Neoclassical Architecture in 19th-Century Calcutta and the Case of Bengali Domestic Residences

This chapter examines the Italian impact on the art and architecture of colonial Calcutta. The 19th-century grand residences of the nouveau riche Bengali merchant community living in northern Calcutta indicate a variety of structural and decorative elements. These were borrowed selectively from neoclassical models of the Greco-Roman style in vogue on public buildings of the empire. The inspiration of Italy’s Renaissance and Baroque structures was evident on colonial buildings. In opting to replicate the latter, a process of cultural adaptation and negotiation underlay the affluent Bengalis’ aspirations for socio-cultural ascendancy in the colonial milieu. The collection of Italian artefacts was a part of this process.