Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Swadeshi Architecture Lacking in India's Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision
Imagine India is trying to become independent, like making its own products ('Swadeshi').
But, the new buildings being built in India look like they're from other countries, not India.
The writer is concerned that despite talk of self-reliance ('Atmanirbhar Bharat'), our important buildings don't reflect Indian culture or use Indian designs.
The new design for the Bombay High Court is a prime example.
The article suggests we should use open competitions to find designs that truly represent India, its values, and its people, rather than just copying foreign styles.
The article critiques the current state of Indian public architecture, which it claims borrows heavily from foreign styles.
It cites the new Bombay High Court Complex as a prime example of 'architectural colonialism'.
The author contrasts the promotion of 'Swadeshi' with the use of imported materials and aesthetics in public buildings.
The article claims that current architectural competitions are limited and exclude emerging talent.
The writer suggests open competitions to allow for designs that reflect Indian culture and meet contemporary needs.
- Who
- Writer, Rajesh Advani
- What
- Argues Indian public architecture contradicts the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
- When
- Article published after August 15 speech by Prime Minister Modi
- Where
- India
- Why
- To highlight the discrepancy between promoting self-reliance and using foreign architectural styles.
Existing Architectural Practices
Advocates for Change
Aesthetic Preferences
Existing Architectural Practices
Favoring neo-classical and foreign styles
Advocates for Change
Advocating for designs reflecting Indian culture and values
Competition Processes
Existing Architectural Practices
Limited and exclusive architectural competitions.
Advocates for Change
Open and accessible competitions for all.
- Article Focus
- Critique of public architecture in India.
- Main Argument
- Indian public buildings use foreign aesthetics, contradicting 'Swadeshi'.
- Example
- New Bombay High Court Complex design.
- Cost of Complex
- Rs 3,750 crore
- Proposed Solution
- Open architectural competitions