Where Do I Begin?

Are you interested in architectural history but don’t know where to begin reading? Or perhaps you feel like you have had some exposure but don’t know quite what to make of it? Whatever your position is, we understand. Architectural history occupies an odd position in South Asian education, architectural and otherwise – which is why we are curating these lists.

There are a few ways to get started in such a situation. If you feel completely lost, an easy place to begin is our Surveys & General Histories section. A ‘survey’ in architectural history is a text that covers a large area of the subject, focusing on broader patterns and ideas rather than details or specific works/individuals. Some attempt to survey all of the world’s architecture (like A Global History of Architecture by Ching et al), while others limit themselves to certain places, periods, or themes (like Cities of Tomorrow by Peter Hall). Such works typically demand little background knowledge and are often the most beginner friendly.

Another way might be to consider what you are interested in, what you care about. Are you raging about our colonial past? Then you might like to check out our Colonial India section. Or if you enjoy theory and philosophical rumination, you might have fun with  Social & Cultural Theory or On the Discipline. You can also check out our Quick Classics, but don’t be discouraged if you can’t get into them immediately! Some historians can be challenging even at their easiest, but this is more often their fault than yours. Alternatively, if you’re the adventurous type, you could simply move with your gut and dive into a random text!

We will be constantly updating and expanding this section to keep making it more beginner friendly, so do keep checking. And meanwhile, if you have any questions or comments, do feel free to drop us a message!