This chapter explains the spatial planning of a typical haveli and the significance of Vastu Shastra and directions in determining the orientation of this type of dwelling. It also includes important aspects of courtyard design and demarcation of entrance.
2.1 Orientation of Havelis
2.1.1 Direction and Polarity
According to the ancient story of Mahabharata, Indian time is structured in relation to the motion of the Sun and Moon. The four directions related to the cycle of sun are – Poorva (East), Pashchim (West), Uttar (North) and Dakshina (South). Poorva meaning ‘first’ is the primary direction. Also in the ancient and medieval maps of Rajasthan region, East is always at the top. Jain (2004, p.40) stated: “As the Sun rises in the East, …show more content…
In the Indian society polarity was marked as Sun and Moon, representing the male and female in the society. Jain (2004, p.46) stated: “The two polar concepts of man as a dweller and a wanderer were expressed with females as centric and male members as eccentric”. This becomes evident in the layouts of havelis with mardana (male area) and zenana (female area) courtyards and separate areas for different male and female activities. All the havelis, inconsiderate of their size and scale had a balance of male and female …show more content…
The courtyard formed this central space with other areas evolving around it, making it the focal point. Hence, in the havelis, the courtyard was the primary space with secondary spaces like kitchen, verandah, rooms, etc. evolving around it based on the activities and rituals followed by the occupants. Jain (2004, p.140) explains, “It is like a nucleus towards which other things gravitate”.
In the larger havelis, there are separate courts for female gatherings, male gatherings and for servants and other services based on rituals and activities of the occupants. In the layout planning, the zenana court for females is defined first. The mardana (courtyard for men) and zenana courtyards had separate entrances; direct entrance into the mardana courtyard and indirect entrance for the zenana courtyard. With the increase in scale of haveli the number of courtyards increased, without increasing the size of courtyard beyond a certain point.
2.2.2 Thermal
2.1 Orientation of Havelis
2.1.1 Direction and Polarity
According to the ancient story of Mahabharata, Indian time is structured in relation to the motion of the Sun and Moon. The four directions related to the cycle of sun are – Poorva (East), Pashchim (West), Uttar (North) and Dakshina (South). Poorva meaning ‘first’ is the primary direction. Also in the ancient and medieval maps of Rajasthan region, East is always at the top. Jain (2004, p.40) stated: “As the Sun rises in the East, …show more content…
In the Indian society polarity was marked as Sun and Moon, representing the male and female in the society. Jain (2004, p.46) stated: “The two polar concepts of man as a dweller and a wanderer were expressed with females as centric and male members as eccentric”. This becomes evident in the layouts of havelis with mardana (male area) and zenana (female area) courtyards and separate areas for different male and female activities. All the havelis, inconsiderate of their size and scale had a balance of male and female …show more content…
The courtyard formed this central space with other areas evolving around it, making it the focal point. Hence, in the havelis, the courtyard was the primary space with secondary spaces like kitchen, verandah, rooms, etc. evolving around it based on the activities and rituals followed by the occupants. Jain (2004, p.140) explains, “It is like a nucleus towards which other things gravitate”.
In the larger havelis, there are separate courts for female gatherings, male gatherings and for servants and other services based on rituals and activities of the occupants. In the layout planning, the zenana court for females is defined first. The mardana (courtyard for men) and zenana courtyards had separate entrances; direct entrance into the mardana courtyard and indirect entrance for the zenana courtyard. With the increase in scale of haveli the number of courtyards increased, without increasing the size of courtyard beyond a certain point.
2.2.2 Thermal