Jabalpur - The Colonial Architecture that charms the Marble City

British architecture has evolved hugely over the centuries, with styles and patterns from years gone by and have a vast appeal even today. The wonderful masterpieces of colonial architecture are still visible in institutions, utilitarian and government buildings in various destinations of Madhya Pradesh. One such beautiful city that is adorned with the traces of British architecture is Jabalpur.

The cantonment area in specific has significant colonial structures, such as the law court and commissioner's residency. The cantonment therefore clearly stands out from the rest of the city.  Let's take a look at these gems from the colonial period that have also been adding charm to the marble city.

The Law Court

The high court complex, completed in 1889 is one of the most beautiful and imposing edifices in Jabalpur. This royal and elegant architecture was designed by Henry Irwin. The building is characterized by Gothic arched openings and brick columns and the architecture of the building is a mixed baroque (a style of european architecture) and oriental style. The arches as well as the bastions at the corner are ornamental.

Notably, before formation of the new State of Madhya Pradesh the building housed the Collector's Office, district Courts and the treasury.  With the formation of Madhya Pradesh in 1956, Jabalpur was chosen as the seat of the state's High Court, this building became the court building.

Commissioner's residency

Built in 1821, the commissioner's residency is one of the oldest official residential houses. The British built it soon after they took over the city from the Marathas, and it served as the residence of a British soldier and an administrator in British India, William Sleeman. The Residency was the focal point during the uprising of 1857. In fact, between 1948 and 1956, when the Commissionery was abolished, the Residency served as the Veterinary College. But it was restored as the Commissioner's residence on the formation of new Madhya Pradesh.