Vernacular Architecture Of Kerala by Ayush Chaturvedi

Vernacular Architecture SOA,AGI 1

Contents

Introduction

Culture

People In Kerala

Climate

Architecture Of Kerala

Architecture By Cast

Materials

Temple Architecture

Special Feature (House Boat) 2

KERALA

The word Kerala is first recorded as Ketalaputo (son of Chera) Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956, Spread over 38,863 km2 . Kerala is the twenty-first largest Indian state by area. It is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. The state is wedged between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. The state has a coast of 590 km (370 mi) and the width of the state varies between 11 and 121 kilometres (7 and 75 mi).Geographically.

According to the Sangam classic Purananuru, the Chera king Senkuttuvan conquered the lands between Kanyakumari and the Himalayas. He besieged the sea by throwing his spear into it. The lands of Kerala were recovered from the sea by the axe-wielding warrior sage Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, hence also called Parasurama Kshetram ‘The Land of Parasurama.

HISTORY 3

Temples And Festivals Kerala has a large number of temples. The temples celebrate annual festivals which are not only unique to the region but sometimes have features that are unique to each temple.

Art And Culture

Each temple describes each interesting history behind its creation. In the Malabar, distinct art form called Theyyam attract tourists, and mini carnivals are also held along with temple festivals.

The culture of Kerala has developed over the past millennia, influences from other parts of India and abroad. The culture of Kerala evolved through the Sanskritization of Dravidian ethos, revivalism of religious movements and reform movements against caste discrimination. Modern Kerala society took shape owing to migrations from different parts of India and abroad throughout Classical Antiquity.

Art And Culture

Performing Art Native traditions of classical performing arts include koodiyattom, a form of Sanskrit drama or theatre and a UNESCO-designated Human Heritage Art. The ragas and talas of lyrical and devotional Carnatic music — another native product of South India — dominates Keralite classical musical genres. Kerala also has several tribal and folk art forms. For example, Kummattikali is the famous colorful mask-dance of South Malabar, performed during the festival of Onam.

Elephants in Kerala The elephants are an integral part of the culture and daily life in Kerala. These Indian elephants are given a prestigious place in the state’s culture. The elephant is the state animal of Kerala and is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala. 5

Language

The people of Kerala speak Malayalam.

Clothing

Keralites follow a very simple dress code. Even during any festive occasions, special ceremonies, and events women wear “Set Mundu” and men wear “Mundu.”

People In Kerala

“Set Mundu” is a two-piece ivory clothing similar to a saree worn with a matching blouse with a zari border.

Food

Kerala cuisine is a culinary style originating in the Kerala, a region in the south of India. Kerala cuisine offers a multitude of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat with rice a typical accompaniment.

The people of Kerala are the most simple and down to earth people.They like to live in their own world of simplicity and originality. People in Kerala are very protective of traditional customs, culture, religions, rituals, and practices. Malayalees are very much proud of the rich heritage and culture.

Chillies, curry leaves, coconut, mustard seeds, turmeric, tamarind, and asafoetida are all frequently used. Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices”.

Religion

54.73% of Kerala’s population are Hindus, 26.56% are Muslims, 18.38% are Christians, and the remaining 0.33% follow other religions or have no religion. 6

04 Climate

Average high °C 29 to 34. Average low °C 22 to 25.

Wind direction is from South-west to North east.

Average rainfall 3107 mm ( 7030 crore cubic meter ) humidity varies from 65% to 70%.

The state is wedged between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. Lying between northern latitudes 8°18’ and 12°48’ and eastern longitudes 74°52’ and 77°22’. The state has a coast of 590 km (370 mi) and the width of the state varies between 11 and 121 kilometers Geographically. Kerala experiences humid tropical rainforest climate with some cyclones. With around 120–140 rainy days per year, Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the southwest summer monsoon and northeast winter monsoon. 7

Major considerations for achieving thermal comfort in a warm and humid region like Kerala involves coping up issues such as:

WAYS TO ACHIEVE COMFORT :-

High Humidity - Presence of excess

maximizing the improving air circulation by providing fenestrations and courtyards and enhancing the stack effect. so that there is constant flow of air into the house and minimizing heat gain by providing appropriate shading devices for fenestrations as well as walls.

moisture in the atmosphere Intense solar radiation High tem pera ture Excess rainfall

The spatial organization and site planning should be done in such a way that the prevailing winds should never be obstructed and a continuous flow of air should be maintained.

