ISLAMABAD: Growing up in a profoundly conservative society, I was taught East and the West were distinct worlds— separated by geography, religion, language, and features that only existed in the figment of my worldview-shapers’ imaginations.
However, my newfound interest in the history of architecture dawned upon me a far more interconnected narrative.
For millennia, Europeans and Indians of the sub-continent have exchanged ideas, philosophies, and artistic influences, creating a unique cultural and architectural synthesis that draws from both traditions.
Paradoxically, it was within the British colonial context – an era marked by widespread economic exploitation and political subjugation – that the blend of European and Indo-Muslim architectural styles reached its most noticeable expression in pre-partition India. This relatively recent encounter gave birth to new forms of beauty, functionality, and identity, although the two streams of human civilisations crossed paths in history as far back as the 4th century BCE when Alexander the Great emerged on the horizons of the subcontinent as a ferocious foreign invader.
A visit to Lahore Fort
Marvelling at the huge picture wall at Lahore’s famed Shahi Qila (Royal Fort) that was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1624 and was constructed using a Persian technique called Kashi Kari, I came across “The angels from Europe”, as described by English historian and television presenter Simon Schama.
Feeling helpless in the face of an insatiable curiosity, I turned to Dr Shakir Ullah, a scholar in the field of Archaeology in Architecture at Hazara University to explore how modern European architectural elements like other forms of artistic expressions blended with Indo-Muslim building techniques during the colonial period.
His insights revealed the subtle yet profound ways in which distinct architectural styles left an indelible mark on each other.
The birth of a hybrid style
When asked what were the defining characteristics of European architectural styles that merged with Indo-Muslim traditions, Dr Shakir explained that one of the European contributions to Indo-Muslim architecture was the introduction of new building materials and techniques, such as British bricks and dressed stone masonry.
“The introduction of British bricks as a building material and the use of dressed stone masonry,” he said, “left a deep mark on the construction practices here.”
The architectural forms also underwent a transformation.
The colonial influence brought with it “new structural elements, such as the segmental arch”—an architectural feature that became a hallmark of many colonial-era buildings in the subcontinent – according to Dr Shakir.
A story of architectural exchanges
To a question on how the cultural interactions contributed to new architectural synthesis, the academic said, “One notable contribution was the introduction of brick powders as a binding agent for mortar.”
This technique is believed to have enhanced the structural strength of buildings, paving the way for intricate designs.
Additionally, the influence of European design principles, such as “symmetry and ornamentation, began to blend into Indo-Muslim architecture.”
“This colonial architecture left a deep effect on the socio-political and cultural dynamics of the sub-continent,” he added.
The influence is much noticeable in the shift from locally crafted designs to more standardised elements.
“The influence can be seen in the style, design, arches, windows, and doors [built during the era] besides the introduction of elements such as iron,” Dr Shakir explained.
He highlighted several key buildings in Pakistan where these architectural hybrids can be observed in full glory.
“The fusion is visible in buildings like Islamia College in Peshawar, Edwardes College Peshawar, and the Peshawar Museum,” he noted.
During the British Raj, other European architectural styles such as baroque, gothic, and neoclassical became more predominant.
Lessons from the history of Architecture?
While exploring the rich architectural history of Pakistan, one can’t help but pose fundamental questions as to how can we embrace more fully the values of cultural continuity, while also addressing the needs and aspirations of rapidly changing societies. How could we honour inherited traditions while also engaging with new social perplexities and new technological possibilities?
The more I delved into the subject, the more I got to know how artistic expressions, despite their apparent differences, have always been interconnected.
It is through this realisation that we can forge stronger connections and cherish our differences, ultimately paving the way for a more pluralistic understanding of the world.
