Institute of Indology building was one of the first public buildings designed by Doshi as an independent architect after his departure from Le Corbusier. "There was a suspicion that Indians could not get rid of their colonial servility despite their independence," he said, vowing not to simply use Le Corbusier's architectural elements or forms.

Although he bears the shadow of Le Corbusier, Doshi does not want to simply imitate others' architecture when making local designs.

"All the traditional elements of Indian architecture are represented here. Prior to the design, I had studied Jain houses and visited various Jain saints to learn more about this traditional building type."

The building itself draws on the Haveli, a traditional house form in South Asia. Originally designed as a collection and research institution for ancient Indian manuscripts and paintings, the Institute of India is now a museum.