# India's landmarks built from stone, tears and sweat

> Architect Abha Narain Lambah says India's landmarks rise from stone, tears and sweat of its people.
- Title: India's landmarks built from stone, tears and sweat | Shortify
- Summary: Architect Abha Narain Lambah says India's landmarks rise from stone, tears and sweat of its people. Architect Abha Narain Lambah argues India's landmarks are…
- Keywords: abha narain lambah, gateway of india, mumbai, india, heritage conservation, buddhist caves, islamic tombs, hindu temples, royal opera house, mumbai railway station, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/life/2026/10/12/vestige-of-colonialism-architect-says-indias-landmarks-rise-from-stone-tears-and-sweat-of-its-people/238663
- Published: 2026-10-12T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abha narain lambah, gateway of india, mumbai, india, heritage conservation, buddhist caves, islamic tombs, hindu temples, royal opera house, mumbai railway station, news, world
## Abha Narain Lambah's 30-year heritage work
Abha Narain Lambah has dedicated three decades to preserving India's historic sites including Buddhist caves, Islamic tombs and Hindu temples.
## Lambah's conservation challenges
Historical buildings lack government protection and funding for maintenance despite urban development pressures.
## Lambah's early career
Lambah began as an activist after working with American architect Joseph Allen Stein on blending old and new architectural styles.
## Mumbai's heritage sites
Lambah has conserved over 20 world heritage sites including Hampi's 15th-century Hindu temple and Chandigarh's Le Corbusier masterpieces.
## Mumbai's architectural challenges
Mumbai faces balancing historic buildings with rapid urban development and redevelopment pressures.
## Bandra railway station restoration
Lambah restored Mumbai's 19th-century Bandra railway station while working around trains and commuters.
## Royal Opera House preservation
Lambah saved Mumbai's Royal Opera House from demolition, now using it as an active cultural space.
## Gateway of India significance
Lambah argues India's Gateway of India, built under British rule, is as Indian as it gets because it reflects Indian stone, tears and sweat.
## Conservation progress
Lambah notes more young conservation architects are studying and practicing, but the task remains arduous.
## Key takeaway

Architect Abha Narain Lambah argues India's landmarks are built from Indian stone, tears and sweat, not colonial remnants.