5 Remarkable Buildings Outside Bharat Inspired by Indian Architecture

Indian (Bharatiya) architecture, with its rich vocabulary of domes, arches, chhatris, intricate jali screens, and vibrant ornamentation, has long captivated architects around the world. Over centuries, Indian design principles have traveled far beyond the subcontinent—sometimes through colonial encounters, sometimes as a source of exotic inspiration—leaving their mark on iconic structures across continents. Here are five outstanding examples of architecture outside Bharat that draw directly from Indian traditions, each telling a story of cultural exchange and artistic admiration.

1. Royal Pavilion, Brighton, United Kingdom

Perhaps the most famous example of Indian-inspired architecture in the West, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton was commissioned by King George IV in the early 19th century. Designed by John Nash, the palace is a riot of onion domes, minarets, and scalloped arches reminiscent of Mughal palaces and temples. The Pavilion’s exterior borrows from Indo-Saracenic motifs, while its lavish interiors blend Indian, Chinese, and Regency styles. The building stands as a symbol of Britain’s fascination with Indian aesthetics during the colonial era and remains one of the UK’s most visited architectural landmarks.

2. Sezincote House, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Nestled in the English countryside, Sezincote House is a striking early 19th-century estate that fuses Neo-Classical and Indian architectural elements. Built in 1805 for Charles Cockerell, who had served in the East India Company, the mansion features a copper onion dome, chhatris (domed kiosks), and horseshoe arches inspired by Mughal and Rajput palaces. The gardens are adorned with Indian-style bridges and water features, creating a unique Anglo-Indian landscape. Sezincote’s design directly influenced the Royal Pavilion and is a rare, well-preserved example of Indian architectural influence on British country houses.

3. Elephant House, Budapest Zoo, Hungary

In the heart of Budapest, the Elephant House at the city’s historic zoo is a whimsical celebration of Indian and Islamic architectural forms. Built in 1912 by architect Kornél Neuschloss, the structure features a prominent onion dome, pointed arches, and decorative tilework reminiscent of North Indian palaces and mosques. The building’s playful yet majestic silhouette stands out in the zoo’s landscape, reflecting early 20th-century Europe’s fascination with the Orient and its architectural motifs.

4. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Also known as the Red Mosque, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic religious structures. Completed in 1909, its design is a bold fusion of Indo-Saracenic, Mughal, and local styles. The mosque’s striking red-and-white striped façade, bulbous domes, and scalloped arches echo the grandeur of Indian Islamic architecture. The building is a testament to the shared cultural and religious heritage of the Indian Ocean region, where Indian architectural forms have been adapted and reimagined in new contexts.

5. Palais du Bardo, Paris, France

Located in Parc Montsouris, Paris, the Palais du Bardo was originally constructed as a replica of a Tunisian palace for the 1867 Paris Exposition. While its primary inspiration is North African, the building also incorporates several Indian architectural features, such as chhatris, jali screens, and ornate arches, reflecting the 19th-century European trend of blending “Oriental” styles. The Palais du Bardo is a fascinating example of how Indian design elements became part of a broader architectural vocabulary in Europe, influencing everything from exhibition pavilions to civic buildings.

The Indo-Saracenic Style: A Bridge Between Worlds

Many of these buildings are products of the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This architectural movement, led by British architects in India and abroad, combined Gothic, Neo-Classical, and Indian elements—onion domes, chhatris, jalis, and more—to create a unique, hybrid aesthetic. The style spread from India to Britain, Southeast Asia, and beyond, leaving a legacy of structures that are both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in Indian tradition.

Summary

From royal palaces in England to mosques in Sri Lanka and exhibition halls in Paris, Indian architectural inspiration has traveled the globe, shaping the skylines and cultural identities of cities far from the subcontinent. These five remarkable buildings not only showcase the universal appeal of Bharatiya design but also remind us of the enduring power of cultural exchange. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveler, these sites offer a glimpse into the world’s ongoing love affair with the beauty and ingenuity of Indian architecture.