Renowned Architect Nazeer Khan Passes Away in Kozhikode

Speedy Summary

• P.A. Nazeer Khan, a prominent self-taught architect known for designing grand buildings across India, passed away on Sunday, August 17, at the age of 65.
• Despite lacking formal training in architecture, his designs blended colonial styles with Indian ‘vasthu’ traditions and were admired for their scale and complexity.
• He operated a private architectural firm based in Eranhipalam, Kozhikode.
• Survived by his wife Laila Punathil and children Abdul Wahid Khan and Nehla Nazeer Khan.
• His last rites are scheduled to be held at the Thoppayil Mosque burial ground on Monday (August 18).

Indian Opinion Analysis
P.A. Nazeer Khan’s contributions to architecture showcase how creativity and innovative design can thrive beyond formal academic frameworks. His ability to combine diverse architectural traditions-colonial aesthetics with Indian vasthu principles-highlights the cultural richness embedded in India’s built environment. His work may continue inspiring practitioners who balance modern demands with customary values without formal credentials limiting their capacity to impact the field. The loss of such unconventional talent is meaningful but also serves as a reminder of India’s potential for nurturing unique trajectories within its creative industries.

Read more: Published – august 17, 2025