The British architectural marvels and monuments in India!

 Several mammoth structures and great pieces of architectures were built in the colony of British India. Post-independence India inherited these properties and they till date stand majestically in different states of India. A quick glance at these great historical structures:

1. The All India War Memorial Arch or India Gate- The work in New Delhi was completed on this monumental structure in 1931. The famous British architect Edward Lutyens designed it. This was built in memory of the 70,000 Indian and British soldiers who died fighting for Great Britain during the World War I. 

2. Parliament House, New Delhi

This gigantic structure was officially inaugurated in 1927. It was designed by Edward Lutyens along with Herbert Baker and was originally called the House of Parliament. Lord Irwin was the Governor-General at that time and he had cut the ribbon of this enormous house. It is now used as the the supreme legislative body of India.

3. Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

This structure is also located in New Delhi and was also designed by the talented architect of the UK, Edward Lutyens. It was originally the residence of the British Viceroy. Now, the President of India resides here. 

4. Gateway of India, Bombay

This was constructed in 1911 and was to commemorate the arrival of King George V to British India. It is situated in Bombay close to the Arabian Sea. The Taj Mahal Hotel is nearby this place and is now a famous tourist attraction. 

5. Victoria Terminus Station, Bombay

This is the first station to be built in India. The first train journey was from Victoria Terminus to Thane. It is now a famous tourist attraction and looks gorgeous with the various lights on it. The first train engine used is also kept in the museum for viewing.

6. Victoria Memorial, Calcutta

This huge monument is in Calcutta. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria. Sir William Emerson designed it and he was also the President of the British Institute of Architects. 

Victoria Memorial, Calcutta (Source: Lonely Planet)

Also, read Divide and Rule is not from British rule

7. Writers' Building, Calcutta

This is a great work of art situated in the West Bengal State government's secretariat building. It is so named because the building housed the office for the writers at British East India Company. 

8. Cellular Jail, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Though built as a place for rigorous imprisonment of freedom fighters, it is a great work of art. It was for solitary confinement and each cell had enough space to walk and move around. There was a high ventilator for air and light to enter the room. The latch and locks were especially made such that the prisoners can neither see it nor open it. The rooms were arranged like the spokes of a wheel. Part of the structure has been brought down to make room for a hospital. 

9. Ross Island, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A beautiful island built by Britishers. It has a press, bakery, and church inside. Besides, quarters for soldiers and officers and a great collection of flowers, flora and fauna. The people here state that during the time, the area looked like Paradise. 

10. St. Mary's Church, Chennai

It is the oldest Anglican church in South Asia and also the oldest monument built in British India. 

11. Bombay University, Bombay

It is a great work of art and continues to house the educational center. A deep sense of happiness and safety is felt if one sits on the bench outside in the lawn of the building. Very inspiring place!

12. High Court of Bombay, Bombay

It is a great historical place and continues to administer justice from the same place to date.

13. Grant Medical College and JJ Hospital, Byculla, Bombay

The oldest and largest hospital of Asia the place has seen great scientists and discoveries. Robert Koch discovered the tubercle bacilli here. 

There are a number of other great buildings built by British in India. These include Khalanga War Memorial in Dehradun and the beautiful bridge between Banbasa and Mahendranagar at Indo-Nepal border. They stand tall to date though not all are frequented by tourists.