Culture & Architecture - SRM · PDF fileLocation of Kerala Location of Kerala –– the God’s the God’s own Country Culture & Architecture of Kerala 2

CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE OF KERALAOF KERALA

Prepared by : Mrs.S.H.R.Jawahar Benazir,School Of Architecture & Interior Design

Culture & ArchitectureCulture & Architecture

School Of Architecture & Interior Design

Location of Kerala Location of Kerala –– the God’s the God’s own Countryown Country

2Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of Kerala

own Countryown Country

• KERALA is an Indian state located on theMalabarMalabar coastcoast of south-west India• The state has an area of 38 863 km2

State language

Malayalam

S P d bhThe state has an area of 38,863 km(15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka tothe north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to theeast and south and the Arabian Sea on the

State symbolSri PadmanabhaswamyShanku

State song Vanji bhoomieast and south, and the Arabian Sea on thewest.•• ThiruvananthapuramThiruvananthapuram is the state capital.• Kerala is a popular destination for its

g j

State animal Indian Elephant

State bird Great Hornbill• Kerala is a popular destination for its

backwaters,backwaters, beaches,beaches, AyurvedicAyurvedic tourismtourismandand tropicaltropical greenerygreenery.• The state has the highest literacy rate in India

State tree Coconut

State sport Kalaripayattu

K th k li &• The state has the highest literacy rate in Indiawith 99 percent.• Kerala's principal religions are

Hinduism(56 2%) IslamIslam (24 70%) and

State danceKathakali &Mohiniyattam

State flower Golden shower tree


Hinduism(56.2%),IslamIslam (24.70%), andChristianityChristianity (19.00%)

• The story of Kerala is mirrored in theevolution of its art and culture.K l ’ hi l f t l d t th• Kerala’s geographical features led to thedistinct ways in which Kerala culturedeveloped in the territory.• The relative isolation of Kerala from the

mainland of India in the east, and the longopen coast on the west had strong influencesopen coast on the west had strong influenceson culture of Kerala .• Kerala’s long and inviting coastline that

it d th i l f f i l

Traditional Traditional ChendaChenda MelamMelam

witnessed the arrival of many foreign peopleand cultures and its backbone of hillsfacilitated the retention of its legacy•• KeralaKerala offersoffers aa culturalcultural kaleidoscopekaleidoscope inin itit

literature,literature, language,language, music,music, dance,dance, theatretheatreandand ritualsrituals; the pluralist basis of Kerala


andand ritualsrituals; the pluralist basis of Keralaculture mosaic is reflected in its art forms. KalariKalari PayattuPayattu –– Martial ArtsMartial Arts

• The culture of Kerala is distinctwith an admixture of innumerablewith an admixture of innumerablefacets of various cultures.• The tradition of classical arts

h h h b E d K l

• Mohiniyattam (the dance of Enchantress):It is one of the gracefully elegant classical

which has been Existed in Keralafor more than a thousand yearsare:

dance forms with lasya as the predominantelement.• Thullal: This art is characterized by

• Koodiyattam: Sanskrit dramaperformed in Kerala-the oldestexisting classical theatre form in

Thullal: This art is characterized bysimplicity of presentation, wit & humour.• Folk arts are: Theyyam, thira, Mudiyettu,

kaduvakali Velakali kakkarissnatakamexisting classical theatre form inthe entire world, having originatedmuch before Kathakali and most

h h l f

kaduvakali, Velakali, kakkarissnatakam,Chavittunatakam, Maragamkali, kolakali,Parichamuttukali, Bhadrakalipattu,

other theatrical forms.• Kathakali: The spectacular dance

drama of Kerala integrates dance,

pulluvanpattu and Thiruvathirakali are someof Kerala’s folk art forms.• Martial Arts: KalaripayattuKalaripayattu is an ancient


gmusic, poetry, and histrionics.

Martial Arts: KalaripayattuKalaripayattu is an ancienttradition of martial training and Discipline.

VARIED CULTURE OF VARIED CULTURE OF KERALAKERALA

PookolamPookolam The colorful The colorful OnamOnam SadhyaSadhyaPookolamPookolam The colorful The colorful OnamOnam SadhyaSadhya

6Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaBoat RaceBoat Race Backwaters & boathousesBackwaters & boathouses

CLASSICAL ART FORMS OF CLASSICAL ART FORMS OF KERALAKERALA

MohiniaatamMohiniaatamKathakaliKathakali

OppanaOppana

7Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaThiruvathirakaliThiruvathirakali

TRADITIONS OF TRADITIONS OF KERALAKERALA

Elephants are an integral part ofp g pdaily life in Kerala. Indianelephants are loved, revered,groomed and given a prestigiousgroomed and given a prestigiousplace in the state's culture. Theyare often referred to as the' f h h ''sons of the sahya.'

