Home > Indian History > Temples of India > British Cathedrals in India
British Cathedrals in India
History of British cathedrals in India began with a bang, spreading Christianity amongst every native.

Share this Article:

British Cathedrals in IndiaBritish Raj in India has always served as that part in Indian history, constituting umpteen ups and downs amongst both the community of natives and English alike. If that liberty can be taken to leave out the brutal and merciless dominance over Indians for two hundred years, the Empire had done much to introduce western civilization into eastern society. Beginning from the British East India Company and flowing down to Queen Victoria`s rule for the rest of the years and finally ending with Lord Mountbatten, British Empire can be singled out for its various innovations in every field of work. The likes of economy, administration, society, politics, entertainment, architecture and infrastructure can be enlisted under some of the few titles that the imperialists had grounded onto the Indian sub-continent. In order to make the English civilisation comfortable for day-to-day existence, the architectural aspect was perhaps the most improved and sophisticated amongst all other groups. In this context comes the phase of cathedrals built throughout colonial rule. British cathedrals in India amount to several in number, which still stand to this day with their glory and pomp.

Commencing from the basic Presidency towns comprising Bengal, Bombay and Madras, British cathedrals in India started branching out gradually to other villages and cities, not leaving out the mofussils (a town smaller than a city, with its own municipality). Architects were shipped in huge numbers from England to erect masterpieces, who then replaced the amateur men being trained for building. The Company rule which was brought to an end after the Sepoy Mutiny(1857) in 1858, holds supreme importance here, which later witnessed massive masonry work for constructing cathedrals. Borrowing from several erstwhile European architects and their fashion of architecture, British cathedrals in India started to shoot their spires up, touching the sky. The kinds of architectural fashion that prevailed primarily were: Gothic, Palladian, Ionic, Indo-Saracenic, or the various other colonnaded halls, predominating every nook of a city or town.

With the mind-boggling course and path of British architecture in India that had been built, it can perhaps only be assimilated into a colossal book, redefining the annals. History of British cathedrals in India thus encompasses the periods and stages within which these structure were built, almost always with solemn financial and governmental aid. The governor-generals had made it a point that Christianity was widely distributed within the country, to make people aware about the religion even more consciously. The legendary cathedrals, for instance, St. Thomas` Cathedral, Mumbai or St. Paul`s Cathedral, Kolkata defy every human capability for their exquisiteness and meticulous adornment for even the following years to come.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.
Temple Architecture During Rajput Period
Temple architecture during the Rajput period was inclined to the aspect of Bhakti. Rajput kings encouraged this art which is reflected in the grandeur style of the temples.
Architecture of Mata Vaishnodevi Temple
Architecture at Vaishnodevi has been the source of artistic enjoyment for many, reinstating the vitality of the Indian religiosity and cultural fervour.
History of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple
Steeped in glorious history this is indeed a legendary temple.
Temples in Munnar
Munnar houses myriad temples that are visited by many people. The temples of Munnar are especially known for their festivals that are celebrated with great grandeur.
History of Indian Temples
The history of Indian temples dates back to the ancient ages and variant dynasties that have ruled throughout the ages. Every temple of every region has a story attached to it that reflects the cultures of the specific dynasty.
Kalyaneshwari Temple
Kalyaneshwari Temple is one of the well known Shakti peeth of India. Located at a distance of 20 kms from Asansol this age old temple is known for its miracles and a number of legends that attract the devotees and tourists as well.
Kalika Temple in Udhampur
Also known as Maha Kali Temple, the Kalika Temple located at the Reasi town is a holy shrine.
Medieval Temples of India
Medieval temples of India vary from each other due to the style and architecture. The impact of the prevalent kingdom is prominent in the style of building.
Temples of Ramanathapuram District
Temples of Ramanathapuram district have special significance in the state, owing to its architectural attributes.
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur reflects the Dravidian style architecture. Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this temple.