Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Vernacular House Forms of the Vaishnav Community in Vadnagar, India
Bhargavi Panchal & Foram Bhavsar
Abstract
Bhargavi Panchal & Foram Bhavsar
Abstract
Traditional houses are more than just physical structures; they are architectural manifestations of the socio-cultural factors present in communities. Across various traditional architecture settings around the world, the spatial organizations, construction techniques, material usage, and settlement patterns of houses have come into being in response to the socio-cultural values and lifestyles of the communities that inhabit them. This relationship between culture and built form is also evident in India, where different communities have always expressed their cultural identities through distinctive architectural forms. Despite extensive studies on vernacular architecture, limited research explicitly links socio-cultural practices with spatial configurations in specific religious communities. One such example is the traditional house forms of the Vaishnav community, which reflect deeply rooted socio-cultural values. In this context, this research examines the factors influencing the house forms in Vadnagar, India. The research employs case studies as a methodology within the qualitative research paradigm. Several data-gathering techniques are employed to gather data. Primary data collection was done through detailed architectural documentations, including measured drawings of plans and sections, and photographic documentations. They reveal the spatial organizations and the architectural characteristics. Interviews and informal discussions were conducted with the residents to understand the socio-cultural background of the Vaishnav community, along with their lifestyles, daily activities, beliefs, and cultural practices. Findings reveal that the spatial organizations, hierarchy of spaces, interior elements, and patterns of space usage are deeply influenced by the religious beliefs, social structures, cultural values, and everyday lifestyle practices of the community. Spaces within the houses are organized according to levels of privacy, ritual practices and beliefs, and social interactions, reflecting the close relationship between culture and the built environment. The research thus concludes that socio-cultural factors play a significant role in shaping the architectural spaces and built forms of Vaishnav community houses in Vadnagar, India.
Keywords:
Socio-cultural aspects, Culture, Traditional House forms, Vaishnav community, Vadnagar, India