Organizing rooms according to their daytime use and locating them in appropriate positions would help to reduce heat gain.

Climate Consideration 8

Structurally the roof frame was supported on the pillars on walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for protection against dampness and insects in the tropical climate. the walls were also of timbers abundantly available in Kerala.

Architecture Of Kerala

windows were evolved at the two ends to provide attic ventilation ceiling was incorporated for the room spaces. This ensured air circulation and thermal control for the roof. he lower ends of the rafters projected beyond the walls to shade the walls from the sun and driving rain.

Kerala Architecture is one of the most exciting examples of preservation of vernacular styles; multiple foreign influences, and Aryan invasion, and Dravidian culture of different rulers and neighbours failed to swamp its independence.

The main door faced only one cardinal direction and the windows are small and made of wood. The square or rectangular plan is usually divided into two or three activity rooms with access from a front passage.

The earliest traces of constructions in Kerala belong to a period roughly between 3000 B.C. and 300 B.C. The evolution of domestic architecture of Kerala followed closely the trend of development in temple architecture. The primitive models of circular, square or rectangular plain shapes with a ribbed roof evolved from functional consideration.

Vastuvidya/ Traditional Architecture

Kerala architecture is a kind of architectural style that is found mostly in the Indian state of Kerala.Kerala’s style of architecture is a unique Hindu temple architecture that emerged in the southwest part of India, in its striking contrast to Dravidian architecture which is normally practised in other parts of South India. The architecture of Kerala has been performed/followed according to Indian Vedic architectural science (Vastu Shastra) and a part of the Dravidian architecture, one of the three styles of temples mentioned in the ancient books of Vastu Shastra

Traditional Kerala architecture is the Vastu vidhya is derived from the Stapatya Veda of Adharva Veda and deals with two types of architecture Residential Architecture(Manusyalaya) under functional architecture Temples coming under conceptual architecture.

Residential Architecture

1. the wretched humble house, unknown by any building treatise of Kerala, belongs to ordinary folks and tribal people/ adivasis (cheri, chala, kudi, variyam or pisharam or pumatham). A house in Kerala is generally called Veedu. The Veedu gives shelter to joint-family kinfolk or tharavad. The joint family system (tharavad--kinship system) consequently promotes the tradition of living in a huge shelter or mansion (veedu--object of house). The term is Dravidian and is used in some parts of Tamil Nadu and North Srilanka for all types of residential architecture, but generally the people of Kerala will refer to their veedu as tharavad.

2. the Ekasala, an I-shaped single rectangular hall house, belongs to farmers or middle-class non-farmers.

3. the Nalukettu, a courtyard house, belongs to landlords.

5. the great mansion Ettuketu and Patinjarukettu (double ettukettu) or much bigger structures, belong to very rich landlords.

4. commoner houses are simple ordinary houses scattered abundantly in the cities and villages. 12

Evolution Of Houses

The basic form of a Kerala Courtyard house or nalukettu has evolved from a single or unit. Initially in the core unit the centre will be Pooja and the adjacent will be other associated spaces. Later according to the need horizontal extension in all directions. As the form gradually evolved the Courtyard emerge. the core unit was placed in south zone of the plot. Following it further it extend in West further to the east and north. 13

06 Architecture By Cast

The Nambudiri Illam The illams of the affluent Nambudiri families of Trichur are self contained complex of buildings in a wide secluded compound. The complex consists of one or two storied Nalukettu building An entrance gate (Padipura) One or more tanks for bathing Optional buildings such as a Granary, a Kitchen for feeding guests and a Shrine or a Temple itself. There are four wings Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western.

1.The Nambudiri Illam Malayali Brahmin caste They are concentrated primarily in Trichur, Palghat districts in south Malabar, As small clusters in Kottayam, Cannanore and some parts of North Malabar

The built structures were on the southern and the western wings The granary on the south has solid walls of laterite or wood. The western block is generally raised, open hall with columns which support the floor above. It is here that the official ceremonies take place and the men also learn or sleep. The corner room at the north west is used for storage or for sleeping.

