ANALYSIS OF INDIAN VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Research Paper
KUSHIK MISHRA, PRIYANK JAIN, MADHURI AGGARWAL
Gautam Buddha University, School of Architecture & Planning

Abstract
The qualities of Vernacular architecture are directly reflected in its indigenous notation, which means
that the architecture is very specific to its geographical location and belongs to the people it belongs to.
Traditional architecture is the architectural style that considers all the needs and requirements of the
people, nature, building materials and also reflects tradition and culture. Although different from the
prevailing view of the built environment, the use of indigenous materials, design and construction
techniques plays a central role in the design and architecture of society. It is mainly found in rural areas
of India, with structures built using local materials and designed and planned to meet all needs and
requirements of the local inhabitants. Gender roles and family habits for example, a womans routine
begins in the morning, her main workspace is the kitchen and the open space attached to it many times
the yard where she cooks, cleans and bathing children, etc.
Introduction
The term vernacular is derived from the Latin word vernaculus meaning domestic, indigenous,
indigenous. Vernacular Architecture is a term most commonly used for indigenous and traditional
architecture. The qualities of this architecture are directly reflected in its indigenous notation, which
means that the architecture is very specific to its geographical location and belongs to the people it
belongs to. there. The term traditional reflects the continuity of the culture and its constructive practice.
Vernacular Architecture includes peoples houses and other buildings, relating to their surroundings and
available resources using traditional technology. They are built to meet specific needs, taking into
account their values, the economies and lifestyles of the cultures that produce them. In India, most
people live in rural areas, have aspirations and are urbanizing. However, during construction, some
native features are retained and can therefore be transformed into urban vernacular. In indigenous urban
construction, houses or other structures indigenous to a particular place gradually undergo
transformation. For example, in the use of traditional building materials such as brick, stone, wood,
lime, mud and thatch, are replaced by modern building materials such as cement. The shape of the plan
changes, for example the houses convert from a traditional courtyard to a patio style, again transforming
into a Modern homes generally do not have yards. So, while the heritage value of an indigenous
municipality is much less, the socio-cultural values and the use of space by the inhabitants are more or
less preserved.
Cultural traits and attributes
The essence of vernacular architecture lies in its cultural characteristics and attributes. This leads to the
following characteristics:
Gender roles and family habits
In our society, activities are fixed by gender. The use of space inside and outside the household follows
its distinction. Habits in the family have a relationship between family space, workplace and society. It
is observed that there is a repetitive pattern in behavior and sequence in and around the house. For
example, a womans routine begins in the morning, her main workspace is the kitchen and the open
space attached to it many times the yard where she cooks, cleans and bathing children, etc. At the end
of the day, she goes to a well or river to get water or do laundry. This was her main communication
moment with other women in the colony. She goes to the farm with food for the male members and
collects fodder and returns. Returning home after resting a bit, she cooks and does housework again.
After the meal, she went to bed. Thus, we see that its interactive areas in the house are the kitchen, the
open spaces attached to it, the bedroom, and outside the house the well or the river and the farm. For
male members, mornings are mostly for Otlas or Baithakes. Then the day begins with feeding the cattle
and getting them ready to go to the fields. During the day, it is usually busy with agricultural activities.
At dusk, he came back and tied the cattle and fed them Gotta. After refreshment, he went to Chaupal.
Back, he eats and sleeps. Therefore, the main areas of interaction with the house are the Baithaks or
Otlas, the sleeping area and the Gothas. On the other hand, outside the house, her mans areas of
interaction are farms and Chaupal. There are collective activities that take place cyclically but not daily
such as going to the weekly market, listening to Pravachans music in the temple, visiting important
places during some festivals, for example women worshiping Banyan trees near the nearby Banyan
Tree. temple during Vadsavitri festival etc. These activities are located in space within the habitat. Thus,
we found that gender roles and family habits are created in places of family communication such as
courtyards, indoors, and social places such as places of worship, Baithak and Chaupal.
Economy
The home economy is reflected in indigenous architecture in two forms. First, family occupation is
often caste-based, as, like the Gujarats, occupation is herding and therefore the focus is on barnyards.
Similarly, a farmer has a place to store his grain, Lohar the blacksmith or Kumbhar the potter has an in-
house workshop, and so on. Thus, the familys economy is reflected in the type of house. Second, the
economics of families are affected by the size, location and permanence of the building, etc. Family
type and cycle It depends on how the family interacts. Effects on the nature of the dwelling can be seen,
as all houses tend to grow. Another influencing factor is the per-generational transfer of knowledge.
This can be verbally or through training, where elders involve young people in activities such as
livelihoods, customs, construction activities or regular maintenance.
Local Dish
The habits of eating, cooking, preparing, consuming and storing energy are reflected in the vernacular
architecture. For example, the Gujarats have vessels for stirring dahi for cani and storing milk. If chulha
is a means of cooking, then it is necessary to store wood and oplas near the chulha. In Gobars case, a
gas station will be installed in the yard. The preservation of processed food will be placed in a wall
cabinet, in a large wooden crate or a specially designed cabinet with various types of rhinestones around.
Jelly flowers are made from mud and straw, etc.
Religion and Belief
Religions and beliefs influence the orientation and differentiation of buildings. At the family level, it is
more for climate purposes but underpinned by compulsions and religious beliefs. The sacred
architecture is influenced by religion. An example would be the mehrab in the mosque would always
be on the west side and the temple would face the east. The gods to worship, the rituals to be followed
are all decided by the religion, while the ritual determines the daily activities performed and the festivals
held. For example, Hindu houses in Braj, Orchha and Maharashtra have Tulsi Vrindavan in their
courtyards, Devghar for their gods, and so on. They are used for their daily rituals in the house while
public festivals like Ganesh Utsav, Krishna Janmashtami etc.
Influencing Factors of Vernacular Architecture
Building Plan
The layout of the buildings is a major factor influencing and directing the planning of native structures.
The archetypal form of a building plan that correlates with many cultural, historical, and urban planning
traditions. Three main types of shapes have been identified for plans in traditional buildings :
  The circular option is preferred in earthquake resistant cases, for example houses in Bhonga
Houses.
 Rectangular plan
 Linear plan