AyurvedaAyurveda MassageMassage

8Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaTemple FestivalTemple FestivalTraditional Traditional JewelleryJewellery

TRADITIONS OF TRADITIONS OF KERALAKERALA


KERALA ARTSKERALA ARTS

• The earliest known form of artisticexpression in Kerala art were cavecavepaintings,paintings, engraved and painted in cavernsand rock sheltersand rock shelters.• The first available evidence of this Kerala art

belonged to the Neolithic period at Marayoord Ed kk land Edakkal.

• Kerala also has a rich mural heritagedating back to the 8th century.g y•• KeralaKerala MuralMural artart employed natural color,

extracted from plants and minerals appliedon a specifically prepared surfaceon a specifically prepared surface.• Mural remained the major form of artistic expression for many centuries.• However, since mural art, Kerala found expression only on the walls of temples and

10Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of Keralapalaces, its reach was confined to a small segment of the population.

KERALA ARCHITECTUREKERALA ARCHITECTURE

•• KeralaKerala architecturearchitecture is one of the most unique in India, especially in its strikingcontrast to Dravidian architecture, Tamil architecture popularly seen in SouthIndia and its close resemblance to Oriental architecture like Japanese Tibetan andIndia and its close resemblance to Oriental architecture like Japanese, Tibetan andNepalese.

• The architecture of Kerala has however been influenced by Dravidian and IndianV d h l VV ShSh llVedic architectural science VastuVastu ShastraShastra over two millennium.

• The TantrasamuchayaTantrasamuchaya,, ThachuThachu--ShastraShastra,, ManushyalayaManushyalaya--ChandrikaChandrika andandSilparatnaSilparatna are important architectural sciences which have had a strong impactSilparatnaSilparatna are important architectural sciences, which have had a strong impactin Kerala Architecture .

• The ManushyalayaManushyalaya ChandrikaChandrika, a work devoted to domestic architecture is onesuch science which has its strong roots in Kerala.

• The architectural style has evolved from the state’sstate’s peculiarpeculiar climateclimate andand longlonghistoryhistory ofof influencesinfluences ofof itsits majormajor maritimemaritime tradingtrading partnerspartners like Chinese


historyhistory ofof influencesinfluences ofof itsits majormajor maritimemaritime tradingtrading partnerspartners like Chinese,Japanese, Arabs and Europeans.

• Vaastu shastra is an ancient science whichh l t t th t l b fit f l ff d

VAASTU SHASTRA VAASTU SHASTRA

helps to get the natural benefits freely offeredby the five basic elements of the universe.• These basic elements are AkashAkash (SKY),(SKY),

PrithviPrithvi (EARTH),(EARTH), PaaniPaani (WATER),(WATER), AgniAgni(FIRE),(FIRE), andand VayuVayu (WIND)(WIND)..•• VastuVastu ShastraShastra can be applied by keeping inVastuVastu ShastraShastra can be applied by keeping in

harmony with these basic five elements ofnature.V t f t ' b d ' i d• Vastu refers to 'abode' or mansion andShastra or Vidya means science or knowledge.• Vastu Vidya is the sacred holistic science

pertaining to designing and building of houses.• The principles of vastu have been derived from

Sthapathya Veda- one of the ancient sacred

VaastuVaastu PurushaPurusha


Sthapathya Veda one of the ancient sacredbooks in Hinduism.

• The ancient relics say that Vaastuis based on two forces "positive""positive"

dd " ti "" ti " hi handand "negative""negative" which areconstantly interacting with eachother on the surface of the land.• These forces would get disturbed

whenever any structure is erectedon a vacant land to maintain aon a vacant land, to maintain abalance.

• If there are more positive energies (forces) than the negative energies, the result ofp g g gsuch a construction would yield more benefits to the inmates leading to a moresuccessful, healthy, wealthy and peaceful life, contrary to this if the negativeenergies dominate the premises the effects could be negative


energies dominate the premises the effects could be negative.

• The Sanskrit word vaastuvaastu means a dwelling or house with acorresponding plot of land.• The vrddhi, vāstu, takes the meaning of "the site or foundation of a

house, site, ground, building or dwelling-place, habitation,house".• The underlying root is vas "to dwell, live, stay, abide". The term

• What is the name for the Earth as per

y g , , y,shastra may loosely be translated as "science, doctrine, teaching“.

What is the name for the Earth as per‘Thatchusastra’?• As per ‘Thatchusastra’ the Earth is called ‘Vasthu’.• What is the basis of ‘Thatchusastra?• The basis of Thatchusastra is the measure. The

measure is evolved from ‘paramanu’ Themeasure is evolved from paramanu . Themuzhakool (carpenter’s measure) is theelementary measure of ‘Thatchusastra’.


