The History of Stained Glass in Delhi: Origins, Flourishment, Legacy, and Contemporary Status

Image Source: Reddit

Stained glass is a medium that is commonly linked with the major European cathedrals. It is characterised by light, colour, and precise craftsmanship. But this decorative craft has also gained recognition in India, especially in Delhi. Delhi’s usage of stained glass is an intriguing part of the city’s architectural and cultural history since it reflects a unique blend of contemporary trends, colonial influences, and indigenous art.

India’s Stained Glass Origins

Stained glass art has its origins in mediaeval Rome and Byzantium, but its pinnacle was reached in the Gothic cathedrals of Europe in the twelfth century. Churches that use stained-glass windows to let light flood through their bright hues and produce a divine glow within their hallowed interiors create an ethereal effect. Stained glass is thought to have been brought to India during the colonial era, notably in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the British established a significant presence in the subcontinent.

After 1911, Delhi, the capital of British India, emerged as a major hub for the adoption of Western architectural forms, which included the use of stained glass. Stained glass was commissioned by colonial authorities, missionaries, and rich Indians who aimed to replicate European aesthetics. Windows in private homes, churches, and public structures.

Enhancement of Stained Glass in Delhi

Stained glass was incorporated into Delhi’s architectural landscape at the same time as the British Raj. British architects and designers attempted to incorporate European design features into the structures they commissioned throughout this period, particularly in institutions that represented Christian religious beliefs and British power. Like its European equivalents, Delhi’s colonial architecture, especially that of its churches and governmental buildings, started to use stained glass. Stained glass gained popularity largely thanks to the British construction of Anglican and Roman Catholic churches throughout India.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Constructed in 1836 and close to Kashmiri Gate in Old Delhi, St James’s Church is among the first instances of a colonial building with stained glass windows in the city. With its stained glass windows depicting biblical subjects, this church—commissioned by Colonel James Skinner—stands as one of the best examples of British colonial architecture in India.

Image Source: The British Empire

Additionally, stained glass was used as a decorative element in the homes of Indian and colonial aristocracy who valued Western style. Built-in the early 20th century, these wealthy residences in New Delhi’s Lutyens’ bungalow zone had stained glass windows, which were emblems of wealth, power, and refinement.

Stained glass art examples in Delhi 

• St. James’s Church (Skinner’s Church): As was previously mentioned, this church is a notable example of Delhi’s British-era architecture. The church was constructed in the classical style and has exquisite stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible. The impact and piety of Christianity introduced by British missionaries are reflected in these windows. This stained glass has elaborate designs in brilliant hues, which is a hallmark of the artistry of the era. One of the most well-known specimens of stained glass in Delhi is the church’s western window, which depicts the crucifixion of Christ.
  

  Image Source: Wikipedia

• Cathedral of the Redemption: Situated close to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Cathedral Church of the Redemption is an additional noteworthy edifice adorned with exquisitely stained glass windows. Designed by architect Henry Medd, this Anglican cathedral was constructed between 1927 and 1931. The stained glass windows here depict the life of Christ, with an emphasis on serene, pastoral scenes. The warm tones of the stained glass enhance the austere stonework of the church, lending a sense of serenity and spirituality.
• Sacred Heart Cathedral: The Sacred Heart Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church constructed in 1930, is another noteworthy example of stained glass in Delhi. The stained glass windows in the structure portray various religious figures and settings, resulting in a vibrant interplay of light and shadows inside the cathedral. The windows heighten the space’s spiritual atmosphere by adding to its solemnity.
• Private Residences and Havelis: Stained glass made its way into the private residences and havelis (mansions) of the wealthy and aristocratic Indians throughout the colonial era, although churches remain the most notable examples. Stained glass remains can still be seen in various ancient havelis of Old Delhi, especially windows and interiors. A unique combination of the architectural styles of the Mughal and Rajput eras was developed by the influence of Western art forms.
  

  Image Source: Wikipedia

Wane and Resurgence of Stained Glass Stained glass use in buildings started to wane after the British left India in 1947 following its independence. The building of new churches slowed, and the elaborate architectural style of the colonial era was mostly supplanted by modernist architectural tendencies that prioritised practicality and minimalism. New construction in Delhi began to feature stained glass windows in the ensuing decades.

Still, there has been a resurgence of interest in this age-old craft in recent years. With the emergence of art and craft movements and Delhi’s rising respect for heritage conservation, there has been a renewed push to preserve and restore stained glass installations in churches, public buildings, and old homes. Many stained glass artists who have been practising their trade for centuries have taken part in restoration initiatives to preserve Delhi’s historical landmarks.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Modern designers and artists have also started experimenting with stained glass, fusing classic methods with fresh concepts. Art galleries and boutiques, found in places like Shahpur Jat and Hauz Khas, now feature stained glass artworks that frequently reinterpret themes in creative ways for interior design and architectural accents.

Glass Stained in Pop Culture

While stained glass is not as commonly seen in Delhi’s popular culture as in Europe, it occasionally appears in Indian films and visual storytelling. Bollywood films that are either set in a Christian or colonial past often feature cathedrals with exquisite stained glass windows. Filmmakers employ the gentle shimmer of light passing through the tinted glass to emphasise sacred or reflective times.

Period dramas set in the British Raj Often, for example, have stained glass windows as a component of the greater mise en scene, symbolising the colonial ideal. Additionally, stained glass windows are frequently employed as a backdrop to create a serious or spiritual atmosphere in movies featuring Christian characters or events occurring in churches.

Image Source: Reddit

Moreover, the heritage of Delhi’s stained glass has inspired contemporary interior design trends, where luxury residences, cafés, and boutique hotels frequently feature stained glass and other elements of colonial-era antique aesthetics. Stained glass is now both a historical object and a statement of modern style thanks to its design renaissance.

Current Status and Preservation Efforts

The remaining pieces of Delhi’s stained glass are now seen as important to the city’s architectural and cultural legacy. Churches such as Sacred Heart Cathedral, Cathedral Church of the Redemption, and St. James’s Church continue to conserve their stained glass windows, guaranteeing their preservation for future generations. Local communities, religious institutions, and heritage protection organisations encourage restoration work, which is frequently carried out by trained artisans.

The beautiful legacy of Delhi’s stained glass heritage is gaining recognition from historians, architects, and conservationists, with many of them striving to conserve and chronicle it. Some churches and historic homes have attempted to repair broken or damaged stained glass windows, making sure that this exquisite artistry is valued and acknowledged as a part of Delhi’s rich past.