VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE
OF
ANDHRA
PRADESH
BY: PAVANA{21091AA010}, HAMEEDA{21091AA014},
SWAPNA{21091AA023},RISHIKA
 short brief….
Andhra Pradesh came into
existence in 1956, with the Andhra
State coming together with the
Telugu-speaking northern districts
of Hyderabad State.
It shares its border with Tamil
Nadu to the north and Kerala to
the west; it’s separated from
Karnataka to the northwest by a
narrow strip of land following a
coastal bend.
 look into History….
The state of Andhra Pradesh came into being with the fall of the
Satavahana dynasty, which ruled over the Andhra region for about
400 years. The discovery of the inscriptions and rock-cut temples
and Chalukyan architectural works at Amaravati are attributed to the
period between the 2nd century BCE and the 8th century CE.
However, several other sites in present-day Andhra Pradesh date
back to earlier periods. During this period, the Satavahanas, of Indo-
Aryan origin, ruled both Andhra and parts of Maharashtra.
The old name of Andhra Pradesh is derived from the word
“Andhra”, meaning Satavahanas, the most senior kings of Andhra
Pradesh and India.
 Topography

Andhra Pradesh has a

diverse topography with three
major regions: the Coastal
Andhra region, the
Rayalaseema region, and the
Eastern Ghats. The coastal
Andhra Pradesh region lies
along the Bay of Bengal and
consists of a fertile alluvial
plain. The Rayalaseema
region is characterized by
. rocky terrain, hills, and
plateaus. The Eastern Ghats,
which run parallel to the
coast, are a series of low to
medium-height hills and
 CLIMATE
OF
ANDHRA Climatic Zone
PRADES HOT & HUMID
H

Rayalaseema Region: Eastern Ghats:

Coastal Andhra has a semi-arid receives relatively
Pradesh: climate with hotter more rainfall than the
The presence of the summers and cooler western part due to the
Bay of Bengal winters compared to orographic effect. The
influences the weather, coastal areas. Rainfall hills trap moisture-
making it relatively in this region is laden winds, leading to
humid, especially relatively low, making it higher rainfall in certain
during the monsoon more susceptible to areas.
season. drought conditions.
 The Water Bodies…
Andhra Pradesh, a state in southeastern India, is home to several important rivers that are
vital to the state's economy and its people. These rivers are crucial for agriculture,
industry, and daily life in Andhra Pradesh, and they are also an important part of the state's
culture and heritage. Many of these rivers are considered sacred by the people of Andhra
Pradesh, and they play an important role in the state's religious and cultural traditions.

TWO MAJOR
GODAVARI
RIVERS OF
ANDHRA
PRADESH

KRISHNA
 FLORA
 The total forest cover of the state is 29,784.3 square kilometres
(11,499.8 sq mi), amounting to 18.28% of the total area.
 The Eastern Ghats region is home to dense tropical forests, while
the vegetation becomes sparse as the ghats give way to the
peneplains, where shrub vegetation is more common.
 The vegetation found in the state is largely of dry deciduous types,
with a mixture of teak, Terminalia, Dalbergia, Pterocarpus,
Anogeissus, etc.
 The state possesses some rare and endemic plants like Cycas
beddomei, Pterocarpus santalinus, Terminalia pallida, Syzygium
alternifolium, Shorea talura, Shorea tumburgia, Psilotum nudum, Mangrove forest near Kakinada
etc.

