Like all other aspects of society, the colonization of India also had a great impact on architecture. Colonization marked a new chapter in Indian architecture. Though the Dutch, the Portuguese and the French made their presence felt through their buildings but it was the English who had a lasting impact on architecture of India. In the beginning of the colonial rule there were attempts at creating authority through classical prototypes. In its later phase the colonial architecture culminated into what is called the Indo-Saracenic architecture. The Indo-Saracenic architecture combined the features of Hindu, Islamic and western elements. The colonial architecture exhibited itself through institutional, civic and utilitarian buildings such as post offices, railway stations, rest houses and government buildings. Such buildings began to be built in large numbers over the whole empire. Colonial architecture in India followed developments not only from metropolis but also took inspiration from existing architecture in India.

From the mid nineteenth century it became a norm for the Anglo-Indian church builders to follow the model set by the revivers of the many combinations of Gothic art in England. In many buildings imperialism was the sole guiding force rather than practicality. On many occasions heavier styles than Gothic were employed. This can be seen in the Mutiny Memorial Church at Kanpur and the last garrison church in New Delhi. 

The Italian Gothic was seen to be well adapted to conditions in India. The architecture style recommended by Sir Gilbert Scott for Bombay University proved crucial in making the colonial architecture look more ‘Indian’. Perhaps this was the beginning of a truly imperial style that reached its apex at New Delhi

British

The British Colonial era lasted in India for over three centuries starting from 1615 to 1947. The British not only left an imprint of legacy and culture but also of their unique architectural styles manifested from the colossal and magnificent buildings and infrastructures that are palpable from their erstwhile colonies. The cities that bear the imprint of the British were Agra, Bankipore, Bhopal, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Karachi, Madras and Nagpur. Starting with the classical prototypes of British architecture the British colonial rule eventually saw evolvement of a new architectural style, the Indo-Saracen is Revival architecture also referred as Indo-Gothic, Neo-Mughal, Mughal-Gothic and Hindu-Gothic. It was a combination of the Gothic revival style with that of the Neo-Classical, Indo-Islamic and Indian architectural style that was initiated by the British architects in British India during late 19th century and soon became a favoured style. With time, large number of buildings and infrastructures started coming up in this style including institutions, government buildings, railway stations, post offices and rest houses among others. Since mid-nineteenth century the Anglo-Indian church builders started following the layouts of different combination of architectural styles suggested by the revivers which also included application of even heavier styles.

French

The French occupations in different enclaves in Indian subcontinent occurred with the arrival of the ‘French East India Company’ which was founded as a commercial enterprise in 1664 and saw its successful establishment by 1719.  The de facto incorporation of these enclaves into the Union of India later took place in 1950 and 1954. ‘Établissements français dans l’Inde’ or ‘French establishments in India’ located in the Indian peninsula are Pondichéry and its territory including districts of Pondichéry, Bahour and Villenour, and Karikal with its dependent districts on the Coramandel coast; the ‘Calicut Lodge’ and Mahé and its territory on the Malabar coast; Surat factory in Gujarat; Yanaon and its territory including dependent villages and the ‘Masulipatam Lodge’ on the Orissa coast; and Chandernagore on the bank of river Hoogly including its territory and five lodges in Patna, Balasore, Dacca, Jugdia and Cassimbazar in Bengal. French India also comprised of lodges in various other towns which post 1816 held little commercial significance while the towns associated with such lodges came under control of British governance

Portuguese

The Portuguese landed in India in 1498, predominantly as merchants and eventually gained control over Goa where they ruled for over four centuries. In 1961 the Portuguese reign in the enclaves of India came to an end after the Indian Armed Forces brought an end to around 450 years of Portuguese governance in Goa and resulting in annexation of Goa, Daman and Diu in the Indian Union. The cultural influences of Portuguese however, are still fresh and continue to exist in different parts of Goa, especially in the historic city of Margao. 

The missionary spirit of Portuguese colonizers saw construction of several churches, cathedrals, seminaries and basilicas in Goa that showcases a mix of Indian, Islamic and Portuguese styles of architecture. Notable architectural marvels of the Portuguese-era that eventually emerged as popular tourist attractions of Goa apart from holding religious and historical significance include two World Heritage Sites located in Old Goa namely ‘churches and convents of Old Goa’ and ‘Basilica of Bom Jesus’; ‘Sanctuary of Saint Joseph Vaz’ in Sancoale; ‘Convent of Santa Monica and ‘The Chapel Of The Weeping Cross’ in Velha Goa; ‘Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church’ in Panjim; ‘Fort Aguada’ over the Sinquerim beach; ‘Reis Magos Fort’ on the northern bank of the Mandovi River; and ‘Church of St. Francis of Assisi’ in Old Goa among several others.

Among the many sites of Goa the ‘Basilica of Bom Jesus’ or ‘Borea Jezuchi Bajilika’ holds a special significance not only as an architectural wonder displaying one of the finest examples of baroque style of architecture but also as a landmark in the history of Christianity. This Renaissance styled church constructed with plaster and laterite comprising of three storeys that was consecrated in May 1605 houses a decorated silver casket holding mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who founded the ‘Society of Jesus’ with St. Ignatius Loyola. The basilica is an architectural gem, the interior of which showcases Mosaic-Corinthian style comprising of white marble flooring with inlaid gem, highly embellished gilded alters and paintings depicting scenes from life of St. Francis Xavier. 

Many Goan houses, barring the Hindu houses, display remarkable Portuguese architecture. Distinct features of these Portuguese – Catholic houses included facing the street with vibrantly painted exterior so as to get recognised from the sea by the owning sailors, distinctly large and decorated windows that open to the verandas, covered verandas and porches, false wooden interior ceilings, vividly coloured interior walls compared to earthly coloured furniture and exquisitely carved compound walls and gateposts.