Vernacular studies - Bhubaneswar and Konark, Odisha.

Source: img.traveltriangle.com

In India, each city is unique and is known for varied things. India is culturally rich and so is the most diverse country.

Theoretically, vernacular architecture can be defined as architecture born out of local building materials and technologies, which are also expected to be climate-responsive and a reflection of the customs and lifestyles of the particular community. Contemporary architecture can also be vernacular if it is generated from an understanding of local materials and indigenous methods of building construction.

Odisha is the land of enriched cultural heritage and traditions. It has a vast reservoir of vernacular architecture and indigenous knowledge existing in rural society.

In this blog, we will be specifically looking into the vernacular studies of Bhubaneswar and Konark in Odisha.

Bhubaneswar is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Odisha.

The old town of Bhubaneswar was historically often depicted as Ekamra Kshetra adorned with mango trees. Bhubaneswar is often referred to as the “Temple City” – a nickname earned because of the 700 temples which once stood there. The history runs to a cluster of magnificent temples, constituting virtually a complete record of Kalinga architecture almost from its nascence to its culmination. With the diverse ranges of heritage resources, it showcases significant sacred cultural landscape components that have evolved with the support of available natural resource base and cultural trigger.

Bhubaneswar along with Puri and Konark forms the 'Swarna Tribhujja"

(Golden Triangle).

Both Bhubaneswar and Konark are architecturally sound and are very famous for the brilliant temple designs and construction. Konark is a medium town in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India. It lies on the coast by the Bay of Bengal, 60 kilometers from the capital of the state, Bhubaneswar.

The endless number of temples and the peculiar construction and design pattern makes it a must-visit place in India and an architectural text for the arch students.

Bhubaneswar and Konark talks of Kalinga architecture (Kalinga Architecture, basically a temple is made in two parts, a tower, and a hall. The tower is called deul and the hall is called Jagmohan. The walls of both the deul and the Jagmohan are lavishly sculpted with architectural motifs and a profusion of figures.) through its construction and it is the historical landmark of the great Kalinga war.