The Tribal Style (Introduction)

The tribal population of the region represents interestingly varied and unique cultural scenario, especially in the VA. Different constituent groups of the tribal population, Hinduized, or follower of indigenous socio-religious belief, display more or less individuality in the sphere of domestic housing culture. They are primarily stilt dweller, though certain Mongoloid groups have given up the tradition of stilt architecture. Thus, several Mongoloid groups are continuing the indigenous traditions of architecture to great extent. The stilt architectures are usually gable roofed but hip roof is also not rare. The height of the platform may vary, but it is generally made high enough to make functional use of the under area. Thus, generally it is raised about 5 feet from the ground. Generally, these communities construct one structure for residential use, while some functional subsidiary structures are also constructed. This style the vernacular architecture of state is christened as the Tribal style, for its prevalence among the Indo-Mongoloid tribal populations of the state.

The Indo-Mongoloid people of the state construct their architecture with the locally available natural material, following their respective tradition. The general construction technique of the stilt houses across the communities is almost identical. Thus, the platform is generally constructed after the planting of the post or sometime after the construction of the roof truss. The Tribal style show considerable affinity with the Non-Tribal style in respect to the roof construction and thatching of the roof.

However, in spite of apparent superficial resemblances in the architectures of these communities, there present certain individual features in the architectures of each community. Thus, every group possesses characteristic housing culture of their own along with certain technical individuality and majority of the tribal groups display their uniqueness in the field of their residential architecture. Therefore, the architecture of those tribal communities deserves special discussion and analysis at length to bring out the individuality and uniqueness of their architecture. Therefore at this juncture, the necessity is felt to discuss the VA of some major tribal groups separately to showcase the individuality, uniqueness and specialities in the architecture of these groups. Correspondingly, it will provide an avenue to scrutiny the architectural tradition in comparative framework across other groups as well.