Which famous architect designed the master plan and many buildings of the Indian city of Chandigarh?

Introduction / Context:

This question belongs to the area of architecture and urban planning, focusing on modern Indian cities. Chandigarh was one of the first planned cities in independent India and is often cited as an example of modernist town design. Knowing which international architect created its master plan is a standard fact in both general knowledge and architecture related examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The city mentioned is Chandigarh, a planned city in north India.
• The question asks for the architect who designed it.
• Options list several distinguished architects from different countries and eras.
• We assume the exam expects the name associated with Chandigarh’s modernist planning.

Concept / Approach:

The correct association is with Le Corbusier, a Swiss French architect and planner who designed the master plan for Chandigarh and many of its key public buildings. Edward Lutyens is instead associated with New Delhi, Christopher Wren with post fire London, Michelangelo with Renaissance art and architecture in Italy, and Louis Kahn with other projects including buildings in Dhaka and Ahmedabad. Matching each name to their best known projects makes it easy to select the right one.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Verification can come from remembering that New Delhi’s grand avenues and government buildings are attributed to Lutyens and Baker, not Le Corbusier. History of architecture textbooks routinely describe Chandigarh as one of Le Corbusier’s major urban projects in Asia. This consistent pairing of his name with the city confirms the answer beyond doubt.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Edward Lutyens: Designed much of imperial New Delhi, not Chandigarh.

Christopher Wren: Known for rebuilding many churches in London after the great fire, especially St Paul’s Cathedral.

Michelangelo: Renaissance artist and architect linked to projects in Rome and Florence, not to modern Indian cities.

Louis Kahn: Designed important buildings such as the National Assembly in Dhaka and IIM Ahmedabad, but not the city plan of Chandigarh.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes confuse Le Corbusier and Lutyens because both are foreign architects who worked in India. Others may not distinguish between city planning and individual building design. Creating a simple table linking each architect to one iconic project is a good way to remember these associations clearly.

Final Answer:

The architect who designed the master plan of Chandigarh is Le Corbusier.