Significance of the Study

The present study possesses immense significance from various perspectives. The vernacular architecture is the major segment of the material culture and cultural heritage of a society. These architectures and associated aspects are major areas that deserve a comprehensive academic study. The folk or vernacular architecture has immense socio-cultural and folkloric importance, which is one of the prime significances of the study. The socio cultural dimension of these buildings has proved an important area of enquiry, pioneered by the folklorists. This is well observed by Noble who said, “Among the earliest scholars to recognise the cultural significance of traditional buildings, as expressed in folk architecture, are those folklorists who were exponents of the folk-life approach” (Noble:2007:6). Hence, these architectures possess great cultural significance to be studied form the folkloric perspective.

The present study can be considered as an initiating stride to draw the deserved attention for the preservation of the traditional knowledge and forms of these architectures. These architecture has not drawn the due attention of the stakeholders in the state which, however, is a global scenario as observed by the renowned scholars of the field.

Oliver states:

The twentieth century has witnessed the decline of architectural traditions all over the world. Universal modernism contributed to the neglect of vernacular architecture. It was not until the mid-century that serious, if minority, attention was given to the heritage that was rapidly being lost. (Oliver:1996)

The architectural knowledge as well as the forms of the architecture is fast losing grounds for various factors. Therefore, it is the high time to document various aspects of the traditional architecture of the region. Along the waning of the tradition, the people with the knowledge of the architecture are also gradually decreasing. Therefore, before the knowledge become extinct permanently, it need to be recorded for the posterity. Simultaneously, it will help the continuation of this decaying tradition, technique, terminologies, folklore, and cultural implications of the art.

The topic of the vernacular architecture display importance from various perspectives because “not only the fabric of the building, its materials, construction and plan, as well as the archaeological and architectural evidence of change, but also the folk ways of those who inhabited it, their customs, superstitions, habits of work and play, their music, literature and oral traditions” (Noble:2007:6). The above view of Noble is the suggestive of the multi-faceted significance and importance of the topic, especially in the present day context. The gradual decrease of traditional settlement and houses in the society intensifies the necessity of systematic study of the topic and document architecture sustaining aspects of the society.

The subject also has other contemporary significance like cultural significance, ecological significance, socio-economic significance etc. The traditional vernacular architecture of the state is intertwined with the traditional culture of the people. These architectures are the part of the culture, which plays important role in the sustenance of the cultural traditions of the people. Thus, the tradition, folk beliefs and rituals, etc. round the architecture represents a dominant portion of the folklore and culture. In that perspective, these architectures bear a very robust cultural value as well, which can be counted as a prime significance of the study.

Similarly, the ecological significance of VA or its role in the maintenance of the ecological balance and preservation of the environment has come out through various studies. Thus, the eco-sensitiveness and eco-friendly nature of the vernacular architecture tradition is an important aspect that enhances the significance of the study. Simultaneously, the socioeconomic issues related with the traditional vernacular architecture are also not insignificant. It is because; the socio-economic issues are the major and determinant factor in the continuation of vernacular architecture. The discussion and addressal of the socio-economic aspect in vernacular architecture can be viewed as a major significance of the study.

The changing situation and condition is impeding the vernacular architecture tradition in its continuity. The society has witnessed the gradual advancement in the field of science and technology, industrialization, communication, and so on, which has lent recurring pressure on the vernacular architecture tradition. In the present era of globalization, the study of the impact of globalization on tradition, art, and society, through the prism of vernacular architecture, can be treated as another significance of the study. Lastly, the politics and political aspect in relation to the study may have relevance, which will also be critically examined.