Trinidad and Tobago exhibits many features that can boast of the country's rich culture and diversity. Some of these include historic sites and monuments that are located throughout various districts. These structures have been preserved and are continuously being renewed as they serve to uphold and promote the affluent and diversified culture that exists throughout the Caribbean. One such illustration is the the Lion House located on the Chaguanas Main Road, depicted in the picture above.
The Lion House was built by Pundit Capildeo from 1924 to 1926 and was named Anand Bhavan (Mansion of Bliss). He came to Trinidad as indentured immigrant from the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. After freeing himself from indentureship, he became a honouable and distinguished pundit and successful landowner and entrepreneur. According to Father Anthony de Verteuil, the structure of the Lion House was significantly influenced by Indian culture and design.
It is said that the design of the building is based on Indian architectural style as Capildeo re-designed a building that represented his home in India and also one that established his position as a leader in society. He created a unique model with the use of exclusive patterns and decorative ideas.The intricate design including the lions at the front are frequently displayed on houses in India as a sign of strength and as such it was integrated into his architecture.
Throughout the years, since its inception, the Lion House has been viewed as a historic monument as well as a significant landmark in Chaguanas as it has contributed to the development of the area over time. It has been used as a pilgrim by Hindus from all ends of the country and has facilitated economic activity through the provision of stores such as the "Lion Store" along with jewelry and pharmaceuticals. Although this building has been standing for almost a century, it stands to show its significance to the urban area of Chaguanas as it contributed to the economic, social and cultural uplifting of the area.
The Lion House was made popular and referenced in the book, "A House for Mr Biswas " written by Capildeo's grandson, Vidya Naipaul.
Referrences
Thelionhouse.com,. (2015). The Lion House. Retrieved 9 April 2015, from http://www.thelionhouse.com/
(2015). Retrieved from http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,55879.html
MacLean, G. (2015). Lion House, Chaguanas. Citizensforconservationtt.org. Retrieved 9 April 2015, from http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/index.php/builtherit/bhresidential/85-lion-house-chaguanas
This is such a nice and informative blog! The ideas put forward about the relationship between urban aspects and the buildings are very clever! We particularly like this post, as it includes the area of Chaguanas, which is usually overlooked by most. For more information on this very diverse urban area one can visit our blog, which is focused on the urban diversity of Chaguanas (http://urbandiversitychag.blogspot.com/)
ReplyDeleteLove these pictures of the Lion House!!
Celine & Kristen :)