Vernacular Architecture Of Punjab
The state of Punjab is located in the northern region of India, nestled between the Himalayas on the northern side, the desert state of Rajasthan on the southern side, and Pakistan on the western side. The rich alluvial soil deposited by the rivers Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum, make the region ideal for agricultural activities. Hence, the state was chosen as the epicenter of the Green revolution in the mid — 1960s, increasing the agricultural yield and setting India on the road to food self-sufficiency.
3 min readApr 28, 2022
HARAPPAN CIVILISATION HOUSES
Evidence of the earliest courtyard houses emerged from the village of Mehergarh , which had irregularly scattered mud-brick houses. Kot Diji in Harappa already had a planned settlement and the overall orientation of the streets was in the direction of the cardinal points. Most private houses had rooms arranged around a central courtyard with doors and windows opening out in the side lanes.
KUTCHA HOUSES
The kutcha houses were single-room dwellings arranged around a courtyard with ancillary functions such as an open bathing area, open kitchen, and cattle shed arranged around the boundary.
HAVELI
The major factor promoting the Haveli culture was the harsh climate of the regions. Another factor contributing to the Haveli culture could be the Green revolution which elevated the financial status of a predominantly agrarian society.
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
COURTYARD
The courtyard in a Punjabi house is not just an architectural element but a way of life. It acted as a place for assembly and a hub for various activities throughout the day. It prevented direct sunlight to enter the rooms and trapped cool air during the summer. Thus, it was important from the climate point of view.The traditional flooring for a courtyard consisted of mud floors which were coated with a layer of Chikni Mitti and then with a mixture of cow dung and mud phuska which gave it a smooth finish, prevented cracks, and kept the floor naturally cool during the summers.
LINTELS AND DOORS
A lintel is a structural horizontal block that spans the opening or space between two vertical supports. It can be used as both a structural as well as a decorative element.The lintels in these traditional houses were wooden pieces placed horizontally over door openings, varying in size and nailed with iron nails. The panels and frames were both made out of wood.
EARTHEN STOVE (CHULLA) OR OPEN TO SKY KITCHEN
The earthen stove or Chulla was made out of a special type of clay and didn’t require gas or electricity. It was fired with wood and dung cakes. Though we have come a long way from earthen stoves fired by wood, the “Tandoor” still plays an important role in Punjabi cuisine and is still used to date.
