North india architecture

1.  SUBMITTED TO :
 SUBMITTED BY : MOHAN SUTHAR
 CODE : 0942
 SUBJECT : HISTRY

2. INTRODUCTION
 Shimla is a beautiful hill station in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is
popularly know as the "Queen of Hills". Shimla was a major town in the
time of Britisher.
 Being about 7500 ft above sea level Shimla is one of the favorite holiday
destinations among tourists.
 During the time of the British, Shimla was the summer capital. This is the
reason why Shimla has buildings, homes, churches, and lodges that are
typically British in architecture.
 The architecture of Shimla is called colonial architecture. Renaissance
influenced designs and neo gothic architecture are predominant in the
buildings of Shimla.

3. CULTURE
 Lifestyle : The living pattern of the majority of people
in Shimla is still that of a rural. Agriculture and
livestock keeping are the two main occupations of the
people.
 Art and Craft : The greatest example of the Culture of
Shimla is the handworks of its people. The Thapada
and Kohana- two styles of embroidery, bamboo items
made by the Dom tribe.
 Fairs and Festivals : Fairs and festivals are an
essential part of Culture in Shimla. The main
attractions amongst them are the Summer and Winter
festivals, the Ice Skating Carnival and International
Folk Festival.
 Music : The tribal music in Shimla is very famous.
Instruments like Ektara, Jhanjh, Manjara, Chimta,etc

4.  Dance : The major dance forms of Shimla
are the Rakshasa Dance or the Dance of the
Demon, the Kayang Dance and the Rasa
Dance.
 Language : Hindi being officially the state
language, people mostly use Pahari or
several dialects of it.
 Traditional Clothes : Clothes too reflect
the Shimla Culture-be it Salwar, Kameez ,
Kurta or the long knee length gown known
as Juan Chadiyan.
 Climate : In winter, the temperature can
drop below freezing point when heavy
woollens are required. Summer
temperatures are mild and light
woollens/cottons are recommended.

5. Climate
 Shimla features a subtropical highland climate under the
Köppen climate classification. The climate in Shimla is
predominantly cool during winters, and moderately warm
during summer. Temperatures typically range from −4 °C (25 °F)
to 31 °C (88 °F) over the course of a year. The average temperature
during summer is between 19 °C (66 °F) and 28 °C (82 °F), and
between −1 °C (30 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in winter. Monthly
precipitation varies between 15 millimetres (0.59 in) in
November to 434 millimetres (17.1 in) in August. It is typically
around 45 millimetres (1.8 in) per month during winter and
spring and around 175 millimetres (6.9 in) in June as the
monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is
1,575 millimetres (62 in), which is much less than most other hill
stations but still greatly heavier than on the plains. Snowfall in
the region, which historically has taken place in the month of
December, has lately (over the last fifteen years) been happening
in January or early February every year.

6. Culture
 The people of Shimla are informally called Shimlaites. With largely
cosmopolitan crowds, a variety of festivals are celebrated here. The Shimla
Summer Festival, held every year during peak tourist season, and lasting 3–4
days, is celebrated on the ridge. The highlights of this event include
performances by popular singers from all over the country. Shimla has a
number of places to visit. Local hangouts like The Mall and The Ridge are in
the heart of the city. Most of the heritage buildings in the city are preserved
in their original 'Tudorbethan' architecture. The former Viceregal
Lodge, which now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and
Wildflower Hall, now a luxury hotel, are some of the famous ones. A
collection of paintings, jewellery and textiles of the region can be found at
the State Museum (built in 1974). Further out from the city is the Naldehra
nine-hole golf course, the oldest of its kind in India. Kufri is a ski resort
(winter only) located 19 kilometres (11.8 mi) from the main city. Lakkar
Bazaar, a market extending off The Ridge, is famous for souvenirs and crafts
made of wood. Tatta Pani, 55 kilometres (34.2 mi) from the main city, is the
name of hot sulphur springs that are believed to have medicinal value
located on the banks of river Satluj. Shimla is also home to South Asia's only
natural ice skating rink. State and national level competitions are often held
at this venue. The Shimla Ice Skating Club, which manages the rink, hosts a
carnival every year in January, which includes a fancy dress competition and
figure skating events. Due to effects of global warming and increasing urban
development in and around Shimla, the number of sessions on ice every
winter have been decreasing in the past few years.

7.  Shimla has many temples and is often visited by devotees from nearby towns and cities. The Kali
Bari temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali is near the mall. Jakhoo Temple, for the Hindu
god Hanuman is located at the highest point in Shimla.[39] Sankat Mochan, another Hanuman
temple, is famous for the numerous monkeys that are always found in its vicinity. It is located on
Shimla-Kalka Highway about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the city. The nearby temple of Tara Devi
is a place for performing rituals and festivals. Other prominent places of worship include a
Gurudwara near the bus terminus and a Church on The Ridge.
 The Shimla arts and crafts are highly in demand by the tourists. They range from excellent pieces
of jewelry, embroidered shawls and garments to leather made articles and sculptures. Shimla is
full of Pine and Deodar trees. The wood has been extensively used in building the temples and
palaces of Shimla. The various kinds of arts and crafts of Shimla made out of wood includes small
boxes, jeweleries, fruit bowls and other image carvings.
 The paintings in Shimla bear the deep artistic insight of the people there. The Shimla art bears
the testimony of the rich culture and tradition of Shimla.
 The flamboyancy of the carpets and rugs of Shimla is a great attraction for the tourists. Different
floral and other motifs make these carpets look really very beautiful. The wool from the sheep is
used to make blankets and rugs.
 The embroidered stuffs are very popular that includes handkerchiefs, hand fans, gloves, caps, etc.
The arts and crafts of Shimla have that traditional touch in it. Among others, the shawls of Shimla
are very well known for their fine quality. The leather craft of Shimla is also a demanded thing.
Beautiful stuffs of leather comprises shoes, slippers and belts.
 The other arts and crafts of Shimla includes a huge collection of amazing beaded and metal
jeweleries. These intricately designed jeweleries bears the hallmark of the artistic craftsmanship
of the Shimla designers.
 The temples of Shimla shows the excellent stonework of the architects there. The sculptors have
proved their mettle in upholding the art of Shimla.

