Design Dynamics: Guthus of Tulunadu

Designing a house has never been a task taken lightly. Whether in the past with traditional craftsmen or today with modern architects, the process involves extensive deliberation and effort. In bygone eras, carpenters were not just builders; they were artisans who meticulously designed entire houses. These craftsmen dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, constructing homes with remarkable detail and spatial precision. The houses they built were more than mere structures; they were works of art, infused with the skill and creativity of their makers. Each element was carefully considered and crafted, from the intricate woodwork to the layout of the rooms.

© Murali Abbemane

Unfortunately, the art of traditional craftsmanship has waned over time, replaced by modern construction methods and mass production. While we can still admire the beauty of these old houses, their craftsmanship is often difficult to replicate today. The intricacies of their design and construction remain a testament to the skill and dedication of the craftsmen who built them.

In earlier times, the spatial layout of houses differed significantly from modern conceptualizations, tailored to the lifestyles prevalent at the time. Families often spent much of their time outside the home, engaged in agricultural or administrative activities, and their residences were designed accordingly. This led to four primary categories of housing arrangements: ekshala, dwishala, trishala, and chaukashala.

                                                     © Sharvani Bhat

Ekshala houses were typically simple rectangular structures with an entrance to the north, comprising three rooms; a kitchen, a storage unit, and a central unit which acted as living, dining, and sleeping area. Those with greater means opted for dwishala or trishala layouts, which featured additional segregated rooms like dining areas, prayer rooms, living spaces and separate sleeping units.

Among the upper class, particularly the Bunt family who owned large landholdings, more elaborate structures were common. Traditionally they lived in a large joint family where generations of maternally related relatives lived in a large single Guthu. Royal Palaces among the Bunts were called ArasaMane and smaller manors were called Beedu, the residence of administrative officers.

Almost all of the Guthu houses were inward-looking mansions designed around a central courtyard. They often featured steeply pitched roofs, single and double-storeyed blocks, and symmetrical facades. Guthu houses served as the focal point of the family's landholdings, situated amidst agricultural fields and gardens.

The head of each household, known as the Yejamanaye, resided in these Guthu houses, which were characterized by specifically defined spaces and a sense of grandeur. These Guthus were situated amid surroundings of paddy fields, coconut, and areca gardens, Bunt homes generally followed a distinct pattern of architecture. These houses have an entrance door through the Chavadi, or an open Jagali which was used by landlords to discuss with their tenants and solve dispute matters related to the village. which then leads it to a large door called the Hebbakil. The hebbakil gives way to an open yard called the Angala/ courtyard. Angala is walled on all four sides. The Angala is decorated with wooden pillars called Khamba, carved with images from Hindu mythology. Followed by the Angala is the Padashale/ Nadu mane or the middle portion of the house. This was used only by the members of the house and entry to non-Bunts was restricted. Some houses had a small well created within the compound of the house for the use of the family members. Around the Angala separate rooms were dedicated for Daily worship called the Devarakone and a Daiva Room for Bhootha aradane and Nagaradhane. Further, the angala had a set of narrow stairs that led to the sleeping units on the first floor.

                                                                        © Murali Abbemane

This particular Guthu house is an elaborate structure, constructed approximately 100-120 years ago, with subsequent additions made over time. With a built-up area of nearly 1acre, and an adjacent agriculture field spanning about 2 acres, it is a structure to behold.

The development of this house can be delineated into three distinct phases based on the evolution of its construction style. The initial phase likely began with the construction of the padashale, serving as the foundation for subsequent expansions. This phase laid the groundwork for the establishment of surrounding halls, kitchens, dining areas, sleeping quarters, deva and daivasthanas (spaces for religious worship), as well as essential facilities such as the large cow shed and ugranas (storage unit).

As the household expanded and evolved, additional structures were incorporated to accommodate changing needs and influences. Notably, the introduction of the chavadi, influenced by British architectural styles, likely marked the final major addition to the house. The chavadi served various administrative and communal functions, reflecting the evolving lifestyle and societal dynamics of the inhabitants.

                                                     © Sharvani Bhat

In recent years, minor RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) structures have been added, perhaps to address modern needs and amenities.

Overall, the development of this house reflects a dynamic interplay between tradition, innovation, and necessity, resulting in a rich architectural tapestry that tells the story of its inhabitants across generations.

Currently, numerous houses of this nature are facing demolition for a variety of reasons, including property disputes, insufficient maintenance due to lack of caretakers, categorization as "dead property," and the increasing value of land compared to the structures themselves. However, as conservation architects, we are deeply troubled by the prospect of losing these magnificent buildings. Rather than viewing them as expendable structures, we regard them as invaluable repositories of knowledge and history.