Koti Banal Architecture of Uttarakhand: Indigenous Realities and Community Involvement

Abstract

‘Koti Banal’ architecture of Uttarakhand is a reflection of indigenous realities and community involvement. It demonstrates a profound knowledge of local materials and native sensibilities. Investigations suggest that this is an earthquake-safe construction style done in timber and stone, which evolved as early as 1000 years ago. This paper is an attempt to study the Koti Banal architecture of Uttarakhand and understand the craft nurtured by the indigenous communities using locally available materials in response to earthquakes. In fact, the Koti Banal architecture is much like the framed construction of modern times. The structural design suggests that these buildings responded well to the forces likely to act upon them during an earthquake. The paper further investigates what are the modifications that have happened in this style of architecture with respect to morphology and materials, through three case studies done in the Garhwal region. This is primarily a descriptive research based on a case study (field study) approach, which focuses on traditional knowledge systems; indigenous building materials; community involvement; and, craft skills of Uttarakhand.