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    Tamil Nadu - Chettinadu Architecture

    Uploaded by

    V.K.Jeevan Kumar
    The document discusses Chettinad houses and their architecture. [1] Chettinad houses originated in the region of Chettinadu in Tamil Nadu and were built by the wealthy Chettiyar businessmen between the 19th and 20th centuries. [2] The houses evolved over four periods from the 1860s to the 1950s, growing more elaborate with additional courtyards, floors, and imported materials. [3] Key features included outer verandas, central courtyards, wood columns, tiled roofs, and secret cellars used for storage.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Tamil Nadu - Chettinadu Architecture

    Uploaded by

    V.K.Jeevan Kumar
    114 views12 pages
    The document discusses Chettinad houses and their architecture. [1] Chettinad houses originated in the region of Chettinadu in Tamil Nadu and were built by the wealthy Chettiyar businessmen between the 19th and 20th centuries. [2] The houses evolved over four periods from the 1860s to the 1950s, growing more elaborate with additional courtyards, floors, and imported materials. [3] Key features included outer verandas, central courtyards, wood columns, tiled roofs, and secret cellars used for storage.

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    Tamil nadu_ chettinadu architecture

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    The document discusses Chettinad houses and their architecture. [1] Chettinad houses originated in the region of Chettinadu in Tamil Nadu and were built by the wealthy Chettiyar businessmen between the 19th and 20th centuries. [2] The houses evolved over four periods from the 1860s to the 1950s, growing more elaborate with additional courtyards, floors, and imported materials. [3] Key features included outer verandas, central courtyards, wood columns, tiled roofs, and secret cellars used for storage.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    114 views12 pages

    Tamil Nadu - Chettinadu Architecture

    Uploaded by

    V.K.Jeevan Kumar
    The document discusses Chettinad houses and their architecture. [1] Chettinad houses originated in the region of Chettinadu in Tamil Nadu and were built by the wealthy Chettiyar businessmen between the 19th and 20th centuries. [2] The houses evolved over four periods from the 1860s to the 1950s, growing more elaborate with additional courtyards, floors, and imported materials. [3] Key features included outer verandas, central courtyards, wood columns, tiled roofs, and secret cellars used for storage.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 12

    ORIGIN…

    Located Predominantly in the area called


    Chettinadu or Naattukottai Region.

    The chettiyars took a leading part in the trade and


    commerce not only within but also outside india

    They went to the East, some as plantation workers, while


    others as bankers and gradually, they became wealthy.

    Having left families behind in their native land, it was


    customary for them to make periodic visits home to
    preserve family ties, and to build palatial homes.

    chettinadu architecture
    These mansions stand out even today in the barren
    region, a testimonial to riches, to the conglomeration of
    various cultural influences and building styles.

    Above all, the Chettiars indulged in immense


    ornamentation, with Gods and Heroes, Ancestors, Flora
    and Fauna, all playing a role in the decorative treatment.

    chettinadu architecture
    SETTLEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

    • It is always located nearer to / grouped around a


    water body.

    • The water body along with a temple is the source for


    the cultural set up of that particular settlement.

    • The storm water is let into the pond.

    • Most of the houses were aligned linearly to reach the


    other side of the street.

    • All the houses are having no. of courtyards in a


    hierarchical manner.

    • The houses are created to suit the trade and banking


    activities.

    • The concept of microclimate is learned form their


    ancestors.

    chettinadu architecture
    • Toilets are aligned on to the rear – either
    separate or attached
    • Social and security aspect seem to have played
    an important role in determining the form of
    these houses.
    • The life style and the tradition are expressed in
    the spatial organization and sequence of the
    houses.
    • The materials used are mostly imported in
    nature.

    chettinadu architecture
    CHETTINAD HOUSES

    Evolution of these houses could be divided into four


    periods:

    1. Up to 1860

    2. 1860-1920

    3. 1920-1950

    4. After 1950

    chettinadu architecture
    DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSES:

    1. UP TO 1860

    It is a three partite unit with

    the following Spaces:

    • Thinnai

    • Koodam

    • Cooking area

    Later, a courtyard (mutram) was


    introduced

    chettinadu architecture
    DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSES:

    2. 1860-1920

    • Vertical expansion – one or two floors added

    • Building elements decorated

    • A front room called MUGAPPU between the outside

    verandah and inside thinnai was added.

    • Kitchen area expanded so that a separate room could

    be given to each of their married son for cooking

    chettinadu architecture
    DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSES:

    3. 1920 – 1950

    • Paid attention to interior design, imported materials

    were used.

    • British styled furniture’s were found

    • Courtyards and halls multiplied – important was the

    addition of dining hall added directly behind the main

    courtyard.

    chettinadu architecture
    4. 1950 ONWARDS

    Extensive decoration.

    Addition of modern facilities: Bath rooms etc.,

    chettinadu architecture
    The basic parts of the chettinadu houses are as
    follows:

    • Outer verandah for visitors.

    • Raised platforms in the front & back of the main


    courtyard

    • Main courtyard with a series of double chamber on


    either side of it along with the covered passage.

    • A second courtyard for cooking, eating and sleeping


    of women

    • Secret cellars were kept at the interior acting as a


    strong room

    • Some houses have courtyards in a staggered manner to


    avoid vision to female areas

    chettinadu architecture
    • All have teak, marble or granite pillars supporting a
    spacious verandah, and the inner courtyards, the
    domain of the sheltered women. The Burma teak for
    these lathe turned pillars came from the forests of
    Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia.

    • Laterite stone, lime mortar, egg while, palm sugar etc.,

    • Roof – madras terrace, pitched roofs

    • Wooden columns with broad base and capitals are


    remarkable.

    chettinadu architecture
    chettinadu architecture

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