Serenity in Summer : India’s Indigenous Cooling Techniques

The Tropic of Cancer passes right through the centre of India, making it vulnerable to the scorching heat of the sun, especially in the summer season which usually lies between March and June. The heat becomes unbearable and temperatures in some parts of the country reach up to 50oC!  Since pre-historical times, Indians have come up with a variety of measures to combat the summers. Here are a few examples that are still used widely. 

Khus Khus Tattis

Indians have a simple and effective way to enhance indoor cooling using vetiver mats, commonly known as khus khus tatti. These mats are made by intertwining the roots or the vetiver grass to form a rectangle. The mats are highly porous which helps the air to pass through it. The mats are hung in doorways or windows after being moistened with water. As the air passes through the entryway, the drenched mats cool it down which prevents outside heat from interacting with the interior, thus providing a cooling effect. 

A khus khus tatti (vetiver mat)
Source: Pinterest

Pankhas

Handheld fans or pankhas have a long history in India. In earlier days, they were made using natural components like palm leaves or feathers. Palm leaves and feathers were eventually replaced by cloth which soon gave way to plastic. These pankhas have been referenced in Vedic manuscripts as well. Pankhas were very popular amongst Indian nobility. however, contemporary times saw pankhas being replaced by modern electric fans in urban India, limiting their usage to rural India. 

A display of hand pankhas (fans)
Source: edtimes.in

Matkas

The matka or the earthen pot is commonly used to store potable water in urban as well as rural areas. These clay pots have microscopic pores that allow water to seep through to the outside. The water then evaporates, taking the heat along with it. In addition to this, clay has inherent insulating properties that complement the condensation process and make the water stay cooler than the ambient temperature. Matkas also impart an earthy taste to water making it more refreshing. 

A matka (earthen pot)
Source: istockphoto.com

Cow dung Plaster

A popular habit practised in rural Indian households is to plaster the walls and floor of the structure with a mixture of cow dung, soil, and water. This mixture acts as an insulator preventing inwards heat transfer. This organic plaster acts as a sponge hugging the walls owing to the excellent water retention capability of cow dung. Once the water evaporates, the cooling effect can be reactivated by sprinkling water on it. Other than this, cow dung also has insect-repelling properties that keep mosquitoes away, thereby, providing additional comfort. Thus, it is the perfect recipe for an Indian summer. 

Woman putting cow dung on the wall
Source: istockphoto.com

Indigenous Sunscreen

Applying various kinds of oils on the skin is a prevalent practice among Indians. Oils extracted from sesame seeds, neem, aloe vera, sandalwood and coconut were mixed with certain herbs to create a paste that offered a cooling effect as well as a layer of protection from UV rays. Some of these oils also showcase moisturizing properties. Though nowadays such routines have lost their popularity and are largely limited to the older population of the country.

Representation of herbal ingredients put in indigenous sunscreen
Source: Shutterstock

Dhoti

India also has a rich culture of fashion. India’s diverse geography reflects in the textiles that are manufactured in the various parts of the country. A staple in the warmer regions of India, dhoti, also known as veshti, is a piece of cloth that is wrapped around the loin. It offers excellent breathability, given the lightweight nature of the fabric, and affords the wearer unrestricted ease of movement. The dhoti goes as far back as the Harappan Civilization.

The image shows people from the Indus Valley civilization (5000 - 1500 BC) wearing a Dhoti
Source: madrascourier.com

Siestas 

There is a widespread culture of afternoon napping in almost all the regions of India. Even though some of it has been lost in the urban areas due to industrialization, this kind of lifestyle persists in the smaller towns. Indubitably, the best way to combat the summer is to stay in the comfort of your home and nap during the hottest hours of the day.

A man taking an afternoon nap, or siesta
Source: Getty Images

Architecture

Throughout several millennia the subcontinent has cultivated a series of architectural techniques that mitigate the effects of the punishing summer heat and deliver comfort. Some typical features of Indian architecture that aid in keeping the temperatures down include spacious verandahs that allow the wind to circulate playfully through the house, roof gardens that stave off direct contact of the Sun with the roof and thick walls that insulate the house. Vastu Shastra, the Indian traditional system of architecture emphasizes cross ventilation concerning the placement of windows and doors. Vastu Shastra also gives precise instructions regarding the positioning of windows to end. Vastu Shashtra also instructs the windows to be positioned facing east to shield the house from the scorching afternoon sun. Even today property buyers consult Vastu experts before buying or building a home. 

An Indian house incorporating innovative cooling techniques
Source: Pinterest

Though air conditioners and electric fans have become a norm in much of the country, these indigenous cooling methods haven’t lost their foothold. These tacks have evolved throughout thousands of years in the vast geography of the subcontinent. Being affordable and sustainable, they are a wonderful example of Indian ingenuity. From the concoction of cow dung and water plastered to walls to making the wind dance using the pankha, there is hardly any margin for error when it comes to staying cool in the Indian Summer!

By Siddhant Desai