Neerja U21173 Draft
Neerja U21173 Draft
involves a threat to buildings of national importance. The Director is seeking suggestions for
unusual/ lesser buildings that can form the sites of threat. You are part of the recce team.
Identify five buildings/ sites that can be considered for the movie. You have to present your
ideas in the form of a single view for each building, which will form the opening shot of the
film. Each example will be accompanied by a 250/300-word explanation of your rationale
behind these choices.
Abstract
The essay explores the idea of the cultural, historical and political landscape of India through the
lens of potential threats to the buildings of National importance for an upcoming Avengers/
Spiderman multiverse movie set in India. It uses the 4 reference points from ‘How Buildings
Mean’ (Goodman,) to understand the national significance of the chosen/ identified buildings.
The storyline revolves around an 80-year-old man, trapped in his past memory, holding British
rule responsible for family deaths before independence and plots revenge against National
structures like India Gate, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Victoria Memorial
and Bombay High Court. The essay focuses on pre-independence modern buildings exploring
the Britisher’s view of modernist India and how they tried to give certain colonial buildings an
Indian touch.
Introduction
The upcoming Avengers/ Spiderman movie set in India presents an opportunity to look at the
diverse cultural, historical and political landscape of India. The plot revolves around a threat to
national buildings of Importance built by the British Government before independence. The essay
uses Norman Goodman's framework to recognise and analyze the varieties of reference that a
building means may be grouped under these four headings (Goodman, 1985):
1. Denotation: indicate what it stands for through direct message, or function
2. Exemplification: highlight certain properties by being an exemplar, architecturally distinguish
itself
3. Metaphorical Expression: formally referencing structures that may not necessarily be similar
functionally or in other ways
4. Mediated Reference: invoking the meanings of other structures it references through implied
connections (Bharat, 2023)
The buildings chosen have been constructed between the early 1860s to the 1920s in the cities
of Calcutta, Delhi and Bombay showing the shift between cities of political power during the
colonial era. It signifies the change in dynamics after the revolution of 1857, when the Britishers
shifted their strategy from trade to colonial rule, focusing more on tightening the control over
provinces and establishing political institutions symbolizing power. Calcutta was India's capital
from 1772 to 1911, but due to certain geographical, historical and administrative issues, Delhi
was chosen as the new capital in 1912. Delhi signified power in itself, as the capital city of the
Mughals, previous sultans, dating back to the epicenter of cultural exchange and Vedic
organizations. It was believed that ‘ whoever controls Delhi, controls the whole country’ and the
Britishers wanted to symbolically announce that they were mapping themselves on top of the
Mughals (Bharat, 2023). Also, the role of Mumbai as the capital of the Bombay Presidency
(administrative province) and in the trade and transportation sector as an administrative port for
the west coast allowed colonial India to connect to the world through exporting trade items
contributing a substantial amount to the country's revenue.
Proposed buildings
The design layout and utilization of India Gate are very similar to the Paris de Triomphe. Both
exemplify power in their centrally situated prime locations, as India Gate stands grand and
distinguished in a landscape on the far end of Kartavya Path while Paris de Triomphe is at the
center of 12 radiating avenues in the heart of Paris. Even the physical appearance, both
structures have gates in the shape of arcs and the cornices of the two look alike (Pal & Pal,
2020b). Whereas the semicircular arch and the placement of blocks in both arches depict the
influence of the neoclassical architectural type, India Gate lacks ornamentation of any sort.
What makes the Triumph arch structure Indian despite its clear influences from Paris' structure is
that, for India Gate, ‘INDIA’ is written in bold on top of the arch and the names of all the Indian
soldiers who sacrificed their lives to fight for the Colonisers are engraved on the inside of the
arch. The military parade through India Gate on Republic Day reinforces the power of the Indian
army against the backdrop of the Indian significant victory gate(Paris de Triomphe) with its
Bastille Day military parade. This symbolizes India Gate as a celebration of Victory rather than a
mourning place as death is framed within the larger perspective of patriotism.
