The Architecture Britain Left Behind

The architecture Britain left in its colonies stands as a lasting paradox—built to assert power, now reclaimed by the very people it once sought to rule, transforming symbols of empire into foundations of identity.

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In today’s Culture Explorer newsletter, we explore the architectural legacy of the British Empire. We’ll also delve into the rich tapestry of Indian art and culture from palaces to paintings, discover how two worlds collided—and what they left behind.

The British Empire left a deep mark on its colonies. One of the most visible and lasting impacts is in architecture. They built with the intention to control, organize, and impress. In the process, they introduced new materials, techniques, and styles that mixed with local traditions. Some of these buildings still serve essential roles today, long after the Empire fell.

The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. Photo by Subhrajyoti07 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.

In India, the British mixed Gothic, neoclassical, and Mughal styles. This created a hybrid known as Indo-Saracenic architecture. The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a clear example. It combines British order with Mughal arches and domes. It was built to honor Queen Victoria, but today it functions as a museum for Indian history. The style they introduced became part of the country's architectural identity.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, India. Photo by y Joe Ravi, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is another example. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, it was inspired by Victorian Gothic styles, but it uses Indian stonework and carving. It was a train station, but it also projected British authority. Today, millions of Indians use it. Its British origins don’t matter as much now. It’s become part of Mumbai’s story.

Government House (1936); now the Presidential Palace. Public Domain. Library of Congress.

In Sudan, the British built administrative offices in Khartoum using Islamic elements like arches and courtyards. These weren’t just decorative. They were practical for the heat. The British adapted their designs to local conditions. Some of these buildings are still used by the Sudanese government.

Raffles Hotel. Photo by Mat Honan from San Francisco, CA, USA - Raffles Hotel, CC BY 2.0.

Singapore’s Raffles Hotel was built in 1887. It followed a colonial style with long verandas, white walls, and wide open spaces. It was meant for wealthy Europeans. Now, it’s a national landmark. Locals and tourists both value it, not because of colonial nostalgia, but because it represents a part of the city’s growth.

Nairobi Railway Station entrance. Photo by Michael Branz, CC BY 2.0,.

In Kenya, Nairobi Railway Station reflected Edwardian design. It was meant to show that the British were here to stay. The station helped turn Nairobi into a major city. British planning and infrastructure played a role in its urban development. Today, the city uses the railway system that began under colonial rule.

St. John’s Parish Church. Photo by Rennboot - Own work, CC BY 3.0.

Barbados still has churches from the British era. St. John’s Parish Church is one of them. Rebuilt in the 1800s, it used Gothic Revival architecture with local stone. The church survived hurricanes and change. It’s still in use. Locals have made it theirs, even though it was originally built by colonizers.

Lahore Museum. Photo by Guilhem Vellut - Lahore MuseumUploaded by Ekabhishek, CC BY-SA 2.0.

In Lahore, Pakistan, the British built the Lahore Museum in 1894. It used a mix of Gothic and Indian styles. The building still holds historical artifacts. It also shows how British architecture blended with local traditions in a public space.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur. Photo by Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Samad Building is another hybrid. It mixes Moorish, Islamic, and British design. The building used to house colonial offices. Now it’s part of Malaysian Independence Day celebrations. What was once a symbol of British control has become a symbol of national pride.

In Jerusalem, the British built the Rockefeller Museum in 1938. It’s simple and solid, using local stone. It was built to hold archaeological finds. The building respected the local style instead of trying to dominate it. That choice helped it last through political changes.

Cape Coast Castle in Ghana started before the British took over, but they expanded it. They added Georgian elements to a building with a brutal history. Today, the structure has been restored. It’s now a museum that deals directly with the legacy of the slave trade.

Faneromeni School is the oldest all-girl primary school in Cyprus. Photo By Молли - Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

In Cyprus, the British built schools, courts, and police stations. They often used local stone but followed British plans. The result was a mix of British structure and Mediterranean materials. Some of these buildings are still in use by the government.

Old Supreme Court Building. in Hong Kong. Public Domain. Photo via Wikipedia.

In Hong Kong, the Former Supreme Court Building is a leftover from British rule. It uses granite, a dome, and classical columns. It’s now used by Hong Kong’s own legal system. The design has remained intact, but the purpose has shifted.

Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles.[9] Constructed 1951–1956. Photo by Bikashrd - Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Not all British architecture in the colonies was oppressive in design. Some of it respected local needs. Some adapted to the environment. Some became more useful and more appreciated over time.

Puthia Rajbari in Bangladesh. Photo by Khalidrahman - Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Colonial rule caused deep harm, but its architecture wasn’t just about power. It also built schools, roads, and public buildings that helped shape cities. These structures have been repurposed and claimed by post-colonial nations.

Sadiq Dane High School, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Photo by Tanzeel Uz Zaman Babar - Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The buildings are still there. They are used, maintained, and in many cases, appreciated—not for who built them, but for what they became. That legacy is complicated, but real.

"I believe firmly that it was the Almighty's goodness, to check my consummate vanity."

Lord Mountbatten

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Art

Use of textiles in the tent of rajas at the National Museum of India. Photo by Nomu420 - Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0.

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