[excerpt] The sudden emergence of large architectural institutions In the country and the manner in which they are managed demands a critical survey and understanding to establish a clarity of approach appropriate to the country's needs. Our cultural endeavour with the historical continuity in architecture, unlike other countries in the world, has been disrupted because of the 200 years of foreign rule. Our national planning programme has given rise to urbanisation followed by the growing need to set up architectural institutions to train professionals. Although one observes an endeavour in the educational programmes, one also sees shortcomings.

Though the country was following, broadly, a European classical approach before Independence, there was a time when efforts were made to evolve an Indian architectural style, which isn noticed in some of the urban centres in the country. After independence, the central government even thought of introducing a bill in parliament in the name of a "national style". However it did not materialize because of the strong opposition from professionals and the public at that time [late fifties].