2.Nair Tharavadu Indian Hindu castes The Nairs are the race of people living in the state of Kerala and constitute 16% of the state population. The concept of the house is rural, located near paddy fields in fenced compounds with palm, banana and other fruit bearing trees with a well or tank for water supply. 14

The kitchen with its adjacent well is always without exception placed in the northeast corner. Since the wind comes from the southwest in Kerala it is the most logical position to ensure the smoke escapes the building directly The northern side next to the kitchen is used for the performance of the most important ritual of Shredda the human ritual of pouring Ghee on the sacred fire. The puja room is located on the north or in the east next to the kitchen. The practical reasons for not building on the northern and eastern sides are to allow the escape of smoke and to minimize the chance of an external fire. The corner rooms were segregated form the main blocks. They are separated by corridors, stairwells and doors going to the outside. These rooms are not considered for rituals and are used as entrance rooms, bedrooms, the delivery rooms (south east corner) or occasionally for storage (north west corner)

Women were considered inferior to men and they were not allowed to enter into the main courtyard except for their marriage and at death. In houses with one courtyard back spaces were added next to kitchen. Accesses to main pooja room and to one or two bedrooms were only through a back door. 15

Nair Tharavadu of Kerala The Nair house is also called a Veedoo. The tharavad houses were joint families with 30-40 members in a matriarchial system. The head of the tharavad was the oldest male member. Security and defence played a vital role in determining the orientation, layout and future additions. The courtyard and the wings surrounding it from the basic module. The house type is classified by the number of such modules:Nallukettu – four chambers Ettukettu – eight chambers Padinarkettu – sixteen chambers

The number of courtyards and the house annexes are an indication of the social standing and the wealth of the family. The principles of siting, spatial arrangement of rooms, choice of building materials, measurements and construction details were based on Vastu Vidhya and Tachhushastram Nine house types are identified on the basis of courtyards and enclosing wings 14 house classifications according to primary building materials It is self contained and introvert complex of buildings each enclosing an open to sky courtyard. The central courtyard is the focal point of the house The main rooms are located on the western wing Rooms on the northern side are used for cooking The rooms on the southern sides are used for the daily household activities Steep pyramidal roofs with a 45 degree pitch, deep overhangs, shaded verandas and cross ventilation are a response to intense sun, heavy rainfall and humidity.

Available of fertile lands in the low lying west zone allowed more population to settle down comparing the highlands of east region.

Materials

materials avilable in highland: granite and stone. materials available in low land: bricks and clay products

Laterite stone however, is abundantly found. Soft laterite available at shallow depth can be easily cut, dressed and used as building blocks. It is a local stone that gets stronger and durable with exposure to the atmosphere. Lime mortar can be improved in strength and performance by admixtures of vegetable juices. Such enriched mortars were utilised for plastering and low relief work.

Palm leaves are still used effectively for thatching the roofs and for making partition walls and along with mud

Clay was used in many forms - for walling, in filling the timber floors and making bricks and tiles after firing in kilns, tempered with admixtures.

Timber remains the prime structural material abundantly available in Kerala, in many varieties - from bamboo to teak and rosewood. The skilful choice of timber, artful assembly and delicate carving of wood work for columns, walls and roofs frames are the unique characteristics of Kerala architecture, using accurate fit of joints.

ROOFING SYSTEM

The ridged roof pitched at angles between 30degree to 40degree Kerala is a state that receives rainfall for at least 6 months in a year and for such a climate, sloped roofs are always the better bet. And when the concreting for such roofs is done, the quantity of water used should be reduced. Admixtures could be used for this.

The roof with intricately carved gables protruding from the roof with overhangs supported by wooden brackets. The roof is prefabricated that is different members are fixed on the ground and assembled at the top. No nails are used. The roof is kept in position by interlocking with the hole in the rafters. Walls made of timber or earth and roof of coconut leaves or tiles are common in many parts of Kerala Structurally the roof frame was supported on the pillars on walls erected on a plinth raised from the ground for protection against dampness and insects in the tropical climate. 20

08 Temple Architecture

Temples in Kerala used to be called in earlier times as mukkalvattom. Later they came to be called ambalam or kshetram or sometimes tali. Temple architecture in Kerala is different from that of other regions in India. Largely dictated by the geography of the region that abounds in forests blessed with the bounties of the monsoons, the structure of the temples in Kerala is distinctive. The Kerala temple has srikovil as its main core, which usually stands in eastwest axis and the plan may be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical ground plan. 21

