Vernacular Architecture of

Gondia, Maharashtra, India

SUBMITTED BY:
DHIRAJ KUMAR
BARCH/15005/14
INTRODUCTION

 Gondia district (almost on Maharashtra and MP border) is located near Nagpur in Maharashtra.
 The traditional dwellings situated there, are typical for that region.
 The houses varied from small single storied mud structures to three or even more, in similar
pattern.
 This is a study of a three storied haveli belonging to a zamindar.
 But unfortunately the front courtyard was a mere shadow of its original form.
 So, the information gathered here is a combination of a couple of other similar structures.
 So the main building of the original haveli is combined to the courtyard and livestock-shelters of
the second, completing the original traditional dwelling as it would have had been.
BASIC HOUSE FORM

 Spaces are arranged about a

central space which is the
main bedroom.
 The plan is a rough 7x7 grid.
 The wall thicknesses vary
from 1m and downwards.
ELEVATION

• A stepped pyramidal structure

with sloping roofs.
• No open terrace and minimal
openings.

AN ISOMETRIC VIEW OF THE DWELLING COMPOUND

FLOOR PLANS
VILLAGE GATHERINGS

• Gatherings of males of the village happened 1. Front verandah for

daily in the evenings after the days work. minor and personal
• Sometimes small scale social functions also gatherings
happen here. 2. A large courtyard suitable
• This activity is completely public and thus no for holding mini functions
privacy is required. 3. Seating outside the main
gate.
SPECIFIC FEATURES KEEPING IN MIND THE
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Increase of thermal resistance and capacity by maximizing the

building depth.(The thick walls increase the time lag)
Low utility upper floors act as false ceilings
Light coloring to minimize heat absorption by the walls.
Promote heat loss
Vegetation outside to decrease glare
Overhanging roof to the north and south to provide protection from
sun and rain and glare from the bright overcast sky
Main habitable rooms facing north and south
LOCATION & BUILDING MATERIALS

 The haveli is a structure with the entrance facing the north.

 A haveli is built in the Centre of the land owned by a zamindar. This is about 100 acre.

Building Materials

 Building materials are completely local:

 Framework is done by teakwood found in the jungles nearby.

 Wherever stone is used, (most importantly as a plinth) is local stone. Grey granite is
found in the region.
 Walls are made up off a mixture of mud + straw + cow dung.
 The walls are colored with lime mixed with indigo, to give a light blue color.
 The tiles used on the roof are burnt clay tiles
1.Timber framework
2.Light blue color of the walls
3.Mud walls
TRADITION AND
BELIEFS
Short heights of the door
• The doors throughout the haveli are less than 6ft in height.
• The main entry to the central room being almost 1.5m.
• This is to make sure that each person entering a room bends in respect .
The big main entrance
• Oppositely the main entrance to the haveli is almost 3m x 3m.
• This is because the gate is supposed to have an inviting and open look.
Secluded puja room
• The room is supposed to be very sacred and only the upper caste people are
allowed to enter it.
• The puja room is the most innermost room linked to the central room.
• It is a place where only the family members and priests are allowed.
• Sometimes pujas and even mini havans are conducted without anybody outside
getting the whiff of it.
Secluded area for women
• The womenfolk were not allowed to come out in open in front of everybody.
• They were restricted to the backside of the haveli basically the kitchen and the
rear verandah.
ORNAMENTATIONS

Maximum decorations found in the haveli are in the front verandah in

the columns and doors. These is most importantly to show off.

GRAND ENTRANCE
Though entries to all residences in the village
are big, the main gate to a haveli is the largest
measuring about 3m x 3m and outer walls being
5m tall.
THANK YOU