8. Architecture In Shimla
 Shimla is a beautiful hill station in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is
popularly know as the "Queen of Hills". Shimla, originally known as
Simla, was a major town in the time of Britisher. Thus the architecture in
Shimla is largely influenced by the British.
 The present day Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a popular
tourist destination. It is a small hill station town with the population of 1.6
lacs. The main things to see and experience in Shimla are the grand
buildings of British time, wooden handicrafts, and apples that are exported
worldwide.
 During the time of the British, Shimla was the summer capital of the
Viceroy. The viceroy and the other administrative members used to spend
the summers in Shimla. From May till July, Shimla used to hustle and bustle
with administrative activities. The families of the administrative members
also used to accompany them to spend the summer in Shimla. This is the
reason why Shimla has buildings, homes, churches, and lodges that are
typically British in architecture.

9. Architecture In Shimla
 The architecture of Shimla is called colonial architecture. Renaissance
influenced designs and neo gothic architecture are predominant in the
buildings of Shimla. The Britishers and their family used to spend half of
the year in this hill station. Thus the whole infrastructure of Shimla is
based on their needs and lifestyle.
 The architecture of Shimla can be analyzed with the help of a few iconic
structures of the town. The first and foremost in this category is the
Viceroy's Lodge.
 At present the Viceroy's Lodge operates as the Indian Institute of Advance
Study. The structure looks like a grand British house or rather a palace. The
exterior is done in gray sandstone and light blue limestone. In typical
Gothic style iron girders, beams, and trusses have been used. To give the
look of a European castle, glass windows, and brick roof have been added.
 In true British style, the interior of the Viceroy Lodge is adorned with glass
ceiling and fireplace. The fireplace has been replaced by Indian Wheel of
Progress. To suit European lifestyle there is a ballroom and a huge library.
 The architecture in Shimla is a replica of European architecture.
However, the material used in construction is all Indian or local. Wooden
stairs, grey sandstone, teak panels, Walnut ceiling with Kashimiri
design, are some of the popular construction materials used in the Viceroy's
lodge.

10. Houses in Shimla
 Large number of openings in the
south, to avoid the north cold.
 Sloped roof was used in all the
structures to avoid the gathering
of the snow.
 Constructed using
sandstone, wood and bricks.
 Also there were fireplaces in the
houses .

11. Houses in Shimla

12. Construction wooden houses
A wooden frame in constructed and then covered up
using the wooden panels

13. Architectural Aspects'
 The architecture is a typical example of British colonial architecture.
 Of the colonial buildings that still stand, the city offices and railway
ministry are outstanding examples. The Vice regal lodge or the
Rashtrapati Niwas has design of an authentic English building. Also the
Christ chruch.
 As the architecture was influenced by the gothic era it had features like:
Ribbed vaults Flying buttressPointed arch

14. Viceroy Palace
 Viceroy's residence is an eg. of fine
Elizabethan style of architecture.
Henry Irvine has also made significant
contribution in designing of the
building.
 The exterior is done in gray sandstone
and light blue limestone. In typical
Gothic style iron girders, beams, and
trusses have been used. To give the
look of a European castle, glass
windows, and brick roof have been
added.
 The Viceroy Regal was constructed in
1880. Woods were imported from
Burma to adorn the interiors of the
building. Woods like pine and cedar
were used to construct this
architecture.

15.  The south facing entrance portico sees the visitor into the
reception hall. The hall is marked by a grand staircase which
springs from the right and spirals up three full floors. Facing
the main entrance is the grand fireplace.
 A gallery with well-appointed teak panelling is the central
space of the building around which the other rooms are
arranged.
 The state drawing room, ballroom, and the wood-paneled
dining room – decorated with coats of arms of former
Governor-Generals and Viceroys – lead to the gallery at the
lower level.
 A repetitive use of a arch is done. With a variation in its size
 A large number of windows on its south direction to avoid the
north colds

16. It also contained the
ornamentation on the top
which was carved out of stone.
It had the description on it.
It has the stone railing with
the brick work below it.

17.  Viceroy Regal Lodge in Shimla is surrounded by pine
trees, maidenhair tree, white mulberry and Japanese
maple and gardens on all the sides. At present the
Viceroy Regal Lodge houses the Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies.
 After India gained independence, the building was
renamed Rashtrapati Niwas and was used as a summer
retreat for the President of India. However, due to its
neglect, Dr. S Radhakrishnan decided to turn it into a
centre of higher learning.
 The architectural elements in Shimla is a replica of
European architecture. However, the material used in
construction is all Indian or local. Wooden stairs, grey
sandstone, teak panels, Walnut ceiling with Kashimiri
design, are some of the popular construction materials
used in the Viceroy's lodge.
 The other prominent structure that has European
architecture in Shimla is the Christ Church. Situated in
the ridge area the Church signifies British period in
India. The stained glass windows are typical to the
Christian architecture originated in Europe.