Sree kovil The central sanctum of a Keralite temple is referred to as the Sree Kovil. It is surrounded by a cloistered prakara, pierced at one or more cardinal points with a gopuradwara. Namaskara Mandapam The namaskara mandapa is a square shaped pavilion with a raised platform, a set of pillars and a pyramidal roof. The size of the mandapa is decided by the width of the shrine cell. The pavilion in its simplest form has four corner pillars; but larger pavilions are provided with two sets of pillars; four inside and twelve outside. Nalambalam The shrine and the mandapa building are enclosed in a rectangular structure called the nalambalam. Functionally the rear and side halls of the nalambalam serves for various activities related to the ritualistic worship. The front hall is pierced with the entry, dividing it into two parts. Balithara At the entrance of Nalambalam, a square shaped raised stone altar called as Balithara can be seen. This altar is used to make ritualistic offerings to demi-gods and other spirits. Inside the Nalambalam, several small stones, called Balikallukal can be seen, meant for same purpose.

The circular srikovil style temple 22

The flag post

Chuttuambalam The outer structure within the temple walls, is known as Chuttuambalam. Normally Chuttuambalam has main pavilion known as Mukha-Mandapam or Thala-mandapam. The Mukha-Mandapam will have the Dwajastambam (Sacred Flag-post) in center of it and has several pillars supporting mandapam. Ambala-Kulam Every temple will have a sacred temple pond or water lake located within temple complex. As per Vastu-rules, water is considered as source of positive energy and synthesis balance of all energies. Hence a temple pond or Ambala Kulam will be made available within the temple complex. Thevarapura Normally within Nalambalam, a separate complex will be constructed for cooking foods meant to serve for the deity and distribution among devotees as holy prasadam. Such complexes are called Thevarapura, where the holy fire or Agni is invoked.

The temple pond or Ambala-Kulam 23

The outer grounds of Temple, called Chuttuambalam

09 House Boats

Colour & Texture of House Boat

The houseboat in Kerala, popularly known as the Kettuvallam, was meant for carrying heavy loads in the bygone era. For the uninitiated, in Malayalam ‘Kettu’ means “to tie” while ‘vallam’ meaning “boat”. These houseboats have been highly influential in boosting the travel and tourism industry of Kerala. Making a houseboat in Kerala one of the most environmental friendly, non-polluting and economical travel options.

The main top frame of houseboat is in yellowish-brown colour, which is in fact the natural colour of materials such as coir/panambu and bamboo. Comparing to the surrounding colours around the houseboat, this colour is of warmer tone which gives a pleasant feeling while being inside the boat. The framework of roof is built using bamboo while splits of bamboo are used to weave mats for roofing. 24

The Body of House Boat The body was completely remodeled and redesigned to match new-age demands and utilities. In order to make sufficient space with the bedroom, it became necessary to increase the height of the roof. And to avoid the shortcomings of the hull’s curved shape, a plank was strategically laid through the entire length so that it could be used for comfortable seating and walking effortlessly. At the centre of linear axis with a panel hung at the top, an entrance was created. There is also an option for opting Family Houseboats which includes living area, modern toilet facility and kitchen. To fix toilet seats, ceramic floor and shower tray, a concrete slab is laid across at the floor level. The toilets are specially designed using steel cabinets with steel meshes that promotes a special variety of bacteria which feeds on human waste. The water is stored in a tank on top of the main boat body that is connected to bathrooms and kitchen.

Team

Faculty

1. Ayush Chaturvedi

Ar.Amrendra Mishra

Shahdol (M.P)

Principal, SOA

2. Faiz Khan Bundi (Rajasthan)

3.Harshit Gupta Beawar (Rajasthan)

School Of Architecture, Apex Group Of Institution 26

Webliography

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala_cuisine https://www.india.com/travel/explore/famous-festivals-kerala/ https://www.thefarhorizonmagazine.com/6-must-experience-kerala-festivals/ https://www.keralabackwater.com/blog/kerala-culture-traditions-6-little-known-facts https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-Kerala-culture-dressing-and-food-habits http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/India/Kerala/Climate https://www.slideshare.net/faseehun/kerala-architecture https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture https://happho.com/building-orientation-based-climatology-india/ www.constrofacilitator.com https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-at-a-glance/ https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/kettuvallam-the-magnificent-houseboats-of-kerala/ https://kerala.me/specialities/houseboat/houseboats-structure

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