Fig. 1 A typical circular plan for vernacular Bhonga house

Building Sizes
The second aspect of Indian vernacular architecture is the size of the building. The size of the building
is governed by its specific use. Depending on the size of a building, they can be classified as follows
Single Storey Multi-storey building Mixed-use buildings require the construction of an additional floor,
requiring increased bearing capacity of the walls, especially these walls must also resist the effects of
earthquakes. It should be noted that the scale of the project is also related to the population structure
and housing density in a given area.
Building Type
Indigenous architecture can be described as rural and urban in terms of rural and urban contexts,
respectively. Burnskill 1988 proposes a class of native buildings according to their intended use. For
example, domestic buildings designed for residential purposes include private homes, nursing homes
and recreational homes. Meanwhile, Agricultural buildings include all farm buildings except the farm
and the indoor subdivisions such as stables, cow stables, chicken coops and stables. All buildings
associated with industrial activities such as pottery, other commercial establishments, etc. industrial
buildings. Finally, religious buildings include all temples, churches, mosques, monuments, etc.
According to the structural system, indigenous buildings can be divided into three categories, namely
Pucca, Semi-pucca and the Kuchcha houses. A Pucca structure is made of strong materials such as
stone, wood, brick and mortar that are used to bond the building materials. It is more durable, more
expensive, and does not require ongoing maintenance. In contrast, the Kuchcha structure is built using
natural materials such as mud, grass, bamboo, and sticks. It does not provide much strength or durability
to the structure and requires constant heavy maintenance. The semi-pucca structure is a combination of
pucca and kuchcha styles.
Planning Concept
The form of a building plan that correlates with the cultural, historical and traditional planning context
of a particular area. This concept can be discussed at macro and micro level. The macro level largely
focuses on the planning and architectural aspects. The micro level depicts the art and architectural
details. Vastu-purusa manadala is usually followed in case there are plans to build a residential area. In
general, three main types of shapes have been found in the plans of traditional buildings circular plans,
rectangular plans, and linear plans. The size of the building stems from its specific use. The size of the
actual building is related to the population structure and housing density in a given area. Depending on
the size of a building, they can also be classified into single-story buildings, multi-storey buildings.
Vernacular Elements
Elements such as water, daylight, natural ventilation, local building materials and technology stand out
in the vernacular architecture. Most of the historic buildings are built on vernacular principles that
ensure natural lighting, natural ventilation and use of water bodies in the form of channels, basins or
fountains, etc. in open spaces such as yards. This technology allows the modification of extreme climate
impacts in hot and dry climates. Cavity-wall construction techniques are applied to improve the time
variation in the fluctuating day cycle. Jalis is used in many religious buildings such as mosques and
royal palaces to allow the circulation of daylight and air.
Indigenous Materials
Another aspect influencing the development of indigenous construction methods is the availability of
local building materials. The most commonly used materials are

