Techniques (g): Geomancy and Orientation of Forms

The orientation of houses, especially for the primary structures, following astrological or cardinal consideration is another pre-requisite of construction of house. In a conventional layout plan, especially among the Hindu sect, the courtyard (chotal) is an important element in such consideration. Thus, different functional structures are arranged around the courtyard according to tradition prescribed cardinal direction. This practice perhaps has connection to the Vastu Purusha Mandala, where the central space is left open as a connect to the outer space. Such a layout and disposition of forms is common among different communities of Assam.

Thus, Bodos as an example first selects the suitable site for house construction and subsequently constructs the houses following traditional cardinal direction. Thus, the site of the main house i.e. No-mano is finalized first, strictly in accordance to traditional cardinal consideration. Thus, the No-mano is constructed to the north of the courtyard that faces south in normal case. However, there is the tradition of constructing the granary first, to the eastern side of the courtyard (Das:2014). In front of the main house, a rectangular space is left open as the courtyard, which forms an integral part of the traditional homestead.