Vernacular Architecture of

Gondia, Maharashtra, India

INTRODUCTION
Gondia district (almost on Maharashtra and
MP border) is located near Nagpur in
Mahrashtra.
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 livestockshelters of the second, completing the
original traditional dwelling as it would have

Traditional Dwelling Study of a House in Gondia,

Maharashtra

BASIC HOUSE
FORM

ELEVATION

A stepped pyramidal structure with

sloping roofs.
No open terrace and minimal openings

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

VIEW OF THE DWELLING

COMPOUND

SECTIONALPLANSHOWINGTHEZONINGINSIDEHAVELI
PUBLIC
SEMIPUBLIC
PRIVATE
OTHERS

CLIMATE
The building seems to be built keeping in mind
all the seasons.
Though it is best suited for summers.
The upper floors act as false ceiling.
The side passage rooms act as wind channels.
Absence of openings reduces the heat
exchange to the minimum.
The roof extends almost a meter beyond the
walls, probably to protect the heavy rainwater
from soaking the walls.
As well as to provide shade from the sun and
prevent heating up of the building.
Front courtyard faces the north, preventing
direct solar rays on the most used part.
The rear verandah can be used much more in
winter due to suns southern inclination

LOCATION & BUILDING

MATERIALS
1.Timber framework
2.Light blue color of
the walls
3.Mud walls

Setting
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.
Other dwellings come up nearby adjacent to the haveli of the other villagers.
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 coloured with lime mixed with indigo, to give a light blue colour.
The tiles used on the roof are burnt clay tiles

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 pooja 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 poojas 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.

GRAND ENTRANCE

THANK YOU