Nation, Modernity, Identity

A lecture about the Story of Architecture in Post-Independence India.

ABOUT THE LECTURE

This lecture presentation unravels the story of Indian Modern Architecture as it unfolds in the background of a changing social and political order. It traces the roots of modernity in the pre-independence period and discusses how the concerns and challenges of the new nation-state shaped the attitudes of Indian architects in the fifties and the sixties.

The lecture identifies about a dozen themes in the development of Indian architecture after independence. For example, there was an impulse of seeking inspiration from India’s historical past, while on the other hand a modernist rational approach was preferred by many. Different impulses emerged with passing decades as architects, from the early pioneers to those from the new generation, grappled with the debates of modernism in the Indian context. The changing economic order in the country, rising environmental concerns, and the events in the profession itself brought about different ways of producing architecture.

As the narrative of post-independence architecture unfolds, the concluding part of the lecture will bring the discussion to the present times, briefly foregrounding the issues of identity, heritage, patronage, and the changing nature of architectural practice itself.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Smita Dalvi teaches architecture and aesthetics in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai. She received a Graduate Diploma in Architecture from the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai and a Master’s in Technology from IIT-Delhi. She holds a PhD in Design from IIT-Bombay and has over three decades of teaching experience in the field of architecture. She writes on architecture as social history, urban heritage, and film studies for architecture and culture magazines and journals.

Her area of special interest is Indian Islamic art and aesthetics. She has delivered several short courses and guest lectures on these subjects in India and abroad.

Her research paper on the history of Panvel Bunder was recently published in the book, ‘Gateways to the Sea: Historical Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region’. She is the co-author of ‘Panvel: Great City, Fading Heritage’, and the editor of ‘Celebrating India in 75 Buildings’ (MES Publications, 2023). This recent publication commemorates 75 years of India’s independence through a selection of 75 significant buildings from 1947–2022. The book reveals snapshots of the trajectory of seven and a half decades of post-independence Indian architecture, and is a friendly reference for students and architecture enthusiasts.

WHAT TO EXPECT

🕌🏗️ 🏢 60 minute lecture about architecture in India post-Independence

🎤 30 minutes of interactive Q&A with the speaker

👋 30 minute mixer with the speaker and other participants

🍺 One complimentary alcoholic beverage or non alcoholic beverage is included with your ticket

Pint of View Mumbai is inspired by the Lectures on Tap and Pint of Science communities, and we're taking this format across 10+ major cities in India and counting! It’s where big ideas meet bar tables.

EVENT DETAILS

Title: Nation, Modernity, Identity: The story of architecture in post-independence India

Speaker: Dr. Smita Dalvi

Day: Sunday

Date: March 1st 2026

Time: 5 pm to 7 pm (Gates open at 4:30 pm)

Venue: Woodside Inn Bandra

Disclaimer: Ticket holders must be of legal drinking age (21 and above).

At Pint of View Mumbai, curious minds gather over drinks to explore cutting-edge ideas and to unravel the threads of human culture. It’s the perfect way to spend your weekend - stimulating your mind, meeting people who think like you (or challenge how you think), and learning something you’ll definitely talk about all week.

See you at the lecture!

Warmly,

Diya and Abhishek

Curators, Pint of View Mumbai

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