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The Absolute Style
Like true folk architecture all over the world, Himachal's
indigenous architecture once seemed quite immutable. It had grown out of
the land, fulfilled local needs, used local materials, drew on local
culture and within its own frame, was highly evolved and functional. Over
the centuries, building methods had successfully discharged domestic,
temporal and religious requirements. Today, changes are there, but the
tradition and skills remain as strong as ever.
Over a significant portion of the state, the presence of cedar forests
has played a major role in the evolution and development of various
architectural forms. Its strength has enabled the construction of wooden
structures that are several storeys high. This wood is insect and termite
resistant and even when untreated, can withstand long periods of weather
corrosion. Its properties were understood early and its texture and scent
have been prized for ages.
Kathkuni Or Kathkundi Style
The 'Kathkuni' or 'Kathkundi' style of building is something unique to
this part of the world. A mesh of interlocking horizontal cedar (locally,
deodar) sleepers is created - and in this dressed or raw stone is packed.
A singular characteristic is the absence of vertical members. With
inherent elasticity, the design has an enormous seismic response - there
have been instances when tremors have dislodged the stones from the frame,
and later, have been hammered back into the intact mesh of wood houses and
temples in the style are present in the districts of
Shimla ,
Kinnaur and
Kullu .
Walls of rammed earth are popular all over Himachal and
in the treeless tracts of the Trans Himalaya, some stunning architecture
has been created on seemingly insurmountable sites. The quality of dressed
or carved stone has created remarkable temples, forts and residences. Fine
slate, or slabs of quartzite have provided roofing material.
Influenced By Himachali Cultural Heritage
Tradition has also dictated certain rituals, beliefs and ceremonies in
the construction of houses. The Indian calendar months of Baisakh, Poh,
Magh and Phalgun are regarded as auspicious for the start of construction.
Ideally, the main aspect of the house should face east and the rising sun.
Given the topography of most of the state, this is not always possible
and a northern or western orientation is acceptable. The house must never
face south as that is considered to impoverish the family. The medium
('Goor', 'Chela' or 'Mali') of the local deity plays a major role in site
selection and in placing the foundations of the house. He prays either at
the site itself or over a 'Sod' or stone brought from the place where the
house is to be built. He then divines an auspicious time for the start of
construction.
Along with the master builder the person who is building the house goes
to the site well before dawn. Certain auspicious items are carried along
and prayers are offered. The corner stone is then placed and the endeavour
is to set the first line of stones before light, so that the keystone
remains secret. Elaborate rituals are also observed when the main
doorframe and the roof-beam are placed.
Colonial Arhitecture
With the coming of the Europeans, Himachal added another dimension to its
rich architectural heritage. Shimla, the state capital has some of the
world's finest examples of British colonial architecture. Inspired by the
Renaissance in England, is the greystone former
Viceregal Lodge (now the
Indian Institute of Advanced Study), the neo Gothic structures of the
gaiety theatre and the former imperial Civil Secretariat (now the
Accountant General's Office). There are the Tudor framed Barnes Court (now
the Raj Bhawan), and the distinctive Vidhan Sabha and the secretariat of
the government of Himachal Pradesh.
While these were monuments of imperial might, the houses that drew on the
western experience for both inspiration and design, had a composition that
was European while the structural elements were quite indigenous. In many
cases, local workers using local materials on local principles have
created cottages straight out of surrey and chalets from the Swiss
Bavarian Alps. Apart from
Shimla , colonial
structures can be found all over the state, especially in the hill
stations of Kasauli and
Dalhousie.
And of course, there are forts, palaces, temples and monasteries that
follow a much older tradition throughout Himachal. With its well-preserved
architecture and cobbled streets, Pragpur in
Kangra has been declared a
'Heritage Village', while the thousand-year-old
monastery of Tabo in
Spiti with its fine wall paintings
and stucco statues has been declared a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO.
Heritage Hotels
Set high where they Lord over the surrounding countryside, or tucked in
wooded nooks, or placed by elegant promenades, Himachal has an enormous
range of ' heritage ' properties. These range from ancient forts that
breathe a tumultuous past, to colonial mansions that speak of an age of
leisure and graciousness. There are palaces that belong to a time when
opulence marked the lifestyles of India's princes and there are century
old hotels that are maintained in a pristine glory, or that have been
painstakingly restored.
This spectrum offers a range of décor and ambience and a richly
varied experience. From timeworn battlements, where the very stones speak
of glory and courage, one can move to lush countryside and savour the
traditions of 'Haveli' life. And just as easily, one can slip into
distinctive mansions where time seems to have stood still for decades and
where an easy elegance wafts under the watchful weave of priceless
tapestries. Then there are hotels that justly pride themselves for years
of tradition and service and whose guest list reads like an international
who's who.
With nostalgia and comfort skillfully interlaced, here is a window that
invites one to share a bygone era and hold its enduring charms.
Properties that welcome guests to share their inimitable qualities are:
Shimla Region
- Alpine Heritage Inn, Chapslee, The Cecil, The Clarkes, Hotels
Springfield, Woodville Palace Hotel (Shimla); Palace Hotel, Chail; Arki
Fort, Arki; Fort Resort, Nalagarh; Hotel Ros Common Kasauli; Hotel Alasia,
Kasauli. more...
Mandi And
Naggar - Raj Mahal Palace
Hotel, Mandi; Nagar Castle, Naggar.
Dalhousie -
Silverton Estate, Hotel Aroma 'N' Claire, Hotel Grand View, Hotel
Mountview, Hotel Geetanjali. more...
Kangra Region -
Taragarh Palace Hotel, Taragarh; The Judge's Court, Pragpur; Cloud's End
Villa, Dharamsala; Hotel Kashmir House,
Dharmasala. more...
The ITC chain Welcomeheritage is now promoting the Himachal heritage
circuit whose members are The Fort, Nalagarh,
The Judge's Court,
Pragpur and The
Woodville Palace,
Shimla .
Many traditional farmhouses all over the state are also making
accommodation available on their premises. This will provide visitors an
insight into local lifestyles, cuisine and
culture.