'Other' architects of British New Delhi

Any person having a knowledge of modern history of India is well known with the names of British architects, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, who designed and built the modern-day capital and seat of power, New Delhi. As It was proclaimed as the capital of British Raj on December 12, 1911, shifting from Kolkata, by then Emperor of India George V, thereby returning to the historic city its lost glory.

It is a well known fact that Lutyens laid out the central administrative area. At the heart of the city, he built the Rashtrapati Bhavan, four bungalows inside the President's Estate, India Gate and the Hyderabad and Baroda palaces at India Gate whereas the Secretariat building which houses various ministries of the Government of India, including the Prime Minister Office was designed by Herbert Baker. He also designed the impressive North Block and South Block.

But few people are aware from the 'other' architects whose buildings are still standing in New Delhi area.

These 'others' includes Sir Robert Tor Russell who built Connaught Place, the Eastern and Western Courts, Teen Murti House, Safdarjung Airport, National Stadium and over 4,000 government houses.

Whereas E. Montague Thomas designed and built the first Secretariat building of New Delhi, which set the style for the bungalows that followed.

The other bungalows of New Delhi are the work of architects like WH Nicholls, CG and FB Blomfield, Walter Sykes George, Arthur Gordon Shoosmith and Henry Medd.

WR Mustoe, director of horticulture, was responsible for the roadside planting work on New Delhi's avenues. In fact, Mustoe and Walter Sykes George landscaped and planted Lutyens' Mughal Garden.

Photo:Jaipur House, New Delhi