According to Nelson Goodman in How Buildings Mean, India Gate denotes the memory of Indian
soldiers who died on behalf of Britishers in war. It exemplifies its power by standing tall in a
distinguished landscape near the Parliament. It metaphorically expresses that it is similar yet a
refined version of the Paris de Triomphe. Its mediated reference suggests that it is a place to
celebrate victory and patriotism as the Republic Day parade marches through it.
A possible hijack of the Triumphal Arch structure will threaten the nation's International image and
compromise with the spirit of sacrifice of our soldiers who were forced to bloodshed on behalf of
their enemy.
This historic structure in central Bombay, near Bori Bandar, was initially built as the Great Indian
Peninsular Railway's headquarters. The elaborate façade, pointed arches, and intricate detailing
of this architectural marvel are hallmarks of the Victoria Gothic Revival in India, blended with the
themes derived from Indian Traditional Architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, n.d.-b).
The architectural elements and the ground floor plan designed by British architects who worked
with Indian craftsmen resemble traditional Indian palace architecture.
With hundreds of commuters passing through its corridors each day, the station has witnessed
various phases of life in Mumbai. With its imposing dome, turrets, and superb stained glass
windows, this station is a fine example of Victorian architecture in India. Its busy platforms and
iconic clock tower exemplify its vitality in city life. Shivaji Terminus depicts Mumbai's
transformation from a colonial city to a modern metropolis. Its significance comes from its role as
a crucial railroad hub that connects people and goods across the nation.
Shivaji Terminus is referred to as a Gothic masterpiece as a metaphor for the strength and rise of
a city that never sleeps. It corresponds, in a figurative sense, to the vigor that radiates through
Mumbai's transportation web, the city's backbone. Shivaji Terminus draws comparisons to
landmarks like St. Pancras in London and the architectural typology of British colonial railway
stations.
Characterizing through Nelson Goodman’s ‘How Buildings Mean’, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
depicts the journey of Mumbai being the major transportation center for the whole country. It
exemplifies Victorian Gothic architecture in the Indian context by incorporating traditional
architectural elements in the making. Its mediated reference suggests the never-ending bustling
place full of vitality of a modern metropolis in today’s context.
Capturing the building would endanger not just the lives of thousands of passengers but also a
celebrated architectural asset and the historical legacy it represents. It would be like attacking
Mumbai's transit system from the inside out.
As the previous residence of the British viceroy in India, the Viceroy's House, now known as
Rashtrapati Bhavan, has a significant historical significance. Designed by Edwin Lutyens and
Herbert Baker in 1912, it captures the magnificence of colonial-era architecture in Delhi.
With its ornate columns, central dome structure inspired by the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, and
precisely landscaped gardens from the Mughal era, this building perfectly captures the
architect's thoughtfulness in representing Indian essence (Central Dome | Welcome to
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN - the Office and Residence of the President of India, n.d.-b). The bottom
of the dome is surrounded by railings attributed to the Stupa and bordering the dome are
miniature pavilion roofs called chattris and inverted half-dome fountains. It serves as a prime
example of colonial architecture's ongoing influence on the Indian subcontinent. Rashtrapati
Bhavan's historical ties to the British Empire's authority over India are emphasized by drawing
comparisons to colonial-era government structures in London, such as Buckingham Palace and
the Houses of Parliament.
Analyzing through the lens of How Buildings Mean, Rashtrapati Bhavan denotes the
administrative and political strength as the residence of the Indian President. It exemplifies its
power as a paramount political authority by standing tall in a distinguished landscape in the heart
of the capital city. Rashtrapati Bhavan metaphorically expresses the influence of elements from
the Sanchi stupa blended with European neoclassical architecture. Its mediated reference
represents the democratic roots of India. It serves the Indian government, the highest authority
guarding the country's republican ambitions like a sentinel.
