Vernacular Architecture of Assam (Introduction)

The vernacular architecture of Assam is a subject resplendent with variety and richness of tradition. However, such variety and richness simultaneously beset with the complexity in the study and classification of material. The existence of numerous communities and traditional culture lent the traditional material of architecture of region the variety and vividness. The corpus of the vernacular architecture incorporates primarily residential structures that also incorporate auxiliary and subsidiary structures as well which are very much part of the homestead. However, along with residential architectures, the architectures constructed for seasonal occupancy and community architectures are very much part of the vernacular architecture.

Thus, the body of the vernacular architecture of the state is primarily consists of the following genres:

Residential—It forms the major share of the vernacular architecture, found as component parts of a homestead. As constructed for the permanent settlement, it is formal and composite in nature.

Seasonal—These architectures are informal and usually transitory in nature and utility. They are constructed for seasonal living especially in the cultivation area

Community—These are formal and shared architecture of a group such as the prayer halls or the youth dormitories.

The stylistic division of the vernacular architecture turns a difficult task. The difficulty arises in the selection proper parameter for the classification. The primary division of the population of into tribal and non-tribal does not fits in corresponding stylistic segregation of the vernacular architecture. However, in respect to the residential genre, we see two compositional varieties in homestead-multi-unit composition and single unit architecture if we consider from domiciliary perspective. Thus, in the multi-unit composition, a number of vital houses are constructed in a homestead while in the single unit variety usually one house accommodates a family and contains the indispensible units within that architecture. There is also difference in respect to the built environment as is noticed in the above varieties. It is a general practice in the multi-unit variety to establish a homestead within a secured and clearly defined campus, which is not the usual practice in the other variety. The multi-unit homestead, the most popular and widely prevalent variety, seen exclusively among non-tribal population as well as among some tribal communities where structures are primarily earth-fast. Conversely, the single unit type is usually stilt architecture, primarily prevalent among certain tribal communities. Nonetheless, there notice striking similarity in respect to the use of material, processing of material, and general construction technique irrespective of the varieties. But in spite of such apparent similarities, there exist certain unique elements in respect to the technique of construction as is noticed in different communities. Notwithstanding, it can safely be said that the typical multi-unit architecture variety is ideally regarded and held as the ideal Assamese homestead.