 Wood - is one of the most common building materials and is a material of natural origin. It is
fairly easy to work with, renewable, very well insulated and readily available.
 Adobe - is a natural building material consisting of clay, sand, water and some organic or
fibrous material sticks, straw or manure, usually shaped into bricks by kneading and drying.
Under the sunshine.
 Stone - Stone is another important building material that is indigenous to Indian architecture. It
is a versatile material and can be used from the foundation to the railing of a building.
 Clay - Clay is used to construct durable and traditional buildings. These buildings are of two
types one is walls made directly from a mixture of mud and the other is walls constructed by
piling up air-dried masonry bricks known as mud bricks.
 Crushed stone - construction using natural materials such as earth, chalk, lime or gravel. The
earth wall is built very simply. They do not burn, have a large heat mass, are durable and very
durable.
 Fly ash, sand, lime and gypsum bricks - used for residential walls and all other types of
construction as well as retaining walls. They are eco-friendly, have excellent durability, dry
quickly and reduce water absorption and shrinkage.
 Massive soil compaction - saving energy, respecting the environment with excellent surface
finish. It is an economical material with good thermal insulation.
 Fired clay bricks and fly ash - environmentally friendly materials, saving energy and produced
domestically.
 Micro-concrete roof tiles - MCR tiles are a cost-effective and extremely versatile roofing
material. MCR tile can be used to create attractive roofs over villas, farmhouses, pavilions and
gazebos and is also used in highway construction. In areas with heavy rainfall, this type of brick
has long been used as a covering material because it is both waterproof and aesthetically
pleasing. It has been widely used in cost-effective housing projects, poultry farms, restaurants
and workplaces.
Classification of Different Vernacular Architecture
Indigenous architecture pays attention to the climate, traditions and socio-monetary situation of a
chosen site. As such, India is a rustic country with a diverse climate and socio-cultural situation. Each
location has its own personal identity with a weather-adapted building layout with vernacular
architectural form within. The country is divided into five main climate zones
1. Hot and dry
 2. Warm and humid
3. Temperate
4. Cold
5. Composite