• Vastu shastra is an ancient doctrine which consists of precept born out of atraditional and archaic view on how the laws of nature affect human dwellings.• The designs are based on directional alignments It is primarily applied in HinduThe designs are based on directional alignments. It is primarily applied in Hindu

architecture, especially for Hindu temples.• The foundation of Vastu is traditionally ascribed to the mythical sage MamuniMamuni

MM i S th d Vi h k i N th I diMayanMayan in South and Vishvakarman in North India.• While Vastu had long been essentially restricted to temple architecture, there has

been a revival of it in India, in recent decades, notably under the influence of late V.Ganapati Sthapati, who has been campaigning for a restoration of the tradition inmodern Indian society since the 1960s.• While the fields are related, ShilpaShilpa ShastraShastra explicitly deal with sculpture – forms,While the fields are related, ShilpaShilpa ShastraShastra explicitly deal with sculpture forms,

statues, icons, stone murals etc.• The doctrine of Vastu Shastra is concerned primarily with architecture – building

houses forts temples apartments and other buildings


houses, forts, temples, apartments and other buildings.

• Usually the single houses are called

TYPES OF HOUSESTYPES OF HOUSES

• If two extensions are made fromy g'Sala' in Thatchusastra. (They facetowards the East, the North, theWest or the South)

the edges of the house facing westsuch a construction is called

'Dhwamsyam‘West or the South).• The house that faces the East, may

have extensions from the northernd h d b

Dhwamsyam .Residents in 'dhwams' will sufferfrom loss of sons, torture from

i d b t ti fand southern edges, it becomes ahouse with three parts.• This is called "Sukshetra'.

enemies, and obstructions foreverything such other ruins.

• Prosperity will flourish if one lives in such a house.


• If extensions from both the endsof a house facing the north is

• If a house is constructed facing the southand extensions are taken from the

made it is called 'Hiranyanabhi'.• Living in such house bring in

prosperity and wealth to the

eastern and western edges, it becomes ahouse with three parts. This is called'Chulli' as per Thatchusastra. prosperity and wealth to the

inmates. Godliness will prevailalways in such houses

p• Residents of such a house will suffer from

loss of wealth, loss of children, diseasesfor kids increasing enemies etc


for kids, increasing enemies etc.

• If two separate salas (houses)existing one at the south and theother at the north are joined bya long trough such a residencea long trough such a residenceis called ''kanchamkancham''. Life in a'kancham' will be alwaysquarrelsomequarrelsome.

If h 'k h kk ' h d h• If the 'kizhakkini' in the east and the'padinjattini' in the west are joining by along trough (wooden or metallic) such ag gresidence is called 'Sidhardhakam'. Life insuch a house will always be prosperousand flourishing


and flourishing.

• Nālukettu is the traditional homestead of

NALUKETTUNALUKETTU

Tharavadu where many generations of amatrilineal family lived.• The traditional architecture is typically a •• KIZHAKKINIKIZHAKKINI House structure• The traditional architecture is typically a

rectangular structure where four blocksare joined together with a central

d h k

•• KIZHAKKINIKIZHAKKINI - House structureexisting north-south –prayer &pooja

courtyard open to the sky.• The four halls on the sides are named

Vadakkini (northern block) Padinjattini

•• THEKKINITHEKKINI - House structureexisting east-west; keepingwealth & for human dwellingVadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini

(western block), Kizhakkini (easternblock) and Thekkini (southern block).Th h ll d

wealth & for human dwelling•• PADINJATTINIPADINJATTINI - House structure

existing south-north for storage(crops and grains in the olden• The architecture was especially catered

to large families of the traditionaltharavadu, to live under one roof and

(crops and grains in the oldendays)•• VADAKKINIVADAKKINI - House structure

19Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of Keralaenjoy the commonly owned facilities. existing west-east; Kitchen.

NALUKETTUNALUKETTU

• If all the four structures above are joined as one house it is called a 'Nalukettu‘.• Among them at the middle of the padnijatini, there will be the pooja muri(place

f hi ) d ' ll ' ( f k i dd )of worship) and 'nellara' (room for keeping paddy).• On both the sides there will be two bed rooms Thekkini and kizhakkini are meant

receiving he guests.receiving he guests.• Vadakkini is for cooking and dinning. (Kitchen and dining room).• In the middle of the structure there will be the central yard which wil be in a

rectangular shape. 'Nadumuttam' (central yard) will be usefull for getting lightand air into the house.

• Moreover there will be an underground cave for flowing cut the rain water thatMoreover there will be an underground cave for flowing cut the rain water thatfalls in the 'Nadumuttam'.

• An 'Ettukettu' is that which is joined by two 'nalukettu's. An 'Ettuketu' will have

20Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of Keralatwo nadumuttam‘s.


TYPES OF NALUKETTUTYPES OF NALUKETTU

Nalukettus were differentiated based structure kind as well as basedon caste of its occupants.

