Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Convenors:
Prof. (Dr) Durga Basu, Vice President, Kolkata Society for Asian Studies., Former Head of the Department, dept of Archaeology, Calcutta University, India, durgabasu57@gmail.com
Prof. (Dr) Sergiu Musteata, History and Geography Faculty, Ion Creanga State University, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, sergiu_musteata@yahoo.com
Indigenous building heritage reflects centuries-old construction knowledge systems, uniquely adapted to the local geography, climate, and ecological conditions of each region. From prehistoric times, communities have developed construction techniques using locally available materials, ensuring sustainability and resilience. These structures have demonstrated remarkable longevity and adaptability to environmental extremes, showcasing the wisdom embedded in Indigenous practices.
This session explores the diverse Indigenous architectural traditions across different countries, analysing their similarities and differences. It will highlight the sustainability, ecological suitability, and low-risk nature of these construction methods, offering insights into how traditional knowledge can enrich modern sustainable building practices. Through a comparative study of Indigenous rural built heritage, the session aims to uncover valuable lessons for future architectural and environmental planning.
Papers:
New Findings Pertaining to ‘Timber Bonding’ Structures in Vadnagar (Gujarat): A Review of Ancient Construction Techniques and Associated Networks of Knowledge Dissemination
Ananya Chakraborty, Assistant Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, India
Abhijit S. Ambekar, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, India
Recent archaeological discoveries from Vadnagar, in western India, have revealed distinctive ancient structures that incorporate wooden components to enhance their earthquake resistance. It is also noteworthy that the site has documented ancient seismic activity. This newly found evidence indicates sophisticated structural advancements in the town and also facilitates the comprehension of analogous technological interventions observed in various locations of the ancient world.
Although, the incorporation of wooden elements in masonry to reinforce structures has been observed in the traditional houses of the nearby World Heritage city of Ahmedabad, this discovery at Vadnagar extends the chronology of such practices by centuries. exemplifying the masonry and carpentry expertise of the craftsmen of that era. The research additionally provides documentation of the evidence, accompanied by conjectural illustrations depicting the utilisation of these wooden components. It examines the observations and analysis of such unique applications in each location where they were discovered during excavation, thereby elucidating the nature of the members’ usage.
The article contextualises these findings within the historical use of wooden elements in structures, emphasising their potential relationship with previous discoveries. This enhances the scholarship on the significance of wooden elements in masonry construction for seismic resilience in ancient India.
Indigenous Building Heritage: Sustainability, Knowledge Systems, and Global Perspectives – A Study of the Heritage Buildings of Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, India
Dr Sayamtara Jash, Post-Doctoral Fellow in Ancient Indian History, Archaeology and Culture, Ramakrishna Institute of Culture; Assistant Professor, Dept of History, Bolpur College, Bolpur, India
This paper examines the heritage buildings of Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan, India, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, as a unique example of architectural integration between tradition and modernity. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Visva-Bharati’s architectural legacy reflects Tagore’s vision of an open, nature-centric learning environment that harmonises with its cultural and ecological context.
This study explores the indigenous building heritage of Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, focussing on structures such as Sanskar Bhavan, Prak-Kuthir, Dehali, Notun Bari, Kalobari etc. These heritage buildings exemplify a confluence of sustainability, traditional knowledge systems and global architectural perspectives that reflect the visionary ethos of Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan. Rooted in locally sourced materials, climate-responsive design, these structures showcase a deep understanding of environmental harmony and cultural identity.
By analysing their architectural elements, planning and construction methodologies, the study highlights the relevance of indigenous knowledge in shaping ecologically sustainable built environments. It also investigates how these buildings serve as living repositories of artistic expression and community engagement. This research underscores the necessity of preserving these heritage structures to contemporary needs while maintaining their authenticity. In doing so, it contributes to broader discussions on heritage conservation, sustainable architecture, and the integration of traditional wisdom into modern design practices.
My Home – My Fortress: Traditional Rural Architecture in the Republic of Moldova
Adriana Musteata, Edinet County Museum, Republic of Moldova
Prof. Dr Sergiu Musteata, History Department, Ion Creanga State Pedagogical University of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
The organisation of living spaces has a long history shaped over millennia, emerging from the features of geographical environments and cultural traditions. Thus, we can discuss the particularities of dwellings from various perspectives: topography, climate, planimetry and dimensions, construction materials and techniques, roof types, interior design, etc. The vernacular architecture of the Republic of Moldova fits perfectly into the specifics of East-Central Europe. However, from an ethnographic point of view, certain particularities are highlighted due to both environmental characteristics and traditions accumulated throughout history. My presentation starts from the popular proverb “My home – my fortress”, which demonstrates the general perception of the house. In this sense, I will use archaeological, historical and ethnographic data from the Orheiul Vechi area, one of the most representative cultural sites in the Republic of Moldova and demonstrate the originality of indigenous architectural traditions in Moldova.