Fig. 2 Climatic Zones in India

Vernacular Architecture in Hot Dry Climate Zone
The area is flat, sandy and rocky and sparsely wooded with thorny cactus bushes. Due to low water
levels and sparse vegetation, houses are often built of tree branches, mud, clay, and stones. This area is
located in the North West of India i. e. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Thar desert Rajasthan and part of Gujarat.
The area is flat, sandy and rocky and the trees were sparse with thorny cactus bushes. In summer, the
wind blows very hot and sandstorms often occur in this area. Desert architecture has art representing
the climate and culture of the region. Pukkas architecture is mainly in the haveli style. Warm air rises
by convection from the yard and cool air is led from the street for cross ventilation. Vernacular
Architecture in Warm and Humid Climate Zone
The hot and humid region covers the coastal region of India. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata
are all part of this region. High humidity promotes rich vegetation. The main design criteria in this area
were to reduce heat gain and provide shade. Individual homes are separate from others and provide their
own water, temples, bathing facilities, and farmland. Generally, buildings have one floor. House
planning based on Vaastu-Shastra. The individual houses are surrounded by a ring of walls with doors
leading to the street. In the yard there is an auspicious tulsi tree. The houses are raised on a high pole
with verandas on either side as a semi-private quarter. The rooms are aligned around a central courtyard.
The central courtyard and deep verandas around the house allow cross ventilation in the rooms. A
sloping roof is provided for protection from the areas heavy rains. The house blends into the landscape.
The basic materials used are laterite, granite, wood, mud, thatch, coconut leaves, bamboo and
Mangalore tile. Granite is used for the foundation, laterite for the wall, wood for the wall and frame,
and Mangalore tile for the roof. Geographically, Kerala consists of a straight strip at the extreme
southwest of India, stretching from south to east at an altitude of about 63 meters above sea level. The
Ghats to the north and Travancore to the south. The highest land is about 800 meters above sea level,
located between the coast and the mountains, Kerala is mainly mid-range areas where crops and rice
are grown. Kerala has high annual rainfall in summer up to 1000mm and temperature 30-34C in peak
summer.
Kerala’s vernacular architecture reflects a fusion of Indian and Southeast Asian characters.
The Indian characters are reflected in the predominance of massive figures in the construction of
earthworks and in the main practice of the Vedic habitation, as evidenced by the observance of the
immense treaty. butt in housing design. Straight. Kerala specifically uses laterite wall material which
abounds along the west coast of India from Gujarat to Kanyakumari.
1. vegetative reed, coconut, jackfruit, rosewood and traditional wooden construction,
2. pitched roof to withstand heavy monsoon rain,
3. sloping wall panels and varying depths of overhanging eaves to prevent glare from the sun, and
4. transparent and open, as the best relief in hot and humid climate
5. Simple construction style, open space with minimal furniture, especially the lobby style without
opening windows
6. The transition space between indoor and outdoor is marked by retaining walls, overhanging
retaining walls and sunshades, and
7. generous arrangement of spaces for women and kitchens in the east and north, which is hardly
possible in traditional Indian architecture.
Vernacular Architecture in Temperate Climate Zone
The only two cities in India with mild temperatures comfortable temperatures all year round are Pune
and Bangalore. The vernacular of these regions mimics their neighbouring seaside towns, with the
courtyard becoming the dominant element that other spaces revolve around. With architecture
modernizing rapidly, contemporary concrete buildings are replacing traditional Wada Gutthu houses.
Temperate climate with mild to hot summers and cool winters. The need for heating in the home in
winter is greater than the need for cooling in the summer. It is a relatively comfortable climate,
especially near the coast, where summers are cooler and winters are warmer than in more remote
regions. In the mountains of the Great Dividing Range, winters are cold and summers are mild. o There
are few openings on the outside of the door. Cooking and sleeping outside in the summer is like staying
indoors in the winter.
Vernacular Architecture in Composite Climate Zone
The composite zone covers the central part of India. States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,
Jharkhand experience this climate. A variable landscape and seasonal vegetation characterizes this zone.
Climatic Consideration Water Bodies Water absorbs relatively large amounts of radiation. It also allows
evaporative cooling. As a result, during the day, areas around bodies of water are usually cooler. At
night, however, water bodies release relatively large amounts of heat to the surroundings and used for
Window Shades Window shades should cut off sun in the summer but allow the sun in the under heated
period. In addition, the window section will improve air speed while still providing shade. This can be
achieved by placing a potted plant on the windowsill or by adding smaller shades to the glass.
Projections Large projecting eaves and wide verandas are needed in composite climate as out-door
living areas, to reduce sky glare, keep out the rain and provide shades. Jalis Jalis on the outer facade of
the building helps in cooling, shading and ventilation. Wall thickness The wall functions as an insulation
layer to prevent heat from entering the building in the summer and spreading to the outside in the winter.
This is why the wall thickness is larger than usual in some places. Plinth A high pole is provided to
prevent rainwater from entering the inside of the building. Openings To reduce the humidity and for
ventilation openings Le. doors, windows, ventilators and corridors are provided large in numbers.
Vernacular Architecture in Cold Climate Zone
Cold climate is divided into cold and sunny, cold and
cloudy. Ladakh experiences a cold and sunny climate.
Cities like Kashmir, Sikkim, Shimla and the upper part
of Assam, the hill stations of South India all experienced
cold and cloudy weather. The climate in this region is
pleasant in the summer with heavy rainfall and moderate
to heavy snowfall in the winter. Cold climate is divided
into cold and sunny, cold and cloudy. Ladakh
experiences a cold and sunny climate. Cities like
Kashmir, Sikkim, Shimla and the upper part of Assam,
hill stations in southern India have all experienced cold
and cloudy weather. The climate of this region is Fig.3 Koti Banal ©Uttarakhand stories
pleasant in the summer, with plenty of rain and moderate
to heavy snowfall in the winter. Generally, the houses consist of a living space with their livestock. A
typical unit is a square or rectangle. The houses have about two or three floors. Each story consists of a
single large room with no partitions. Buildings are usually oriented to the South or Southwest for
maximum sunlight. The lower floor is for livestock, poultry or storage. The second floor consists of a
living room and a kitchen. Inside the house is a one-story staircase. The houses have tiled courtyards
for agriculture and rituals. The houses line up parallel to the ridge and never perpendicular to it. The
houses are developed along the southern slope respecting the topography of the area to ensure heat gain.
The height of the room is low. The upper floors are made of wood to keep the floor warm. The buildings
are made from locally available stone and wood, filled with clay and cow dung for mortar. The roof is
finished with locally available slate. A detailed study of typical homes in major climates reveals some
common characteristics buildings are designed with sun and wind orientation and provide passive
cooling through shading systems. sunny. The floor plan ensures the orientation of the building to limit
intense sunlight while allowing daylight and cross ventilation in warm or hot climates. The design of
the living environment follows the lifestyle, beliefs, customs and habits of the residents and makes
optimal use of space. Locally available materials are used in combination with modern materials. The
use of locally available craft techniques is encouraged to create sustainable and cost-effective buildings.