BASED ON STRUCTURE• Traditionally Nalukettu has one

BASED ON CASTE• For Nairs and other Feudal lords• Traditionally Nalukettu has one

courtyard with 4 blocks/hallsconstructed around it in cardinal

• For Nairs and other Feudal lords,including Mappila Muslims of Malabar,most of the Nalukettus are referred as

directions.• Nalukettus having 2 courtyards

are known as Ettukettu (8 Blocked

Tharavadu or Mallikas• For Upper Ezhava and Thiyya classes,

their Nalukettus are referred as Madom.(structure) as they have altogether8 blocks in cardinal directions.• Some super structures have 3

• For Kshatriya, their residences arereferred as Kovilakoms and Kottarams.• For Syrian Christians their residences• Some super structures have 3

courtyards, which then are knownas Pathinarukettu (16 blocked

)

• For Syrian Christians, their residencesare referred as Medas and Veedus.• For Nampoothiri communities, their

d f d Ill


structure). residences are referred as Illams.

ELEMENTS ELEMENTS ELEMENTS ELEMENTS OFOF

NAALUKETUNAALUKETUNAALUKETUNAALUKETU


SITE PLAN OF A TYPICAL ILLAMSITE PLAN OF A TYPICAL ILLAM•• ''NatasaalaNatasaala'' && ''PoomukhamPoomukham'' (Drawing(Drawing

R )R ) Pl iRoom)Room) - Place to receive guests• 'Padinjattithara' (The western wing of

quadrangular type of house) - Place to

•• ''PuthanaraPuthanara'' (New(New chamber)chamber) - Roomto store pickles and keep luggage ofAntharjanams

receive respected persons and servethem meals.•• ''DeenamuriDeenamuri'' (Sick(Sick Room)Room) - Room for

Antharjanams.•• ''VadakkeVadakke AkamAkam'' - Labour Room• ''VadakkeVadakke KettKett'' - Lunch hall for

N b h f lDeenamuriDeenamuri (Sick(Sick Room)Room) Room forsick male members.•• ''VadukkiniVadukkini'' (The(The northernnorthern part)part) - Place

t d it l

Namboothiris for noon meals.•• ''KizhakkeKizhakke KettKett'' ('('ThekkethThekketh')') -- Dinner

hall for Namboothiris on specialto do rituals•• ''MeladukkalaMeladukkala'' - Day-to-day dinner hall for

Namboothiris.

poccassions.•• ''SreelaakamSreelaakam'' - Worship Roo•• ''AdukkalaAdukkala'' Kitchen•• ''KalavaraKalavara'' (Store(Store room)room) - Room to store

Rice, Coconut Oil, Coconuts, etc.•• ''PaathrakkalavaraPaathrakkalavara'' (Vessel(Vessel storestore

•• AdukkalaAdukkala – Kitchen•• ''OottupuraOottupura'' - Place to prepare feast

on special occasions.''N d iN d i '' I d


PaathrakkalavaraPaathrakkalavara (Vessel(Vessel storestoreroom)room) - Room to store vessels which arenot in daily use.

•• ''NadumittamNadumittam'' - Inner courtyard

• It is a structure containing a door forming

PADIPPURAPADIPPURA

part of Compound wall for the house with atiled roof on top.• It is the formal entry to the compound withIt is the formal entry to the compound with

the house.

POOMUKHAMPOOMUKHAM

• It is the prime portico soon after steps tothe house.• Traditionally it has a slope tiled roof with• Traditionally it has a slope tiled roof with

pillars supporting roof. Sides are open.• In the earlier days, the Head of the family

called Karanavar used to sit here in areclining chair with thuppal kolambi(Spittoon) by the side of chair. Poomukham with a covered


(Spittoon) by the side of chair. Poomukham with a coveredwalkway (Nadappura) from gate

• From the Poomukham a verandah toi h id i f f h h

CHUTTU VERANDAHCHUTTU VERANDAH

either side in front of the housethrough open passage called ChuttuVerandah.• It has hanging lights in equal distance

hanging from its slope roof.CHARUPADYCHARUPADY

• By the side of Chuttu verandah and Poomukham,wooden benches with carved decorative resting

d i f i h b k id dwooden pieces for resting the back are provided.This is called Charupady.• Traditionally the family members or visitors used


y yto sit on these Charupady to talk.