FAUNA
 The diversity of fauna includes tigers, leopards, Dholess,
black bucks, cheetals, sambars, sea turtles, and a number
of birds and reptiles.
 The estuaries of the Godavari and Krishna rivers support rich
mangrove forests with fishing cats and otters as keystone
species.
 The state has many sanctuaries and national parks, such as
Coringa, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Kolleru
Bird Sanctuary, and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nagarjunsagar Dam
 DEMOGRAPHICS:
 Based on the 2011 Census of India, the population of Andhra Pradesh is
.
49,577,103, with a density of 304/km2 (790/sq mi).
 70.53% of the population is rural, and 29.47% is urban.[5] The state has
17.08% Scheduled Caste and 5.53% Scheduled Tribe populations.
 The state has a sex ratio of 997 females per 1000 males, higher than the
national average of 926 per 1000.
 Telugu is the first official language, and Urdu is the second official
language of the state. Telugu is the mother tongue of nearly 90% of the
population. Rajahmundry is the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh,
as the Telugu language has roots from this region.
 Urdu, spoken by about 6% of the population, was a second official
language in fifteen districts of united Andhra Pradesh and was made
the second official language on 17 June 2022.
 RELIGION: In the state of Andhra Pradesh the most widely professed
religion is Hinduism, with significant Muslim communities. According to
2011 Census of India figures, Hindus (90.87%), Muslims (7.32%) and
Christians (1.38%) form the three largest religious groups in the total
population of the state.
 ECONOMY:
 The primary source of the state’s economy is Agriculture and rice is the main crop of agricultural
products.
 Due to the high production of rice in Andhra Pradesh, it is also known as the rice bowl of India. Some of
the major agricultural products of Andhra Pradesh are rice, bajra, jawar, wheat, pulses, oil seeds, millet,
sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, etc.
 Andhra Pradesh also constitution 10% of the fish production and in India 70% of Shrimp production is
done from Andhra Pradesh.
 The mineral sources also constitute economic growth, the mineral sources include Chrysolite asbestos,
barytes, copper ore, mica, coal, limestone, and manganese.
 This state is also known as the Ratna Garbha of India as its resources are 110 M tonnes of industrial
grade minerals and 200 M tonnes of building materials.

Aerial view of Hindustan Visakhapatnam, a major Lush green farms in Isuzu Motors India
Shipyard Limited (HSL), commercial city in Andhra Konaseema manufacturing plant,
Visakhapatnam Pradesh aerial view, Sri City
 CULTURE OF ANDHRA PRADESH
LANGUAGE: TELUGU
ARTS AND CRAFTS :Kalamkari, a
traditional textile art form, is popular in the
region, known for its intricate hand-painted
designs.
The region is also known for the production of
exquisite Kondapalli toys, Banjara
embroidery, and Bidriware, a metalwork craft.
Festivals: Some of the major festivals
include Sankranti (the harvest festival), Ugadi
(Telugu New Year), Dasara (Navaratri), Diwali
(Festival of Lights).
Sports: Andhra Pradesh has its
own traditional sports and games.
Kabaddi, a contact sport popular in
India, has a significant following in the
region. Rural sports like bull-taming
(Jallikattu), cockfighting, and boat
racing are also organized during festivals
and celebrations.
Music and Dance:
Carnatic music, a classical music
form, is widely practiced and has
produced renowned musicians.
Kuchipudi, a classical dance form
that originated in Andhra Pradesh, is
known for its dynamic movements,
expressive storytelling, and
intricate footwork.
Cuisine: Andhra cuisine is
famous for its spicy and flavorful
dishes. The region is known for its
extensive use of spices, including
chili peppers, which give the food
its distinct taste. Some popular
dishes include biryani, pulihora
(tamarind rice), pappu (dal),
gongura pachadi (sorrel leaf
chutney), and various seafood
preparations.
Architecture: The region is
home to several architectural
marvels. The ancient city of
Amaravati, with its Buddhist stupas
and sculptures, reflects the rich
history of the region. The temples of
Tirupati, Srisailam, and
Simhachalam are important
pilgrimage sites known for their
exquisite architecture.
Performing Arts: Besides
Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh
has other traditional dance
forms like Vilasini Natyam,
Bhamakalapam, and Butta
Bommalu (stick puppetry).
Folk arts like Burrakatha
(narrative singing), Lambadi
dance, and Oggu Katha
(epic storytelling) are also
popular.
INTERESTING FACTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

#1 FACT

The designer of the Indian

National Flag was from Andhra
Pradesh
PINGALI VENKAYYA, ,born in–
Machilipatnam the Indian freedom fighter
who designed the Indian tri- colour was
born in Andhra Pradesh.
He came up with the design and colours of
the National Flag depicting sacrifice, peaceYou can enter a subtitle here if you need it
and harmony after an extensive research
on flags of 30 other countries for five years.
“It is home to the only pillar #2 FACT
in the world that stands
suspended in air.’’