Fig.4 Traditional House of Kullu

 Fig.5 Details Of Koti Banal Architecture Form in Uttrakhand
Conclusion
Vernacular Architecture is a term most commonly used for indigenous and traditional architecture. The
qualities of this architecture are directly reflected in its indigenous notation, which means that the
architecture is very specific to its geographical location and belongs to the people it belongs to. In
indigenous urban construction, houses or other structures indigenous to a particular place gradually
undergo transformation. Traditional architecture is the architectural style that considers all the needs
and requirements of the people, nature, building materials and also reflects tradition and culture.
Although different from the prevailing view of the built environment, the use of indigenous materials,
design and construction techniques plays a central role in the design and architecture of society. It is
mainly found in rural areas of India, with structures built using local materials and designed and planned
to meet all needs and requirements of the local inhabitants. The structures built are not only made of
indigenous materials, but even the planning is done keeping in mind the necessities of the local society
and culture. The essence of vernacular architecture lies in its cultural characteristics and attributes.
Gender roles and family habits For example, a womans routine begins in the morning, her main
workspace is the kitchen and the open space attached to it many times the yard where she cooks, cleans
and bathing children, etc. She goes to the farm with food for the male members and collects fodder and
returns. Thus, we see that its interactive areas in the house are the kitchen, the open spaces attached to
it, the bedroom, and outside the house the well or the river and the farm. Therefore, the main areas of
interaction with the house are the Baithaks or Otlas, the sleeping area and the Gothas. On the other
hand, outside the house, her mans areas of interaction are farms and Chaupal. There are collective
activities that take place cyclically but not daily such as going to the weekly market, listening to
Pravachans music in the temple, visiting important places during some festivals, for example women
worshiping Banyan trees near the nearby Banyan Tree.

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