AMBAL KULAM (POND)AMBAL KULAM (POND)

• At the end of Chuttu verandah thereused to be a small pond built with rubbleon sides where water living plant called

Kulam

on sides where water living plant calledThamara (lotus) or Ambal used to beplanted .Kulappura

BATHING TANKS(KULAM)BATHING TANKS(KULAM)BATHING TANKS(KULAM)BATHING TANKS(KULAM)

• Almost every house has its ownBathing Tank (Kulam) and hall at theBathing Tank (Kulam) and hall at theentrance of tank (Kulappura)

Kulam


POOJAMURIPOOJAMURI NADUKATTILANADUKATTILA

• The best spot for 'poojamuri' is in theeast coner.• But usually the position for poojamuri is

• The spot for the central door frame(Nadukattila) for a house facing theE t t l f th E t• But usually the position for poojamuri is

fixed in the arapurra (central storehouse for paddy and other riches) or

East must also face the East.

closer to the arappura towards thecentre.• The room for worship should not beThe room for worship should not be

loacated under any staircase as it is abad omen & a call for misfortune

Azhiyakam (the room withwooden ventilator) adds to the


functional and architectural value

NADUMUTTOMNADUMUTTOM

• Traditionally Nadumuttom or centralopen courtyard is the prime center

NADUMUTTOMNADUMUTTOM

• Nadumuttom will be normally opento sky, allowing sunshine and rains

the Nalukettu.• There is an open area usually square

shaped in the exact middle of the house

to pour in.• This is to allow natural energies to

circulate within the house and allowshaped in the exact middle of the housedividing the house in its four sides.• Due to this four side division of the

house by having a Nadumuttom Houses

circulate within the house and allowpositive vibrance within.• A thulsi or tree will be normally

planted in center of Nadumuttomhouse by having a Nadumuttom, Houseswith one Nadumuttom used to be calledas Nalukettu house.

planted in center of Nadumuttom,which is used to worship.• Architecturally the logic is allow

• Similarly there was Ettu kettu andPathinaru kettu which are quite rarewith two and four Nadumuttom

tree to act as a natural air purifier.

29Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of Keralarespectively.

• The courtyard created at the centre by thesefour halls is auspicious and is calledNadumuttom or Ankanam

• The outer verandahs along thefour sides of the Nalukettu areenclosed differently Nadumuttom or Ankanam.

• As the Ankanam is usually sunk it is alsocalled Kuzhi(pit)-Ankanam.Th i d h d th A k i

enclosed differently.• While both the western and

eastern verandahs are leftth th d th • The inner verandah around the Ankanam is

open.open, the northern and southernverandahs are enclosed orsemi-enclosed.

Th t di f f th f h llThe protruding roofs of the four hallsformed shady verandas and protectedthe rooms from direct sunlight, keeping

30Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of Keralathem cool even on the hottest of days.

Jasmine platform (Mullathara), an

Nadumuttom

integral part of Nadumittam

with holythulsi incenter of it

S k d ( b )


Snake-mound (Paambumputtu) in Nadumittam

ArtArt work/sculptureswork/sculpturesonon pillarpillaronon pillarpillar

Gi ti Gi ti Gigantic Gigantic pillarspillars

Twin pillarsTwin pillarsTwin pillarsTwin pillars


• The common building materials used for

COMMONCOMMON BUILDING MATERIALSBUILDING MATERIALS

gvernacular construction in Kerala are mud,mud,lateritelaterite andand granitegranite stonestone blocks,blocks, limelimemortarmortar woodwood bamboobamboo clayclay roofingroofing tiletilemortar,mortar, wood,wood, bamboo,bamboo, clayclay roofingroofing tiletileandand coconutcoconut palmpalm leavesleaves.• Though granite stone is a strong and

d bl b ld l d l ddurable building material, due to its limitedavailability mostly to the highlands, the useof granite is limited to the foundation ofgbuildings.• Clay was used in many forms - for walling,

in filling the timber floors and makingin filling the timber floors and makingbricks and tiles.• Palm leaves were used effectively for

h hi h f d f ki


thatching the roofs and for makingpartition walls.

• Laterite stones and timber are theb ld l

LATERITELATERITE

most common building materials inKerala.• Soft laterite stones are available in

most parts of the state, at relativelylow depths. These are quarried anddressed for building the wallsdressed for building the walls.• Laterite stones, called ''VettukalluVettukallu'' in

local language, is abundant in theidl d f K l Th l i lmidlands of Kerala. These are relatively

soft stones that could be dressed andcut with ease.• Laterite stones improve in strength as

they are exposed to sun and moisture.This unique quality makes laterite a


This unique quality makes laterite amaterial of choice for construction.

TIMBERTIMBER

•• Timber,Timber, abundant in the state, is the othermost important structural element used inKerala.• Large number of rivers and water bodies • Rose wood and teak are popular hardLarge number of rivers and water bodies

made it easy to transport huge trees fromthe hilly regions of the state to the plains.• The masterful joinery and skillful carvings

Rose wood and teak are popular hardwood used in construction.• Timber is the prime structural

t i l b d tl il bl i• The masterful joinery and skillful carvingsare common in older buildings.• The elements are dressed and accurately

material abundantly available inmany varieties in Kerala - frombamboo to teak.

cut on the ground and joined to form thewooden roof frame, on which then the tilesare spread.

