Two iconic houses on Road No. 10 showcase Tata’s design prowess
Key Points:
• Ratan Tata designed two houses in Jamshedpur’s Circuit House Area
• Homes reflect American Prairie style with modernist influences
• Dr. T Mukherjee, former Tata Steel executive, owns one of the houses
JAMSHEDPUR – Two distinctive houses in Jamshedpur, designed by Ratan Tata, stand as testaments to the industrial titan’s lesser-known passion for architecture.
Long before leading Tata Sons, Ratan Tata was a young architect.
He held a degree from Cornell University, New York.
Upon returning to India, Tata joined Tata Motors (then TELCO) as a trainee.
His architectural skills found expression in two houses on Road No. 10, Circuit House Area.
These homes showcase the American Prairie style of architecture.
The design emphasizes harmony with the environment and open spaces.
Large windows and flat roofs characterize these elegant structures.
Many Jamshedpur residents are unaware of the homes’ illustrious designer.
Dr. T Mukherjee, former Tata Steel deputy managing director, owns one of these houses.
He resides at 6A, Road No. 10.
"The house where I stay was actually designed by Ratan Tata," Mukherjee confirmed.
He purchased his portion of the property in 2007.
Mukherjee was drawn to the design’s open spaces and abundance of natural light.
The house perfectly aligns with Tata’s architectural vision.
It encourages tranquility and connection with nature.
Both properties on Road No. 10 retain much of their original structure.
This preservation maintains the authenticity of Tata’s design.
The houses have interesting historical connections to the Tata legacy.
One home originally belonged to Soli Devitre, Jehangir Ghandy’s brother-in-law.
The other was owned by Cawas Mehta, a senior Tata Steel executive.
Mehta’s wife, Perin C. Mehta, played a key role in founding Jamshedpur Women’s College.
These homes represent an era of Jamshedpur’s intellectual and industrial growth.
Ratan Tata’s architectural interests extended beyond Jamshedpur.
He designed a house for his mother and a beach bungalow in Alibaug, Mumbai.
These projects showcase Tata’s enduring passion for design.
Today, the Road No. 10 houses are divided between two owners.
Dr. Mukherjee and a Sakchi-based hotelier now occupy the properties.
Both owners have worked to preserve the essence of Tata’s original designs.
These homes stand as a tribute to Ratan Tata’s multifaceted talents.
They highlight his ability to blend aesthetics with functionality.
The houses remain a hidden gem in Jamshedpur’s architectural landscape.
