Tracing lesser-known chapels of Mumbai through 'The Churches of India'

The Churches of India Niyogi Books by Sydneybased scholar Joanne Taylor is a deep exploration into the church architecture of India and the several colonial powers that influenced it Also the author of Forgotten Palaces of Calcutta Taylor has been visiting India since 1971 With a significant section dedicated to Mumbais churches including the cathedral from where Churchgate gets its name and the Dadar church designed by architect Charles Correa with a skylight designed by artist MF Husain Taylor takes us through her research from the aisle to the naveJoanne TaylorHow was your interest in Indian architecture and history sparkedMy visit to North Kolkata was a starting point I was fascinated with the old zamindari houses and mansions which were such a contrast to the small poor dwellings alongside I wondered who built them why were they in such a sad state and what happened to the owners That was the beginning of my first book The Forgotten Palaces of CalcuttaWhat did the research for The Churches of India includeIm not sure how many times I have been to India for this book probably around five times including three trips to Goa because I didnt like the photographs I took of a church there All the churches have small brochures on the history of the building I looked for the caretakers of churches who would often let me in Often I was told interesting stories or shown things I wouldnt have found otherwiseWhich are some of the biggest differences in terms of design and aesthetics between the churches of Mumbai and the rest of the countryMainly it is the use of the neoGothic style in Mumbai Though there are Gothicstyled churches here and there across India it is Mumbai that has the greatest collection The Gothic style has been a huge architectural influence on church architects for centuries Its use of flying buttresses enabled architects to spread the weight of taller walls and towers Before Gothic architecture medieval architects had problems with the weight of stone walls Towers had to be short and walls thin or the building would collapse into itselfMumbais history is written into the walls of the St Thomas Cathedral If it wasnt a religious structure do you think it would still be standing almost 200 years laterPossibly not Over the years there was an increase of building knowledge and experience which meant that stone began to be cut precisely so that it fitted alongside other stone blocks exactly Churches and cathedrals were built to lastWhat role does religion play in the preservation of buildingsChurchgoers have great faith in these buildings and many parishioners of their favourite church will lend a hand in keeping the church well looked after and cared for Perhaps it is faith that is the important word for why these buildings are wellpreserved Getting back to St Thomas Cathedral it is wellmaintained on the exterior and the interior with lots of pleasant gardens around It is functioning with programme guides and such As a former British colonial church now frequented by Indian Christians the loving care it is given could be seen as an example of faithA surprise was the Charles Correadesigned church Our Lady of Salvation in Dadar Can you please elaborate on your impression of it especially compared to the neoGothic churches in the cityOur Lady of Salvation in Dadar as designed by Charles Correa and skylight by MF HusainI discovered this church when researching all of Mumbais churches either from books or the Internet I compiled a list then decided which churches should be included I was quite taken with the church in Dadar as rather than a grand faccedilade it is rather humble and unobtrusive I liked that Many worshippers from weak economic backgrounds can be intimidated by entering an enormous neoGothic church building However Correa designed an inclusive church for all to enter and feel at homeCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates