Gajanan B. Mhatre

An archival portrait image of master architect Gajanan Baburao Mhatre, also known as G.B.

Born in 1902 in a family of modest means, G.B. spent his formative years in Sir J. J. College of Architecture. He was inspired by his teacher Claude Batley, who was sensitive to Indian architecture and uniquely introduced an approach to modeernism through an understanding of traditional architecture. G.B. introspected on the past and absorbed from his deep study of Indian architecture, particularly the Muslim architecture of Gujarat. He left for England to qualify for the associateship of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and economic privations forced him to support his education with part time work. He came back to India in 1931 and joined the firm 'Billimoria and Poonegar'.