Built to Chill: A Guide to Indian Architecture

Nestled in the heart of South Asia, India is a land of diverse topology, from the towering Himalayas in the north to the tropical coastline in the south, the presence of which elicits a wide range of weather patterns. The country's ancient architecture has evolved over the ages to fight the burning heat, which remains a recurring challenge.



The story begins with the Harappan civilization (2600-1900 BCE), which has one of the first examples of urban planning and construction. The well-designed structures of Mohenjo-Daro included houses built with thick mud walls that provided excellent thermal insulation, keeping the insides cool throughout the scorching summers.


Mud plaster used for the construction of a wall in Mohenjo-Daro, 2500-2000 B.C. 
 Source: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Digital Photo Archive

 

In the medieval period, the construction of step wells and baolis (traditional Indian water tanks) played a crucial role in ventilating the surroundings. The water bodies acted as natural air conditioners, with the cold air rising from the wells providing relief to the locals. Courtyards, in Indian houses, were central to residential design and provided natural airflow and shade, reducing house temperatures.


The Hampi Pushkarni, a stepwell in Karnataka that plays a crucial role in ventilating the surroundings Source: Photo by Harish Aluru


The arrival of the British brought several architectural reforms, and soon, the West began to influence Indian house styles. During the colonial period, bungalows, single-story houses with sloping roofs, and large verandas gained popularity; these were ideal for India’s hot climate. The verandas acted as traditional spaces, allowing inhabitants to enjoy the outdoors while remaining protected from the intense heat.


The design of a British Bungalow in India
Source: britishempire.co.uk

As India moved towards the 20th century, traditional techniques regained prominence in combating the summer heat. Jaalis, intricately carved stone or wooden screens, became a common feature in houses. Placed strategically on walls or windows, jaalis facilitated cross-ventilation while preventing direct sunlight from entering the interiors.

 

Chajjas, or extended overhangs or eaves, provided shade to the windows and walls, shielding them from the harsh sun rays. These architectural elements helped maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on artificial cooling.


The use of architectural elements like Jali and Chajja in a modern Indian home, to help beat the heat
Source: Photo by Spaces and Events via Rethinking The Future


Sustainability has recently gained salience, and Indian architecture has seen a revival of old methods coupled with new technologies. To ensure that buildings are summer-friendly, designers and architects have adopted eco-friendly practices.

 

As apartments have begun replacing row houses with pre-made designs, it has increasingly become difficult to incorporate traditional designs in our daily lives. This has given rise to making green roofs and terrace gardens, which act as natural insulators and reduce heat absorption. Additionally, the use of low-emissive glass windows minimises heat transfer, while solar panels provide clean energy for cooling systems.


A terrace garden that helps cool a Mumbai high-rise

Source: Photo by Gajendra Mandrekar via Architectural Digest India


Thus, both ancient techniques and innovative adaptations have been used to build comfortable living areas throughout India's history. Moving forward, it is essential to appreciate and conserve our architectural history by encouraging sustainable designs that respect tradition while embracing technological innovation.

By Reeya Joshi

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gupta Gambit: The Incredible Story of Chess and Ludo

Image
   The Gupta kings ascended the throne to India in the 4th Century CE. They swiftly manoeuvred their way through the several principalities sprinkled throughout North India and cemented their place as the Maharajadhiraj or “The king of the kings.” They established a reign of peace that brought about significant innovation and discoveries in science, mathematics, art, and architecture. Scholars like Kalidasa, Varamihira, Shankuntala, Aryabhatta, Sushruta, and Vatsyayana flourished in the Gupta Courts. Hence, the period between the 4th and 6th centuries CE is known as the Golden Age of India.  The origins of Chess can be traced back to this Golden era. It began as Chaturanga, which translates to “four limbs”, corresponding to the four parts of the Gupta army –the Infantry, War elephants, Chariots, and Cavalry. Chaturanga crossed the Indus into Iran as Chatranj, which climbed its way over the Zagros into Arabia and came to be known as Shatranj. Ancient chess travelled east ...
Read more

Tracing the Roots of Hindustani Music: Music in the Vedic Age

Image
The Vedic Age, the period between 1500 BC and 600 BC, is often called the “Heroic Age” of the ancient Indian civilization. During this period, Vedas , the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, were composed in the northern Indian subcontinent. Both vocal and instrumental music was also held in high esteem in society. In fact, The roots of current Hindustani Music are found in the Vedas! Music is a key component in Vedic scriptures  Source: World History Encyclopedia A key component of Vedic religious rituals was the music that structured the various sacrifices. The Samaveda and Atharvaveda in particular consisted of melodies, chants, and hymns. A page from the Atharva Veda manuscript Source: World History Encyclopedia Samaveda manuscripts in Devanagari and Grantha scripts Source: World History Encyclopedia Saam (gentle words intended to win over an adversary), the essence of Vedas, means singing a Swara (musical tone) while the hymns were said to help cure illness with herbs, gain ...
Read more

Notes of Devotion: Exploring the Essence of Qawwali

Image
“ When there was no Earth, no universe, No moon and sun, and no heaven When the secret of being was not revealed, When there was nothing, there was only you .” A translation of a qawwali text by an unknown Urdu poet for the song “Allah Hu” (“God Is!”) Source: The Art of Qawwali Qawwali , a mesmerising form of devotional music deeply rooted in Sufism, originated in medieval India. Since then, it has not only been a tool of artistic expression but also a powerful means to convey spiritual messages and foster a sense of unity among diverse communities. Its enchanting melodies and poetic lyrics have transcended time and space and continue to have a profound effect on listeners. Source: Pixels/Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Painting by Catf The art form traces its roots to the early years of Sufism, from around the 13th century, when Sufi mystics began gathering for “sama”(communal rituals and spiritual gatherings). These gatherings involved the recitation of devotional poetry accompanied by simple...
Read more