Architecturesque

           Put simply, there are many distinct styles with which the Architecture of Madras can be described. From the Dravidian architecture of the Pallavas and the Indo-Saracenic architecture, brought in by the European colonists, to the contemporary architecture of the 21 st century. Each of these styles coexists, creating a unique urban fabric which has a colonial core encompassed with a mixture of historical and contemporary structures, which can be experienced as one travels through the city. Many historical buildings are still fully functional and host government, business or educational establishments making Chennai home to the second largest collection of heritage buildings in India. Old Spencer Building Initially the major structures introduced by the European colonists were utilitarian based such as warehouses and walled trading posts, giving way to fortified towns along the coast. The first few buildings included factories but later courts, schools, mu