• Perhaps the skilful choice of timber,accurate joinery, artful assembly anddelicate carving of wood work forare spread.

• The local artisans use elaborate systemsto ensure absolute accuracy in woodworkwithout which framing the roof structure

delicate carving of wood work forcolumns, walls and roofs frames arethe unique characteristics of Kerala

hit t


without which framing the roof structurewould be impossible.

architecture.


TILESTILES

• Tiles are the most commonly visible unifyingfeature of Kerala architecture.• Tiles paved on wooden trusses were the most

common and elegant roofing of the yester years.common and elegant roofing of the yester years.

• Today, Due to the limitations of the materials, a mixedmode of construction has evolved in Keralamode of construction has evolved in Keralaarchitecture.• The stone work was restricted to the plinth even in

important buildings such as temples.• Laterite was used for walls.


TheThe variousvariousareasareas ofof aatypicaltypicalKeralaKeralaNalukettuNalukettuNalukettuNalukettuHouseHouse..Wood,Wood,L iL iLateriteLaterite,,TerracottaTerracottaandand GraniteGraniteplaysplays ananimportantimportantrolerole ininrolerole ininformingforming aatraditionaltraditionalK lK l


KeralaKeralahousehouse

ETTUKETTUETTUKETTU• For larger homes and

wealthier families, thereare more elaborate formsare more elaborate formsof the Nalukettu, called theEttukettu (eight halled witht t l t d )two central courtyards) orPathinarukettu (sixteenhalled with four centralcourtyards). Traditional sloped elaborate

roofing of an Ettukketu


EttukketuTharavad


• Kerala architecture can be broadly divided

COMPOSITION & STRUCTURECOMPOSITION & STRUCTURE

yinto 2 distinctive areas based on theirfunctionality, each guided by different set ofprinciples;principles;• The gabled roof and ceiling works are the

prime feature of Kerala architectural style.RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE l

Religious Architecture• RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE, primarilypatronized by temples of Kerala as well asseveral old churches, mosques etc.

Religious Architecture

q• DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE, primarily seen in

most of the residences. There aredistinctively styles as Palaces and largedistinctively styles, as Palaces and largemansions of feudal lords different fromhouses of commoners and also markeddiff i b li i


difference exists between religiouscommunities.

Domestic Architecture

• The primary elements of all • Structurally the roof frame was

COMPOSITION & STRUCTURECOMPOSITION & STRUCTURE

• The primary elements of allstructures tends to remain same.• The base model is normally circular,

• Structurally the roof frame wassupported on the pillars on wallserected on a plinth raised from

square or rectangular plain shapeswith a ribbed roof evolved fromfunctional consideration.

the ground for protection againstdampness and insects in thetropical climate.u a d a

• The most distinctive visual form ofKerala architecture is the long,steep sloping roof built to protect

p a a• Often the walls were also of

timbers abundantly available inKeralasteep sloping roof built to protect

the house’s walls and to withstand theheavy monsoon, normally laid with

Kerala.• Gable windows were evolved at

the two ends to provide attictiles or thatched labyrinth of palmleaves, supported on a roof framemade of hard wood and timber.

ventilation when ceiling wasincorporated for the roomspaces.


p

COMPOSITIONCOMPOSITION

• Most of the buildings appears as • The most important science whichlow height visually, due to over-sloping of roofs, which are meantto protect walls from rains and

Kerala has developed purelyindigenously is Thachu-Shastra(Science of Carpentry) due to theto protect walls from rains and

direct sun shine.• The science of Vastu plays a very

important role in developing

(Science of Carpentry) due to theeasily availability of timber and itsheavy use of it.• The concept of Thachu underlinesimportant role in developing

architecture styles.• The basic concept underlines that,

• The concept of Thachu underlinesthat as timber is derived from aliving form, the wood, when used

every structure built on earth hasits own life, with a soul andpersonality which is shaped by its

for construction, has its own lifewhich must be synthesized inharmony with its surroundings andpersonality which is shaped by its

surroundings.harmony with its surroundings andpeople whom dwell inside it.