An attack on Rashtrapati Bhavan would damage a classic colonial building that holds the weight
of democracy and history in addition to destabilizing the center of India's administrative power. It
would amount to a blow to the fundamentals of Indian unity and government.
4. Victoria Memorial
From Fine Art America, by S.R. Choudhury, 2023, Copyright by Fine Art America.
(https://fineartamerica.com/featured/victoria-memorial-hall-calcutta-kolkata-srijan-roy-choudhury.html?product=acrylic-print)
(
The Victoria Memorial, where British and Indian elements blend, serves as a time capsule of
India's colonial past. It serves as a reminder of historical events and the preservation of culture.
In terms of design, Victoria Memorial draws inspiration from the Taj Mahal. It has a main central
dome, four smaller domes, high portals, domed chattris of octagonal shape, domed towers at
the corners, and a terrace (Kaur, 2023). The Victoria Memorial alludes to the idea of a cultural
repository akin to international institutions like the British Museum and the Louvre demonstrating
India's diverse legacy in terms of art and architecture.
Exploring from the perspective of Nelson Goodman, the Victoria Memorial denotes a memorial to
Queen Victoria and also serves as a reservoir for India's extensive cultural and historical history. It
exemplifies its expansive gardens and museum galleries to illustrate the grandeur of Indian
cultural and historical heritage. It metaphorically expresses to have taken reference from the Taj
Mahal as a memorial blended with colonial as well as Indian traditional architecture apart from
Taj’s Mughal influence. Its mediated reference suggests the idea of a cultural repository to
demonstrate India's diverse legacy in terms of art and architecture.
The nation's ties to its past and cultural identity would be jeopardized if the Victoria Memorial were
to be destroyed in furtherance to sculptures, paintings, scripts, books and other precious items.
A major portion of India's history would be erased, depriving future generations of its heritage.
It was one of the 3 high courts established under the reign of Queen Victoria built in 1862 by
British Col. James A. Fuller to serve as a representation of the legal system and impartial justice
delivery in Bombay. Even though converted to a Heritage Walk site in 2021, it still stands as a
physical embodiment of the organization that was tasked with preserving Indian state law and
rights.
With its pointed arches, ornate carvings, and tapering spires this edifice is a perfect example of
how Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles can coexist harmoniously. It demonstrates
the judiciary's continuing importance in Indian society. It symbolizes the cornerstone of a just and
democratic society. Comparing the Bombay High Court to a renowned international court house
like the Old Bailey in London underscores its global significance and commitment to justice.
While the Bombay High Court and the Old Bailey in London have distinct architectural styles,
both use domes and towers with statues of respective justice to symbolize dominance and serve
as focal points even from far away. Their interiors are designed with glass windows, high ceilings,
arches, wooden panels and chandeliers to create a sense of grandeur within. They are situated
in central locations of the urban landscape of the cities and easily recognisable for their historical
and architectural significance having witnessed major legal proceedings and representing the
legislative institutions.
The Bombay High Court denotes, as Goodman implies, the values of justice and judicial authority
to serve as the administrative center of the Indian court throughout the colonial era and as an
important heritage site now. It exemplifies judicial power by linearly spanning surrounded by
The historical significance of the Gothic revival could be leveraged for the film's plot, with a threat
to the former administration of Justice of the Indian State and an important asset to the world as
a UNESCO Heritage site.
Conclusion
The significance of these structures still remains but is now appropriated in today's needs. For
example, Rashtrapati Bhavan is still relevant functionally as well as politically whereas India
Gate’s significance remains political and cultural. Similarly, both Victoria Memorial and
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus remain functional. In addition, the former is culturally relevant too. In
the case of the Bombay High Court, the functionality has converted to cultural importance.
These colonial structures are still architecturally, culturally and/or functionally relevant even after
75 years of Independence.
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List of Figures