STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF FRANCO-

TAMIL HOUSES AT KARAIKAL

-AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROCH



Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai
Department of Architecture
Dissertation -2014




submitted by:
S.Divya
10 AR 15






STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF INFLUENCE OF FRANCO-TAMIL
HOUSES AT KARAIKAL -AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL
APPROCH


AIM:
The process involves study of Franco-Tamil architecture that has been evolved in
Karaikal during French colonization. To study and analyze the use of French style in domestic
architecture in Karaikal.

OBJECTIVE:
To understand basic principles and concept of French architecture .
To understand basic principles and concept of Tamil architecture.
To understand the history and evolution of karaikal.
To study and analyze Franco - Tamil architecture by understanding both the styles at
Karaikal.


SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS:
Karaikal is noteworthy for its domestic architecture which shows the coexistence of two
distinct styles that of the French and that of the native Tamil. Karaikal has an interesting cross
culture influences in residences due to settlement of different religious people in these town.
The study is limited to Franco-Tamil residences in Karaikal.



METHODOLOGY:

1.DATA COLLECTION:
History of Karaikal and its settlement.
Principles and concepts of French architecture.
Characteristics of French houses in pondycherry.
History of French colony in Karaikal.
French architecture in Karaikal.
o school
o church
o graveyard
o court building
o collector office

History of Tamil architecture in Karaikal.

Principles and concepts of Tamil architecture in Karaikal.
o Residences
o Temples built during Cholas period



2.ANALYSIS:
Analysis of the features of the case study and the basic principles of French and
native Tamil architecture.
Adaptations made by French Architecture in Karaikal , for Indian context.
Analysis of cross cultural influences in domestic architecture that has happened
due to the settlement of different religious people in Karaikal

3.CONCLUSION:
Karaikal has an interesting cross-cultural history and its built form is one of
the major component in lending a unique identity to the town.
The outcome of this process gives us a better understanding about the cross
cultural influences in domestic architecture happened due to the settlement of different religious
people has resulted in different typologies in Franco-Tamil houses of Karaikal.
The output of this process also makes us realize the essence of town's
architectural heritage and the need to conserve it.