Muir College

One of the most impressive buildings in Allahabad, the Muir Central College was founded in 1872 by Willaim Muir, a Scottish administrator who was also the Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Provinces. He felt that there was a gap in higher education facilities in this region and decided to start the Muir Central College. The foundation stone of the college was laid by the Governor General of India, Lord Northbrook, on 9 December 1873. The University Senate hall was opened by the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Hewett, in 1912. It had an independent status till 1921 after which it was merged into Allahabad University and is now the main centre of the university.

GH Keene wrote in his Handbook for Visitors, 1875, “a large and handsome pile of adapted Indo-Saracenic architecture is being raised for the use of the new Central College, to be known by the name of an ex-Lieutenant Governor”. Designed by Sir William Emerson, the two buildings here are more eclectic in style than the cathedral in Allahabad and some of the other works of this architect, combining Gothic, Indian, Egyptian and Persian elements. The majestic building has a minaret about 61 meters high, made from cream coloured stone and sandstone brought from Mirzapur, with marble and mosaic floors inside. The building is dominated by Indo-Saracenic domes with blue-and-white glazed tiles. Emerson said, “I was determined not to follow too closely the Indian art Walk around the building to see the Gothic arches and traceries.” The college building has a quadrangle featuring tall and elegant arches. Inside, below the tower, is a lofty hall with a superbly decorated dome. The natural history museum in the Zoology Department of the museum, founded by Dr Howlett, is known for its fine taxidermy specimens.