ABOUT THE BOOK
fjrigjwwe9r0pp_Books:Description
It is perhaps for the first time that a book on the
Indian indigenous architecture is attempted. Written in a lucid diction, it
deals with the architectural traditions of Indian adivasi communities,
highlighting the vital architectural peculiarities of indigenous domestic
architecture, which have so far remained completely ignored. The dwellings of
adivasi people living in the secluded pockets are the true ‘homes’ in letter
and spirit which offer warm, affectionate and protective acceptance like
mother`s bosom, because each person of the family puts in his heart, soul
and sweat to make these from the locally available raw materials. The walls
painted with the enchanting devices and figures form an integral part of these
‘homes’. Thus, if the structure is a ‘physical component’ of a ‘home’, the wall
paintings form its `spiritual component`. Therefore, none of these ‘homes’ is a
cold structure, but the vibrant embodiment of grih-devata.
The architecture of these dwellings is a class by
itself for its nostalgic charm and quintessential qualities. It never
transgresses the natural ambiance of the locality, but complements it by
imparting ‘humane’ touch. Thus, each of the traditional homesteads forms an
organic part of the local environment.
This study may provide knowledge base to conceptualise
the idea of ‘Green Architecture’ or ‘Natural Architecture’, which has lately
become a worldwide craze against the conventional or the ‘synthetic architecture’.
Obviously, the ‘Green Architecture’ has to be eco-friendly, conducive to the
body, spirit and lifestyle of the people, responsive to the local cultural
ethos and the natural environment. If some practices of the indigenous Indian
architecture are modified and adopted into the ‘Green Architecture’ for the
residential buildings as an alternative to the conventional ‘synthetic
architecture’, the landscape shall look naturally greener and pleasing.
The
book, spread in 13 chapters, is based on the field study of many years covering
most of the adivasi pocket of the country. The book is tastefully illustrated
with 80 interesting sketches, drawings and a few photographs that the author
prepared during his field studies. This pioneering work is of great use and
interest for the architects, policymakers, planners, sociologists and general
readers.
ABOUT Author
fjrigjwwe9r0pp_Books:aboutAuthor
Dr.
O. C. Handa (born 2nd Oct. 1936 at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh) is a well-known
connoisseur of art and culture. Having been in the field now for more than half
a century, he is an outstanding scholar of the Indian history and archaeology
in general and the Himalayan region in particular. He has been travelling
extensively in all parts of India, from the Trans-Himalayan interiors to the
coastal regions to have firsthand knowledge of the sociocultural life of people
and their creativeness. That underscores not only his zeal to
explore the extant evidences of their history and culture but also his
dedication to acquire the firsthand and authentic knowledge of their creative
accomplishments. His writings vividly reflect that quality.
Dr. Handa is a post-graduate in history from Mysore
University, Ph. D. from Meerut University and D. Lit. from Agra University.
Having come from the civil engineering background, he also underwent training
in Archaeology. He remained in-charge of Museums & Archaeology in Himachal
Pradesh for several years and remained Director of the International Roerich
Museum Trust.
Dr. Handa has authored thirty-two books on the art,
history, archaeology and culture. Besides, he has written many research papers
for various national and international journals, and contributed to the
Encyclopaedia of Hinduism. Thus, he has more than five hundred papers to his
credit. He has been participating in the international, national and regional
seminars and lecturing at various forums in India and abroad. He has also been
performing on the radio and TV.