UTTARAKHAND AND IT'S ARCHITECTURE
- Nishita Chopra
- Jan 17, 2021
- 4 min read
Indian architecture is quite known for its construction and style of architecture depending upon the place the building is situated in. The architecture of our country, just like language and culture changes with geographical status. Unfortunately, now there has been a growing unawareness of local architecture owing to modern building styles and technologies. This is making the heritage and cultural vibrancy of vernacular architecture lose its identity fast in the urban scenarios.
Uttarakhand is witnessing a similar scenario where the urban development is insensitive towards the natural calamities and the microclimatic conditions. Thus, making the urban landscape not contextually appropriate.
Understanding Uttarakhand
The state lies in the northern part of India and is frequently visited for its treasure trove of natural beauty, flora and fauna and its unlimited sacred monasteries and temples. Over the influence of local culture, topographic conditions, seismic activity and available resources, many ancient temples and buildings have been constructed over time.
Uttarakhand, being a hilly state has its own architectural style developed due to the easily available materials- wood and stone. The architecture of the state is sensitive to its natural environment and has structures constructed suitable for the prevailing conditions.
The two main regions: Garhwal and Kumaon have independent building styles, evolved due to the differences in their local language, traditions and culture.
The local architecture of the state, along with providing comfort also looks at reducing energy source by building energy-efficient, disaster-resistant structures. Some other architectural features provided are
Allowance of the maximum sun with construction done in a long linear pattern
Structures placed along the contour ensuring minimum disturbance to the terrain
Stone walls and timber for structural supports with slates for roof. At some places, sun-dried bricks are also utilised for walls.
Clay and dung used on the exterior walls for its insulation properties keeping the rooms suitable for summers and winters while mud paste is used for plastering the inner and outer walls.
Sunshade over windows for shading and rain protection, while sloping roofs provided for natural rainwater drainage
Height of doors and windows are less to conserve the interior warmth. Similarly, floors are also kept low for the same reason.
Regional architecture
Kumaon Region:
Buildings made of stone and wood are the characteristic features of the structures in this region. The walls are made of stone while the flooring is done with wooden planks or mud to keep them insulated through the year. The organisation of interior spaces is the unique feature this structure has to offer. Slate roof and detailed wooden carvings bring unity in the design of the buildings.
The buildings open to an entry, also called Kholi, from the centre, dividing the house into two parts on either side of the stairs. The ground floor, Goth, is used for cattle and storage and the first floor is where the people reside. The first floor consists of a living room, Chakh, a multi-utility room, Majhala, with a central wooden pillar. The kitchen is on the top floor and is approached via a wooden ladder while being ventilated through the gaps in the slate roofs.
For conservation of natural warmth, the height of the floors of the goth, kitchen and lofts and the openings are kept low.
Though, harmonious with the environment, they lack in the interlink of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Because of the compactness of the utility spaces, these buildings have less ventilation.
2. Garhwal Region:
These houses are usually found en route to a pilgrim site, near water sources and provide protection from cold winds. The traditional houses are 2-3 storey high and are rectangular in shape. The living and cooking areas are above the cattle and fodder storage, serving warmth through winters. A balcony, 75cm wide in front of the house is an integral part of the building while the staircase is provided on the side of the house.
Construction is done with stone and wood. The floors and ceilings are made from wooden planks while the beams and columns are made of intericately carved timber providing an aesthetic touch to the indoors. The sloping slate roofs are supported by wooden trusses. These houses have a grain storage area, called the Kothar, symbolising the affluence of the resider.
At some important locations, Sumers, 7-8 storey high wooden structures made of timber frames are placed acting as emergency shelters and watch towers for the area. Such buildings are over 200 years old and have survived through the region's seismic activities.
Earthquake Resistance
The state is known for being an eco sensitive area and prone to landslides and earthquakes. The traditional buildings are therefore made to be resistant since 1000 AD when the earliest disaster resistant development has been recorded.
Significant focus is given to the structures symmetry with respect to mass and strength. This makes the structure minimise tension and stress and string wooden empanelmant and wooden frame structures.
Temple Styles of Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand is often referred to as the land of the gods. There are various styles of temples present in the state made in wood and stone. The most detailed and beautified temples were made during the ruling period of the Katyuris and are thus found in clusters. Through temple architecture, not only is the relation of buildings with nature is shown but also the cultural history of the area.
Some of their famous temple styles are below;
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