DOORS & CHAUKHAT

Chaukhat & the door had major significance in the cultural history.
( Chaukhat (Threshold) – A small raised platform at the entrance / the doorsill. Mostly made of stone, or piece of timber, which lies
under a door, especially of a dwelling house, church, temple, likewise.)

An entrance is the focal point of most of the home’s façade and the main door is the most valuable asset,
designed with a fine lockset and creative knocker. Doors are considered as the main source for energy to enter
any premises. Position of the door, its angle, shape, size, color and design has major impact on overall energy
of the property. Wood is considered as a good and holy material for the entrance door as wood is bad conductor
of heat. It’s the first thing to hold when someone arrive and the last thing to touch while leaving. So it’s easy to
understand why most of the people prefer there doors to be made of wood. No other material matches the
warmth of wood.
Not keeping a Chaukhat is a major fault according to vastu as it invites negativity and insects in the house. In
most of the indian culture it is considered good luck for a bridegroom to carry the bride over the threshold to
their new home. Also there is an Indian tradition called as ‘kalash pratha’, before bride enters the Chaukhat of
the house. Crossing the Chaukhat of any new property is
important as many people greet the Chaukhat before entering the property. It is a gesture of respect for that
space. Many people paint or carve their Chaukhat with auspicious symbols. And most people use worship
Chaukhat.
In Cultural History there are several types of doors, such as Egyptian Tombs, Greek and Roman Doors, Mughal
Darwaza, Maratha Dwar etc.. Every culture has different importance and meaning for entrance way.
The cultural importance of DOORS AND CHAUKHAT in two places of Maharashtra: Traditional Doors of
Pune & Chaukhat of Shani Shingnapur.
Traditional Doors of Pune. In old
Wadas, the dominating feature of the external facade was the large entrance doorway made of wood. This main
entrance doorway had a smaller doorway within called the Dindi Darwaza.Only the small doorway, dindi, kept
open for regular use. This was obviously for security reasons and making enter someone’s domain in a very
humble manner. The doorway also had a carved strip at lintel level with auspicious symbols known as the
Ganesh patti.The fixtures were of iron.
Vishrambaug Wada shows the main door with large size, having dindi and iron fixtures. Main door of Dhepe
Wada has been in accordance with size, material and aesthetic of the older structure. Style of dindi Darwaza
retained to recall the feel of old Wada and symbolism characteristic has continued by placing Ganesh patti at
apex of entrance in Dhepe wada. Door as a stylistic element with characteristic has been picked in Dhepe
Wada.
Chaukhat of Shani Shingnapur.
Shani Shingnapur is popularly known as the village of no doors, no locks which fall under Ahmednagar district
of Maharashtra.  It’s known for its customary tradition of no doors for generations, which they practice towards
their undying faith in the divinity of Lord Shani, the god of Saturn, considered as the holy guardian of the
village. It is believed that if anyone would attempt a theft here, they will attract the wrath from the
supreme power and will be immediately punished with blindness. People here believe a lot in Chaukhat at the
entrance. They believe people entering with negativity in the house suddenly fills with positivity after crossing the
Chaukhat. And they worship it regularly. Even the jewellery and money are all kept without any lockers. The
villagers agreed to put a thin curtain near the entrance, for privacy of women. But not doors because that would go
against the belief. The villagers occasionally use a barrier or a sheet at the entrance to keep the dogs and stray
animals away from entering the home.
In recent times, most of the doors are design for showcasing, not considering its cultural importance.
Chaukhat & the doors had major significance in the past which has been fading.