Dear Fellow LGs,
I recently participated in an absorbing session about the Vernacular architecture in India. This post is a reference for anyone who wishes to visit or even know more about the kinds of Architecture style India had used until the 19th century. It’s unfortunate that almost 99% of these structures have now vanished and the current architecture is mostly based on the modern techniques.
Vernacular Architecture : Vernacular Architecture style refers to the building style which uses local building materials and techniques which are commonly used by the local communities.
Features :
- This technique is largely anonymous outside of the community
- It is dynamic, evolving and generally open to local influences
- It uses common elements available locally
- Main feature was the presence courtyard in every house which provided shade from the harsh sun and hence is essential in climate control
- Some well known names of vernacular architecture style was Wada, Nalukettu, Haveli etc
Some of the finest examples of Vernacular Architecture :
- Karla Caves in Lonavala
- Ajanta Caves where cave paintings were done on wooden beams and carved in stone
- Barabar Caves near Bodh Gaya which is the oldest surviving rock cut caves in India
- Traditional Toda Huts in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
- Bangaldar hut In Bengal, whose typical feature was pointed sloping roof which enables the rainwater to drip straight to the ground thereby preventing damage to the walls
- Traditional Beehive Dwelling in Nicobar Islands
- Rabari Settlement of Tunda in Kachchh district of Gujarat
- Darbar Gopaldas Haveli, Vaso, Gujarat is an example of Traditional Indian carved pillars with European style plasters and doors
- Nathmaljis Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan which has traditional stone carving and jharokhas
Reasons for decline in Vernacular Architecture :
- This architecture was not encouraged by the colonial rulers
- Massive destruction during the 1857 mutiny
- Breakdown of joint family system
- Western influence and social aspirations
- Non availability of raw materials
- Shortage of land
- Artificial climate control devices like cooler and air conditioner
Summary : Inspite of the drastic decline, we can still see a few of these structures being preserved and in use even today. Few examples are :
- Architect N Ramesh’s courtyard house in Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala
- Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s ancestral house in Manakkala in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala
Please do share in comments if you have visited any such places where the old architecture has been preserved. I would love to hear from you all about your similar experiences.
Regards,
