Style, significance, and imperial power
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Tokyo Station are both examples of transit hubs with hybrid cultural architecture that work to emphasize imperial power. The main differences between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Tokyo Station appear both in style and significance. As mentioned above, the architecture of CST emphasizes opulence and decorative elements while that of Tokyo Station emphasizes sleek design, signifying Japan’s rising modernity.
CST “recalls all at once a palace, a political capitol, a grand hotel, and a cathedral.” Its grand towers, domes, and gargoyles are expressive of British coloniality and influence. Similarly, Tokyo Station’s use of European architecture signifies Japan’s desire to keep pace with the West. One article notes, “The first design for Tokyo Station…was too ‘Japanese’ and was therefore rejected.” Thus, the station adopted a broadly European style with minute Japanese motifs. Its streamlined design emphasizes productivity amidst the domination of global capitalism. As the station stands post-World War II, it was refined architecturally into a symbol of Japan’s “pragmatic, subdued, and efficient” qualities. An upcoming contender to the European West, Japan wanted to assert itself as a strong and connected nation-state.
This differs from CST’s symbolism of grandeur and imperial opulence. The British chose to blend Gothic Revival with Indo-Saracenic styles because of its association with “divine authority—ideal symbolism for colonial occupation.” The inclusion of the Indo-Saracenic style allowed for aspects of local architecture, such as Chaitya arches, to shine through. Additionally, CST asserts domination through imposing verticality, whereas Tokyo Station stays relatively low-rise, supposedly in deference to the Imperial Palace.
Railways were seen as “the backbone of a unified nation.” Thus, the success of Japan as a dominating imperial nation seemed to depend on its overall connectivity: connectivity from across the nation to the imperial capital of Tokyo. Similarly, CST was pivotal in building up British colonial power in India post-Mughal rule. It worked as the central base of the Great Indian Peninsular Railroad, connecting Mumbai, a central trading hub, to the rest of the region. Atop CST’s main building stands “a fourteen-foot tall allegorical figure of Progress.” Whereas Tokyo Station symbolizes Japan’s self-directed strive for modernity and progress, CST is reminiscent of the British justification for colonization—of ushering in “civilization” and advancement.
