UNIT I

INTRODUCTION
Definition and classification of Vernacular architecture Vernacular architecture as a
process Survey and study of vernacular architecture: methodology- Cultural and
contextual responsiveness of vernacular architecture: an overview
UNIT II
APPROACHES AND CONCEPTS
Different approaches and concepts to the study of vernacular architecture: an over
view Aesthetic, Architectural and anthropological studies in detail
UNIT III VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF THE WESTERN AND

NORTHERN

REGIONS OF INDIA

Forms spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism, colour, art, materials of

construction and construction technique of the vernacular architecture of the
following: - Deserts of Kutch and Rajasthan; Havelis of Rajasthan. - Rural and
urban Gujarat; wooden mansions (havelis); Havelis of the Bohra

Muslims. -

Geographical regions of Kashmir; house boats

UNIT IV VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF SOUTH INDIA
Forms, spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism, art, colour, materials of
construction and construction technique, proportioning systems, religious beliefs and
practices in the vernacular architecture of the following: - Kerala: Houses of the Nair
& Namboothri community; Koothambalam, Padmanabhapuram palace. - Tamil Nadu:
Houses and palaces of the Chettinad region; Agraharams.
UNIT V WESTERN INFLUENCES ON VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA
Colonial influences on the Tradition Goan house - Evolution of the Bungalow from the
traditional bangla, Victoria Villas Planning principles and materials and methods of

UNIT III

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF

THE WESTERN
AND NORTHERN REGIONS OF INDIA
Forms spatial planning, cultural aspects, symbolism,
colour, art, materials of construction and construction
technique of the vernacular architecture of the following:
- Deserts of Kutch and Rajasthan; Havelis of Rajasthan
- Rural and urban Gujarat; wooden mansions (havelis);
Havelis of the Bohra Muslims
- Geographical regions of Kashmir; house boats

HAVELIS OF RAJASTHAN

PATWON JI KI HAVELI
The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting and important
among the havelis in Jaisalmer.
This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the
First Haveli Erected In Jaisalmer and second, that it is not
a single haveli but a Cluster of 5 small havelis.
The first among these havelis was commissioned and
constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is
the biggest and the most ostentatious. It is believed that Patwa
was a rich man and was a renowned trader of his time. He
could afford and thus ordered the construction of separate
stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the
span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first
60 years of the 19th century.

The havelis are also known as THE 'MANSION OF

BROCADE

MERCHANTS'.

This

name

has

been

given

probably because the family dealt in threads of gold and

silver used in embroidering dresses. However, there are
theories, which claim that these traders made considerable
amount of money in Opium smuggling and Money-lending.
This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in
a narrow lane. This haveli is presently occupied by the
government, which uses it for various purposes. The office of
the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft
department is situated in the haveli itself.

Many Paintings And Mirror-works on the wall were done.

The other important aspects are its Gateways And Arches.
The whole building is made Yellow Sandstone, the main
gateway is in Brown Color.

SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI

Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an

older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building
was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta
family of Jaisalmer.
They were the Most Influential Family of their time. This
haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime
Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital.
The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort.
and has a distinct architecture.
The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock.

People claim that Salim Singh made two additional

floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja
did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra
floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough
evidence to corroborate the story.
Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers
guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones
and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli
consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have
distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the
haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also
sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.

SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI

NATHMAL JI KI HAVELI
Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of
Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer.
Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli.
The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to
be brothers. It is said that the two brothers started building
different facets of haveli finally it had irregular shape.

Barring that, this haveli is still

considered the best in Jaisalmer in
terms of grandeur. There are other
minute details worth appreciation.
For example there are Two
Elephants Made Of Yellow
Stone. Other than these, there are
Pictures Engraved On Pillars
And Walls. These consist of
Horses, Cattle, and depiction
of Flora among other things. But
the most interesting aspect of this
haveli is the drawing of modern

Two architect brothers built this haveli namely Nathmal Ji

Ki Haveli in the 19th century. One concentrated on the right, the
other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony
epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction.
Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the
interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone
stand guard to the haveli

NATHMAL JI KI
HAVELI

BANGORE KI HAVELI

Bagore-ki-Haveli is a haveli in Udaipur in Rajasthan state in

India. It is right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori
Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built
it in the eighteenth century.
The palace has over a hundred rooms, with displays of
costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the
interiors are Haveli work.
It also preserves an example of Mewar painting on the walls
of the Queen's Chamber. The two peacocks made from small
pieces of colored glasses are examples of glasswork.
Now it is converted as museum by government of rajasthan.

BANGORE KI HAVELI