Dutch: 1605 to 1825[edit]

The Dutch entered India with the only interests of Trade in the early 17th Century. During their 200 years in India, they
colonized Surat, Bharuch, Venrula, Ahmedabad, Malabar Coast, Kochi and Sadras.[29]
Surat a Dutch factory in 1630s Bharuch: Trading Post of the Dutch East India Company had a Dutch
cemetery. Venrula: a warehouse was built for 3000 Guilders by Leendart Janszoons and a castle for the protection of
the Dutch. Ahmedabad: The Dutch cemetery lies on the bank of Kankaria lake. It holds a mix of Indian and European
styled graves, with domed tombs, pyramids, walled and plain grave stones. Malabar Coast Kochi: The Dutch Palace
(Mattancherry Palace) The palace was originally built by the Portuguese, it fell into the hands of the Dutch when the
Portuguese lost control of Kochi. Dutch cemetery The cemetery runs parallel to the beach and is the oldest European
cemetery in India. It holds 104 tombs that visually narrate the Dutch influence in Architecture during the era. The
cemetery is guarded by heavy walls and the entrance pillar still carries the original calligraphic inscription "1724" David
Hall which was the residence of the famous Dutch Commander and Governor of Kochi, Adriaan van Reed lot
Drakestein was built in 1695. The hall has been restored as a cultural centre and art caf for young, visual and
performing artists. Bastion bungalow This Dutch styled building near the Fort Kochi beach was built to protect the
harbor. Thakur House the Dutch built this bungalow overlooking the sea as a club. Sadras 17 km (11 mi) from the
rock cut temples of Mamallapuram is another Dutch settlement. Pullicat Pullicat lake 55 km north of Madras is a
million years old and the second largest lagoon in India. It was the most important trading post of the Dutch. They built
two cemeteries. One was ruined due to negligence and at the entrance is flanked by stone pillars, having 76 tombs.
Images of skeletons are carved onto the gravestones, symbolizing life and death.[40]

Portuguese: 1498 to 1961[edit]

The Portuguese arrived as merchants in the 1498 and were more driven by a Catholic missionary zeal than gaining
powers in India. The Portuguese gained a foothold in Goa and ruled for 400 years[29] before being defeated and evicted
by Operation Vijay.
Portuguese presence in Goa still remains evident. Colonizers' missionary spirit built many cathedrals, churches,
basilicas and seminaries. The Basilica of Bom Jesus (Good Jesus), Old Goa, former capital during the Portuguese rule.
The three storied Renaissance styled church was built of plaster and laterite in 1605, and holds the mortal remains
of St. Francis Xavier. The interior is built in a Mosaic-Corinthian style and adorned with wood and gold leaf. The walls
embrace old painting of saints as the floor is laid with pure white marble.[41]
The Portuguese Catholic houses faced the street with unique large ornamental windows opening onto verandahs.
Bold colours were painted on houses constructing distinct identity, allowing the sailors to recognize their houses from
sea. The covered porches and verandas were designed for socializing contrary to the Hindu styled housing. Front doors
were lined with columns, and railings were popular in embellishment.[42]
The interior of Goan-Portuguese houses consisted of elaborate patterns created with tiles imported from Europe and a
false ceiling installed of wood. The walls are painted with bright colours contrasting to the earthy coloured furniture.
The walls were made out of mud or laterite stone and coloured with vegetable and natural dyes. Gateposts and
compound walls were carved with great detail.[43]

Republic of India (1947 ADpresent)