Religious and Secular Buildings of Chhattisgarh: Study of Indigenous Style
Dr Keka Banerjee Adhikari, Curator, Kolkata Society for Asian Studies, Kolkata, India
Chhattisgarh lies in the central-eastern part of India and touches almost six state boundaries. The region can be divided into three major geographical units: the Northern hills, the Central plains and the Bastar plateau. The Indigenous architecture of the land is a unique blend of traditional styles, materials and techniques reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. From ancient times to the mediaeval period, the architecture of religious and secular buildings, including forts and fortifications, memorial pillars erected by aboriginal tribes, their houses and the abodes of their tutelary deities, have been shaped by Chhattisgarh’s geographical location, climate and the availability of local materials. In the mediaeval period during the strong rule of the Sarabhapuriyas, Panduvamsis and the Kalachuris, the religious buildings, like temples and monasteries, as well as vernacular buildings, show regional character with the infiltration of different architectural styles from other parts of the country. This paper will discuss the regional style of architecture of religious and secular buildings in Chhattisgarh which are an Indigenous tangible cultural heritage of this land to the present, and autochthonous to this region.
Indigenous Built Heritage and the Popular Tourist Spot of Garh Panchkot, Purulia District, West Bengal
Sarmistha De Basu, Kolkata Society for Asian Studies, Kolkata, India
The myth and traditional legend of Garh Panchkot form part of the archaeological value of the ruined fort or garh of the Panchkot Kings of Manbhum district in the lap of Panchet hill in Purulia. Here, the main fort is almost ruined, but there are a few temples scattered throughout the area; the main temple is the ‘Panchratna’ temple, which has been largely renovated in 2018-19. The kings of the dynasty were Rajputs who believed in Shaktism, but the temples reflect their inclination towards Vaishnavism. This was probably due to the influence of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in 16th century. There are two more temples of the Jorbangla type and the old massive stone block construction. The exquisite terracotta work on the arches and pillars of the Pancharatna temple is a rich built heritage of the local kings of West Bengal. Here we can find the temple of Telkupi, Jaichandi Temple on the top of Jaichandi hill, and Kalyaneswari temple of the Goddess Kali within 2km upstream of Maithon Dam. All the sites have rich Indigenous built heritage and importance to local tourism if the tribal and folk art and rituals can be connected to the history of these sites. There are some legends and hidden history about the Singdeo King and the local Bhumij King, who were the main royal family who protected this land against foreign invaders and outsiders. The Chata Parab, Bhadu parab are the local rituals of the Indigenous people, which were celebrated in the royal families. The Chhau Dance and Nachni dancers were royal dancers of this Garh or fort. Therefore, the built heritage of this land has a linkage with the local tradition and that is the main key for sustainable development of these people and the development of tourism, as well as safeguarding the tangible and intangible heritage of this area.
Search for Indigenous Vernacular Buildings and Construction Techniques as Evidenced in the Lesser Himalayas
Prof. Durga Basu, Vice President, Kolkata Society for Asian Studies; Former Head, Dept of Archaeology, Calcutta University, India
The Lesser Himalaya also known as Himachal stands in between the Siwaliks and the Greater Himalayas. This Himalayan zone is composed of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic crystalline, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India falls within this physiographic zone of Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh with its complex geo- morphological aspects has produced some unique indigenous building structures which are not only built with local materials but they have introduced some spectacular construction techniques. The traditional houses have showed a different type of architectural pattern which is suitable for hilly environment. The indigenous buildings are all climate responsive structures and these houses can withstand the extreme cold climate and seismic tremor. In Himachal the common rural and tribal houses are constructed with locally available timbers and stones. Built with wooden logs and slate stones with an age old traditional “Kath- Kuni” technique execute very significant aspect of indigenous culture and organic institution of the community. Throughout the Himalayan region these local structures provide a strong resistance to the Himalayan environmental impact. The present paper will highlight the vernacular buildings of the Himachal Pradesh.