Amar Bangla: A Fusion of Architecture & Culture

By Malobika Choudhury

The architecture of West Bengal has a long history and exhibits the influence of many different civilizations and customs. Bengal's architecture is a fusion of native features from the Indian subcontinent with influences from other regions of the world. It is a blend of several inspirations and styles that have come together to produce something entirely unique and exquisite. Buildings from all centuries and styles may be seen in the city, which has a rich and diverse architectural heritage.
Ancient urban, religious, rural vernacular, colonial town halls, ranch-style homes, and contemporary urban forms are all included within Bengali architecture. Two structures that had a significant impact on western design and architecture are the Santiniketan Griha and the glass temple, or the Mandir.
The majestic Rajbari temples of Murshidabad and the Chalukyan-style temples of Bishnupur are two of Bengal's oldest still-standing examples of Hindu temple architecture. The paddy-roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal is closely tied to the distinctive, remarkable, and distinctive roofing design of the Bengali Hindu temple. The terracotta reliefs frequently depict both religious and secular subjects, such as images from the people's daily lives.
The colonial institutions that the British erected and the aristocratic mansions of traditional Bengali architecture incorporate various styles and influences, reflecting the region's rich history and cultural diversity. India has a number of structures that date back to the British Raj, such as the Writers' Building and Victoria Monument in Kolkata.
So West Bengal is the place to go if you're a history nerd who likes to travel and study diverse architectural styles from various times.