• The large number of temples in Kerala

WOOD CARVING OF KERALAWOOD CARVING OF KERALA

and the doors, windows, and ceilings ofmost ancient taravads or ancestralhomes show the high level ofhomes show the high level ofcraftsmanship prevalent in wood-carving.• The wood used is mainly teak• The wood used is mainly teak.• These elegant taravads have massive

teak doors, studded with brass.• Rich carvings are found in the

archways of these doors and theceilings have scenes from religiousceilings have scenes from religiousepics, as well as flowers, foliage andanimal motifs.• A lot of sculptural and relief work is


• A lot of sculptural and relief work isfound as part of wood work

• The motifs found in the woodwork are PuranicPuranicscenesscenes and depictions from the epics, along withh fifi i li l bi dbi d tt ddhuman figures,figures, animals,animals, birds,birds, trees,trees, andandflowersflowers..•• RathasRathas oror templetemple chariotschariots used during certain

ceremonies showcase the artistry and technicalmastery of the craftspersons of Kerala.• Wood-carving is a highly evolved craft in KeralaWood carving is a highly evolved craft in Kerala,

and the best examples are seen in the templesand churches.O f th i h t l f d i i• One of the richest examples of wood-carving isthe Mahadeva temple, Katinakulam,Trivandrum.The ceiling is beautifully carved withBrahma, the god of creation, sitting on a swan inthe centre.• Elephant carving is also a specialisation here and


Elephant carving is also a specialisation here andelephants are produced in a variety of posturesand sizes.

PADMANABHAPURAM PADMANABHAPURAM CCPALACEPALACE


• Represents the most

THE SREE PADMANABHAPURAM PALACETHE SREE PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

Represents the mostclassic Kerala domesticarchitecture.• It is also thethe world'sworld's

largestlargest woodenwooden palacepalacemade on sloping roofs,p g ,granite and rosewood-teak wood workcombinationscombinations.


Important buildings in the palace include:•• MANTRASALAMANTRASALA– King’s Council ChamberMANTRASALAMANTRASALA King s Council Chamber•• THAITHAI KOTTARAMKOTTARAM– Mother Palace (also known as Darbha Kulangara Kottaram)

The Thai Kottaram is the oldest part of the palace.It was built during the reign ofR V K l kh l 1592 1620 CE A lRavi Varma Kulasekhara perumal, 1592 – 1620 CE.A secret tunnel over onekilometer long from this building provided the royal family with an escape routein times of war.

• NATAKSALA– the Hall of Performance, or of Performing Arts• UPPARIKA MALIKA– the King’s Quarters — a four-story building at the center

of the palace complex containing the King’s Treasury, sleeping quarters, resting and study rooms, and the top floor serving as the worship chamber of the royal household. Martanda Verma built the King’s Quarters in 1744 A.D.household. Martanda Verma built the King s Quarters in 1744 A.D.

• THEKEE KOTTARAM– the Southern Palace• A ceremonial feasting hall, which can accommodate around 1000 guests


49Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaMANTRASALAMANTRASALAOrnamental wooden bracketsOrnamental wooden brackets

InteriorInterior ––withwith richrich woodenwoodencarvingscarvings--carvedcarved outout ofof aaCeilingCeiling ofof EkanthaEkantha

50Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaThai Thai KottaramKottaram

singlesingle jackfruitjackfruit treetreeCeilingCeiling ofof EkanthaEkanthamandapammandapam--verandahverandah


AMBARI MUGHAPPUAMBARI MUGHAPPU

BuiltBuilt forfor KingKing toto viewviewthethe holyholy chariotschariots duringduringfestivalsfestivals.. TheThe structurestructurefestivalsfestivals.. TheThe structurestructurebuiltbuilt inin thethe shapeshape ofofAmbariAmbari,, thethe seatseat putput ononthethe elephant’selephant’s backback forforppsafarissafaris..


Natakasla -Exterior

Navaratri Mandapam- with itsreflective flooring and carvedpillars, where dance performancesp , ptake place.


Wooden Brackets

The wooden overheadbeams that support the roof


beams that support the roof

The ceremonial Dining Hall -Ootapura

55Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaUpparika Malika

Ornamentalcarvings onwood


CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONSCONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONS

IIM, KOZHIKODEIIM, KOZHIKODE

CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIESCENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIESCENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIESCENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

ASHTAMUDI RESORTASHTAMUDI RESORTASHTAMUDI RESORTASHTAMUDI RESORT

NAPIER MUSEUMNAPIER MUSEUM


• The Institute is located inKunnamangalam, a sub-urban area ofKozhikode Kerala

58Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaIIM, KOZHIKODEIIM, KOZHIKODE

Kozhikode ,Kerala.

The campus is spread across two hills which are part of the Western GhatsThe campus is spread across two hills which are part of the Western Ghats

59Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaIIM, KOZHIKODEIIM, KOZHIKODE

The campus is spread across two hills which are part of the Western GhatsThe campus is spread across two hills which are part of the Western Ghats

“Bricks to me are like faces. All of them aremade of burnt mud, but they vary slightly inshape and colour. I think these small variationsgive tremendous character to a wall made ofthousands of bricks, so I never dream ofthousands of bricks, so I never dream ofcovering such a unique and characterful creationwith plaster, which is mainly dull andcharacterless I like the contrast of textures ofcharacterless. I like the contrast of textures ofbrick, of stone, of concrete, of wood.”- LaurieLaurieBakerBaker..

60Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaCDS,TRIVANDRUMCDS,TRIVANDRUM

The campus, designed and constructed by the famous architect, Dr Laurie


p g yBaker epitomizes his uniqueunique stylestyle andand philosophyphilosophy ofof adaptiveadaptive buildingbuilding methodsmethods

• The design exhibits arange of concepts appliedby Laurie Baker, to the

Construction features used in the structure are: -• Foundation constructed of random rubble

mixed in lime surkhi mortar; (limey ,individual buildings as persuiting to their needs offunction, scale, and

mixed in lime surkhi mortar; (limemanufactured from manufactured from seashells on the site).S t t f l d b i b i k Sl b, ,

dimensions.• Also these buildings are a

good example of the

• Super structure of load bearing brick.· Slabsare of filler tiles; whereas flooring is a mixtureof local quarry tiles.·good example of the

saying ‘Form FollowsFunction’.

• Windows are made out of jack wood.·Bathrooms are plastered, rest all surfaceseither exposed or whitewashed.

• The precast stair treads used in circular stairtower are made of filler slab and bambooreinforcement.·


• Roofs are of folded concrete slab.

• All the concerns of hishit t l ti tharchitectural practice the

sensitivity to the natural contours& elements of a site, the honest &optimum utilization of thematerials find an expression in theplan &structures of the centerplan &structures of the center.It has all the Bakercharacteristics- the jalis, thet diti l f th t dtraditional roofs, the steppedarches, the overhanging eaves andthe skylights. Baker is able totransform vernacular architectureto suit the requirements of amodern academic institution


modern academic institution

ASHTAMUDI RESORTASHTAMUDI RESORT

• The resort’s architecture reflectsthe unique style of constructiondeployed by the Travancore Raj.• Ashtamudi means, 'eight-armed',

after the eight arms of the lake.after the eight arms of the lake.• The Ashtamudi Lake is the

gateway to a glimpse of theserene backwaters located inserene backwaters,located inKollam.

A h d R f d f f f h l• Ashtamudi Resort is famed for its magnificent views of nature that leaves anindelible impression on one’s mind.• It is built in the Traditional THARAVADTHARAVAD STYLESTYLE; a contemporary expression of the

64Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaASHTAMUDI RESORTASHTAMUDI RESORT

p y pvernacular style indigenous to Kerala.


The traditional elements/features with The traditional elements/features with contemporary materials.contemporary materials.

Traditional ornamental carved pillarsTraditional ornamental carved pillars



• The Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated in Trivandrum,the capital city of Kerala.Th hit t l t i d i d b R b t Chi h l• The architectural masterpiece was designed by Robert Chisholm• Napier Museum is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and

architectural style with gothic roof and minarets.architectural style with gothic roof and minarets.• Interestingly, the structure has been designed to condition air naturally. the

museum remains cool even on a scorching summer day.• The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts,

bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It alsocontains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma andcontains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma andNicholas Roerich, as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.• The Museum grounds also hold a Zoological garden, which is one of the oldest in

I d Th Z bl h d 1857 d d 55


India. This Zoo was established in 1857 and is spread over 55 acres.


68Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaNAPIER MUSEUMNAPIER MUSEUM

• The mainarchitectural featuresof the museum are itsof the museum are itsgothic roof andminarets;

t ti iornamentation usingbronze and stonesculpture;

• The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italianhit t l t larchitectural styles.

• The museum is an architectural marvel with natural air-conditioning,• The Napier Museum in Trivandrum displays a unique combination of authentic

69Culture & Architecture of KeralaCulture & Architecture of KeralaKerala style of architecture added with Chinese and Mughal touch.

• The most intriguing feature of themuseum is its architecture. Themagnificent edifice stands in the lushobservatory gardens, a symbol of thearchitectural magnificence achieved byarchitectural magnificence achieved bycombining Chinese and Mughal styleswith Kerala's traditional forms of

t ticonstruction.

• The tall minarets, gothic roofs and stained glass windows and the vivid use of colorsThe tall minarets, gothic roofs and stained glass windows and the vivid use of colorssuch as blue, pink, yellow, red and white make it a dreamy sight.• High arches, intricately carved balconies, red and white grilles and stone

ornamentations give the museum its charms


ornamentations give the museum its charms.


BIBLIOGRAPHYBIBLIOGRAPHYBIBLIOGRAPHYBIBLIOGRAPHY

• http://www.wikipedia.org/

// /• http://www.google.co.in/

• http://www.keralaculture.com/

• http //la riebaker net/• http://lauriebaker.net/

• Traditional buildings of India, Ilay Cooper, Thames and Hudson Ltd.,

LondonLondon

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Culture & Architecture - SRM · PDF fileLocation of Kerala Location of Kerala –– the God’s the God’s own Country Culture & Architecture of Kerala 2