A small village in the Anantpur district of

Andhra Pradesh houses the lesser known,
but historical Lepakshi temple. The temple
has 70 pillars in all, and one amongst them
has been defined by some as a ‘medieval
architectural wonder’.
Reason?
It is a pillar that appears to be hanging Veerabhadra temple of Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
from the ceiling without any support.
RIVERS IN ANDHRA PRADESH
 River Krishna
 River Godavari
 River Penna
 River Tungabhadra
 River Nagavali
 River Vasundhara
 River Kundu
 River Musi
 River Sarada
 River Bahuda
 River Tandava
 River Champavathi
02. TYPES OF HOUSING

You can enter a subtitle here if you need it

 Types of Houses in Andhra
Pradesh

MANDUVA LOGILI CHUTTILLU

Present in Godavari, Guntur, Nellore,

Cuddapah or Vijayanagaram districts of the
state, these homes are traditionally red in
colour due to the Vadapalli tiles.
Yellamanchilli Mandal, Visakhapatnam
District, Andhra Pradesh. This house cluster
was built by residents of the Haripuram village
in Yellamanchilli Mandal, Visakhapatnam
District, Andhra Pradesh
 CHUTTILLU:
 In Andhra Pradesh’s coastal
areas , where cyclones are
common, the locals build circular
mud houses that can withstand
winds of up to 250km per hour

 This vernacular architecture

technique of Andhra uses locally-
available construction materials
and is eco-friendly, sustainable
and low-cost.
 Called Chuttillu, which means a
circular house in Telugu.

 These structures  Minimizes carbon footprint as

only local materials are used
are built by
for construction.
farmers and  Chuttillus are constructed
fishermen in the close to each other in a
cyclone-prone circular formation so that the
areas of the East cyclonic winds that often hit
Godavari district. the coast bounced off
tangentially away from the
cluster.
DESIGN OF CHUTTILLU:
 These houses have thatched conical roof and a circular
house plan with concentric walls making them cyclone
resistant.
 The concentric pattern gives rise to an inner safe space
for the family and an outer transitional space, which has
a grain storage area on one end and the kitchen at the
other end.
 The inner rooms are used as an attic for storing
valuable assets in times of floods and cyclones. The width
between the two consecutive walls is around 1.5
metres. Small openings are made on the outer wall for
ventilation of the kitchen and storage area.
 The outer wall holds the conical roof at an angle of
around 45 degrees from the horizontal to ensure that
rainwater does not stay on the roof. The roof is thatched
with palmyra leaves and other locally available materials
like unused fisherman’s nets. Sometimes tyres and heavy
earthenware are tied to maintain pressure over the roof.
 Outside the main housing area, there is a small
alternative cooking area for summers, called the vantsala,
a battery for chickens and a shelter for the bullock cart
called the aedul bandi jaaga.
 CONSTRUCTION OF CHUTTILLU:
In the case of a cyclone, the high-pitch conical
roof is difficult to uplift and allows the wind to pass
over it while the two openings allow the release of
pressure.
Chuttillu houses are, in many ways, similar to
Bhunga houses built in Gujarat’s Kutch region.
Since chuttillus are built close to one another, they
allow the strong winds to flow tangentially across
them.
MATERIALS USED : Mud, bamboo and palmyra
leaves.
The round structure and high-
pitch roof of the house add to
the aerodynamic feature of
Chuttillu. The houses have two
openings – one in the front and
the other at the back.
MANDAVA LOGILI:
 In Andhra Pradesh, India, a Manduva Logili or (logili) is a kind of courtyard
house suitable for extended family (joint family) to live in.
 Manduva Logili houses built in olden days before the 1950s and 1960s are
still found in rural villages of East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Nellore,
Vizianagaram, and Kadapa districts.
 At that time, the joint family system was the prevalent norm in society,
which explains the large area of a Manduva Logili house.
 Complete with an open courtyard surrounded by a series of rooms, the
exquisite architectural splendour of these homes can be assessed from the
carved solid rosewood or teakwood pillars that surround the open
courtyard for support.
 The open courtyard allows ample sunlight to penetrate all the rooms
equally at different times of the day.
 In addition, the spatial courtyard helps maintain proper air ventilation,
keeping the house cooler than outside throughout the year, especially
during the hot summer months. Additionally, the drainage system of this
courtyard redirects rainwater to flow out from the sides without
accumulating inside at any point.
 An ornately designed grand simhadwaram designates the main entrance of
a Manduva Logili home.
  Predominantly built with all naturally procured resources like
gummy or pasty soil and red-coloured Mangalore or Vadapalli
tiles, these houses have an abundance of wood in their structure,
mostly comprising the pillars.
 The traditional red tiles cover the roof of the house while red
bricks make the main structure of the walls.

