Architecture (b): Ideal Lay Out of an Assamese Traditional Homestead

In the region, clusters of households form the village where homesteads that are arranged in accordance to the road. However, though aligned to the road, houses are not constructed very near to the road in normal condition. Rather, homesteads are positioned little away from the common main street and connect with an approach way (paduli). The fenced and demarcated campus is entered through a traditionally fashioned gate or an entrance shed (bat-chora) that provides privacy and restricts the entry of the stray animal as well. Sometimes, the approach road contains two bamboo curtain walls called dena-bera that provides the privacy to the homestead. Simultaneously, the aag- chotal precedes the architectural units to ensure further seclusion and privacy.

The aag- chotal usually follows by a secondary structure, usually the Choraghar, after which the main chotal situates. Around this courtyard, different units of the homestead are arranged as per traditional prescription of layout. On the other hand, the pich- chotal is a completely secluded and private area, not visible from the main courtyard, used by the female folk to carry out their daily chores.