Author: Somaya Brinda
Place: Mumbai
Publisher: HECAR Foundation
Year: 2005
Pages: 141
Subject: Architecture
Sub-Subject: Heritage Architecture
Keyword: Traditional Buildings, Cultural Heritage, Preservation, Cultural Continuity, Community Heritage
Shelf: C9R5
Accession No: B560
Contents: Foreword, Chap I: Kodagu and Kodavas, Chap II: The Traditional Architecture of Coorg, Chap III: Future of the Past: The Architects Perspective, Appendix I, Appendic II, Acknowledgements, Glossary of Non-English Words, Glossary of Indian Architectural Terms, Glossary of General Architectural Terms, Bibliography, Picture and Illustrations Credits, Footnotes,
Abstract: The traditional buildings of Coorg, also known as Kodagu, are remarkable cultural symbols of South India. These structures, made from mud, stone, and timber, reflect the prosperity and social well-being of Kodava families. Over the centuries, these distinct architectural forms have played a crucial role in the community, with their design deeply intertwined with local belief systems, family rituals, and social bonds. The preservation of these buildings is not just an architectural feat but a way to maintain the continuity of cultural traditions and practices. These houses are more than mere shelters; they are physical embodiments of the family’s status, wealth, and identity, often constructed with great attention to detail and craftsmanship. The structures represent the deep connection between the land and the people, shaped by both their environment and their customs. As cultural artifacts, these buildings serve as lasting symbols of Kodagu’s unique heritage, standing as testaments to the region’s prosperity and the strength of its social fabric.