Kalabhavan (Senapati Bhavan)

Vadodara-Baroda By No Comments

Kalabhavan (Senapati Bhavan)

Hidden behind the tall trees and compound walls, is a regimental looking Neo-Classical building called Kalabhavan. Although, now known as the Senapati Bhavan, the building is sometimes referred to as the Kala Bhavan. This is because the Kala Bhavan Technical Institute was established in the building in 1890. After a few years the institute i.e. The Faculty of Technology & Engineering was shifted to another building. The building is now under possession of Army since 1949.

The Building :

As mentioned earlier, the building displays traits of Neo-Classical style of architecture, and resembles the building that could have the part of a British Residency. Viewed from above, the shape of the building somewhat resembles with the English letter “E”, with three small wings jutting out of a one linear wing. Out of these 3 wings the two in the corners are single storeyed, while the central wing and the linear wing are double storeyed. Curiously enough, the central portion of the ground floor displays just plain arcades in fine ashlar masonry.

Classical elements such as the semi-circular arches, pedimented windows, pilasters can be seen dotting the walls of the structure. Other most prominent classical elements that can be seen, are the pediments with murals, defining all the wings of the building. The central pediment is further embellished with a statue perched on it’s top. Another element defining the geometry of the building is the classical entablature with the architrave, frieze and the cornice, giving the building it’s classical regimental looks.

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Now housing the Army offices on it’s premises and framed by the tall trees, the Senapati Bhavan still has an old world charm to it, and is guaranteed to take one to the past.

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