Renaissance in the Punjab, Mahal Nagar Mal, Minchinabad
04 March 2013
As early as the middle years of the 19th century, when British rulers had just started to raise their first edifices in northern India, the moneyed class of the Punjab had become deeply enamoured of this new building tradition. It is known that elite families who retained their own mistri would instruct him to visit upcoming cantonments to study new and upcoming buildings. The design would then be duplicated for the homes of the rich.
At the dawn of the 20th century, the sea change of acceptance of vernacular architecture as an integral part of colonial buildings had already occurred. By this time, the mistri had acquired his own elaborate vocabulary of European architectural elements. He had developed his skill to a degree that he was blending the vernacular with the European to delightful advantage. Scores of little-known private residences dating back to the early 20th century across the country are breathtaking examples of local craftsmanship.
Read more »Labels: Book of Days 2013, Minchinabad, Punjab, Stones of Empire
posted by Salman Rashid @ 10:58,
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