By Prajwal Godse 09/20/2024
Today, I went out scouting to find and photograph traditional indigenous mud houses. These mud houses, known as “kacha ghars,” are extremely rare now. This is mainly due to a social scheme launched by the central government, which provides low-income families with monetary grants to convert their existing “kacha ghars” into “pakka ghars”—permanent concrete houses.
While this scheme greatly benefits those families, it unfortunately means that mud houses are becoming exceedingly rare. This makes it challenging to document how they’re built, the materials used, and how the people living there interact with them.
Near Bindrabin village, about 20 kilometers from Silvassa, I stumbled upon one of these rare mud houses. The walls were constructed using materials found in nearby forests—dry husk and cow dung—with stripes of lighter and darker shades added for aesthetics. Cow dung is commonly used to coat the floors and walls, adding durability, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and cooling properties. The roof was composed of bamboo and tree branches, covered with leaves, hay, or country tiles. This provides natural insulation and is perfectly suited to the local climate, showcasing an understanding of sustainable building practices long before modern construction methods began considering these aspects.
Every house typically has a “chakki” (a grinding stone) and a “musad” for dehusking grains. I noticed a “chakki” made of two circular stones with a hole in the middle where grains are poured to make flour. The interiors are minimalist, containing only a few cooking and eating utensils, boxes for valuables, large pots for storing grain, and essential tools like a plow, shovel, axe, and musical instruments. Their belongings prioritize practicality and reflect a minimalist approach to daily life.
The house had relatively few doors, and small openings near the ceiling allowed light and air to enter. There was a small patch of open space in front of the house. The outer walls of the hut were painted with chalk drawings depicting jungle life, reflecting a well-developed sense of aesthetics and art.
Unfortunately, no one was at home, so I didn’t get the chance to go inside. While I was there, some children came by, and I managed to get some candid shots of them. Their playful energy added a vibrant touch to the experience.
This visit highlighted how these traditional mud houses are not just shelters but integral parts of the indigenous lifestyle. They embody a range of functionality and aesthetics, contradicting the belief that they are inferior to modern cement and brick houses. The use of local, natural materials and the minimalist yet practical interiors reflect a deep connection with the environment and a sustainable way of living that has been honed over generations.
