Working at ILF as a cultural researcher has been an interesting adventure. Every week exploring a new structure from a new city in India was fun. Virtually visiting a new area in India while staying abroad was quite a unique experience. I got to study various architectural styles including those of Kolkata, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi- cities that I have never visited personally. Each structure was previously unexplored in detail and had a rich background and history. All these assignments led me to researching a fort, a math (temple),a church and Telegraph office. How to study an architectural style? I focused on the background and history of the particular structure which gave me clues about its past. Also, the architectural analysis included sketching the details of the structure and its elements like columns, cornices, doorways, domes, etc. These elements were added to each structure in different periods which gave a hint for its architectural style.
Following is an example of an interesting analysis of the architectural style of Mahanirban Math located in the Kalighat area of Kolkata : Mahanirban Math(Nitya Thakur Math)is a religious heritage structure located at Rashbehari Avenue in the busy Kalighat area of Kolkata established by the saint Sri Sri Nityagopal in 1980. It has a garden with a temple, Natmandir, and a small office. Outside the temple, a beautiful pond and a garden filled with rare species of trees welcomes the visitors. It is a busy space during different festivals of the Math and also welcomes visitors for their daily prayers.
Insert Image here– Plan 1
The above is a rough sketch plan of the temple drawn based on its photos and description. 
Insert Image – Arches
Arches- The temple has both multifoliate cusped arches and pointed arches outside and inside on the walls of the doors of the temple. On the top of these arches, detailing of flowers and leaves can be seen.
Insert Image – Corinthian capital
Corinthian columns –In the colonnaded corridor Corinthian columns are observed which are a representation of Neo- Classical architecture in the British Colonial period of India. The column originates from the Greek architecture style, and it is one of the classical orders of architecture. The capital of the column has lavish ornamentation which resembles leaves and flowers. (Basel)The columns have fluted shafts and the height of the capitals gives them a more slender effect. The Corinthian column base rests on the plinth. The columns in the Math are now colored in bright orange, yellow and red. In all the corners of the corridor the columns are grouped in four to support the roof.
Insert Image – Dome
Dome- The dome on the top of the flat roof is an Islamic faceted dome with convolutions(called a melon dome). It also has finials on the top and is articulately painted with floral design.
Insert Image – Roof Detailing
Roof detailing – The flat roof of the temple is decorated with elements of Islamic architecture with recurring leaves on the top and painted stars on the roofline. The parapet also has columns with lights fixed in the corners. From the above details, we come up to a conclusion that the architectural style of the Math is a mix of Islamic architecture with an addition of some Neo-Classical elements.
Bibliography:
Basel, E. S. (n.d.). Kolkata’s architecture legacy- and the question of identity. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/299679969/Kolkata-Architecture
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Hi, I’m Prachi Pushkar Buche Marathe …
Hi, I’m Prachi Pushkar Buche Marathe …I am a conservation architect from India, currently based in Belgium on a mission to explore and conserve lost and unidentified heritage around the world. My site visits while studying architecture in India made me realize the significance of our tangible and intangible heritage in India. I am an ardent lover of history and have a passion for painting, design and art.
