Urge state to preserve Gujarat College’s 1880 colonial-era structure, say it’s the last of its kind in state
Art and heritage enthusiasts, including CEPT alumni, have urged the state government and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to stop the proposed demolition of the historic Rector Bungalow on the Gujarat College campus at Ellisbridge.
Built around 1880 by the architect who designed Ellisbridge, the British-era teakwood and stone bungalow features exposed brick walls, a double-layered hip roof, and intricate wooden joinery. Heritage lovers say it is the last surviving example of its kind in Gujarat and an important marker of the city’s architectural and educational legacy.
The structure has been included in a demolition tender along with other Gujarat College buildings, triggering fresh protests after a similar controversy in 2018.
Author and art lover Anil Mulchandani said CEPT students documented the bungalow in 2020 as part of an academic exercise, highlighting its structural systems and conservation value. “The same students have now launched a ‘Save Rector Bungalow’ campaign,” he said, adding that INTACH has also joined the cause.
CEPT alumnus Prasit Gandhi, who studied the bungalow, stressed: “This is the only surviving Rector Bungalow in Gujarat. As Ahmedabad is India’s first heritage city, the government must step in to preserve it as a case study.”
While Gujarat College authorities maintain the bungalow is not listed as a heritage property, AMC’s heritage cell has said it will examine the matter.