style found its most visible manifestation. Long linear porches
running along the entire length of the building; double storied
bay windows; corner towers surmounted by octagonal or circular
spires; series of gables and dormers projecting from steeply
pitched roofs along with tall narrow chimneys are some of
the most distinct features of this architectural style as
followed in this region.
Most of the buildings were constructed under the supervision
of British engineers or contractors associated with Public
Works Department. The outer appearance of most of the buildings
was devoid of any local influences. It was only in the more
decorative and intricate wood work like that of khatamband
ceilings, eaves board, window pelmets and certain other features
that the tradition workmanship was used. Internally the house
was arranged around a large central lobby opening on to a
porch or portico. Rooms continued to be aligned along either
side of the staircase lobby (as in vernacular houses) and
most of the rooms were interconnected. Kitchen and other household
services (servant quarter, stores etc.) were generally detached
from the main building as an annexe. An interesting feature
of these houses was the addition of attached toilets to bed
rooms on both floors. Room height was generally 10-12 ft.
and gave an airy atmosphere. This architectural style flourished
for around half a century before being modified on contemporary
lines.
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