 Though rosewood or teakwood pillars

constitute a standout element of
Manduva Logili homes, this particular
feature is also a disadvantage when it
comes to longevity.
 The wooden structures are prone to
infestation by termites, the main
roadblock in the preservation of these
heritage homes.
 Rainwater Conservation with a Copper Pillar
 For instance, every Manduva Logili house has a hollow
pillar-like structure installed at a central location of the
house. Made entirely of copper, this hollow pillar is
connected to a dome at the ceiling which opens to the
sky.
 The terrace of the house is built in such a manner that all
the rainwater falling on the roof is redirected towards this
dome.
 The hollow copper pillar connected to the underground
sump, channels the rainwater into the ground, thereby
replenishing the groundwater levels around the house.
Generally, a pit is constructed on the ground floor parallel to
the open dome on the terrace so that the rainwater falls
directly into this pit before getting redistributed across
underground water channels. You can then access the
conserved rainwater through underground water tanks.

 It is claimed that these copper pillars also

safeguard the house from thunderbolts during a
storm.
MATERIALS USED:
Gummy soil, red bricks, rose/ teak wood and
vadapalli/mangalore red tiles

Unfortunately, coupled with reasons such as long-term damage and

modern builders wanting to take over these spaces, Manduva Logili
homes are on the decline. It is, however, humbling to know that several
families are refurbishing these homes only to provide a modern twist, all
while maintaining their cultural integrity.

Manduva Logili are distinct and easy to recognise. Perhaps, it is their

perceptible look and grandeur, but their real charm lies in their
heritage and tradition.

Maintenance
Manduva Logili houses are often prone
to attacks of termites (white ants). Its
maintenance is very expensive. Today
it is almost impossible to get huge
wooden logs in the market, due to
tightening of laws related to forestry.
 COMPARISION BETWEEN MANDAVA LOGILI AND CHUTTILLU

CHECKLIST MANDUVA LOGILI CHUTTILLU

LOCATION RURAL VILLAGES COASTAL AREAS

FORM RECTANGULAR CIRCULAR/ROUND

MATERIALS Gummy soil, red bricks, rose/ Mud, bamboo and

teak wood and
vadapalli/mangalore red tiles
palmyra leaves.

MAINTAINENCE HIGH LOW

COST HIGH LOW

PROTECTION AGAINST YES YES
NATURAL CALAMITIES
EXISTENCE NO{VERY LOW} MAY BE/RARE
 CONCLUSIONS
 Andhra Pradesh is a land of rich and traditional cultural heritage. It has an extensive architectural
reservoir and indigenous knowledge in rural culture.
 The vernacular types of construction are those that existed in the region in their primitive forms, such as
a sloping roof surface to bear rainfall, a circular house shape to fight cyclonic winds, a mud roof that
keeps out the sun's heat, or an inner courtyard that makes the shaded open room.
 Vernacular architecture still exists in Andhra Pradesh, and people are now using it with some indigenous
technologies.
 Due to globalization, the vernacular pattern of living has altered.
 Likewise, housing patterns in Andhra's rural regions cause individuals to alter their living patterns. New
buildings have been built and older buildings have been changed or replaced.
 There were several new construction materials and new building techniques.
 There is recent considerable interest in indigenous construction technologies related to research and
development found in vernacular architecture of various parts of the country.
 However, most study activities are restricted to documentation.
 Only very limited researches focus on developing quantitative understanding of these structures'
behavior in order to further improve the technologies and develop analytical methods for their use.
 In this context, the main problem is to learn basic principles and lessons of vernacular architecture and
to find ways to integrate these principles into development programs in order to plan or upgrade existing
settlements
ధన్య వాదాలు