Discourse on Lost Pages of History: Architectural Works of Vasudev Kanitkar in Western India

Abstract

Ample western historiographical resources are available to understand Colonial Architecture in India. Architectural language evolved during Colonial period in India was a collaborative effort of British Royal and Local engineers from several parts. The eclectic architectural language of British India is a product of the amalgamation of western models and eastern knowledge simultaneously. They worked in collaboration with Indian philanthropists, engineers, contractors and artisans. Much is available to read about royal engineers as pride for the British sovereign but contributions of local engineers who equally built colonial India are lost in the pages of history. This Paper tried to document and discuss works of local contractor Vasudev Kanitkar born in Baroda and worked at several places in Western India. With the help of archival resources and primary secondary surveys conducted this research paper compiles architectural contributions of Vasudev Kanitkar less known for his many landmark edifices he designed and built in western India.