Toda traditional structures are marvels of pre-modern architecture that can last for many decades in the harsh climate of the Upper Nilgiris, needing only periodical rethatching. Even when it is bitterly cold or windy outside, these houses are very warm within. Also, although they have hardly any foundation, they act as windbreakers and remain intact even after the most violent storm. Moreover, they blend beautifully with the undulating terrain on the grassy downs and do not stand out like modern houses do. The entrances are low and small, ensuring that no intruder—human or animal—can easily enter.
Toda Architecture Revival Project
Toda traditional structures are remarkable architectural feats, designed to endure the Upper Nilgiris' harsh climate while blending seamlessly with the landscape.
By 1995 it was apparent that Toda barrel-vaulted houses were at the point of disappearance. Excluding the seasonally-occupied hamlets, where modern houses are disallowed, there were only a couple of traditional houses still in use. Of course, dairy-temples are built only in traditional style. Over the past many decades, the government has sponsored modern-style houses for Todas—which are often cold and damp. It is ironic to see Toda barrel-vaulted houses symbolising the Nilgiris in most tourist brochures, and even on T-shirts, when, in fact, so very few remain.
The then District Collector, Mr Shashi Shekhar, who often accompanied us to Toda hamlets, realised that the barrel-vaulted houses were veritable marvels of traditional architecture. One memorable day, a man from Pawsh hamlet requested assistance to construct a traditional house for his ailing father. The TNS (Toda Nalavaazhvu Sangam; a sister organisation of EBR Trust) channelled his request to the District Collector, who agreed to fund the project. That year the TNS, with government funding, sponsored the building of nine traditional houses. At the turn of the century, another District Collector, Mrs Supriya Sahu, took up the support of traditional housing (along with many other projects, including the electrification of remote Toda hamlets) and many more such structures were sponsored. The rest, as they say, is history; over thirty traditional houses have been put up and occupied since 1995.
A Completed Fusion Modern Toda Home
It is noteworthy that Toda traditional structures—both conical and barrel-vaulted—use natural products that are sustainably harvested from a climax ecosystem, in which the consumption and emission of carbon are balanced. The raw materials for construction are renewable. Moreover, they are harvested when mature and hence have already served the vital function of capturing carbon during their growth. In addition, these traditional structures have the unique property of scarcely emitting into the atmosphere any carbon from the wood burned inside. Hence these structures are actually able to capture and sequester carbon. The smoke that is absorbed by all individual components binds the various raw materials into a cohesive structure. They are most eco-friendly and should be promoted amongst the Toda people. By 1995 it was apparent that Toda barrel-vaulted houses were at the point of disappearance. Excluding the seasonally-occupied hamlets, where modern houses are disallowed, there were only a couple of traditional houses still in use. Of course, dairy-temples are built only in traditional style.
There are some inferences: the modern barrel-vaulted houses, although having multiple rooms, with electricity and water supply, need to appear more like those in the line Figure above. That would mean providing a wood veneer over the walls, a smaller threshold incorporated into the main doorway, the pōdhaarr thittyt needs to be present along with the appearance of roof-poles jutting outwards besides the carved thatch holders and the bent tef bamboo on the lower portion of the roof work that is above and around the entrance. The other, equally important requisite in the next set of houses is an authentic, traditional feel within the interiors. For this, it might be ideal to fabricate a kind of bamboo shell within that will not require upkeep for a number of years. Therefore, only the thatching and the pōdhaarr thittyt façade will require periodic maintenance and even if this happens to be delayed, the house could be occupied without inconvenience, until the end of the monsoon season. We have now collaborated with architects—Mrs Neelam Manjunath and team—who have expertise in bamboo and other natural materials to meet this objective. They have already visited the Toda hamlets and prepared detailed analysis and models of a new prototype that will have natural products like bamboo and bamboo-crete, thus providing all the ambience of traditional vaulted Toda houses, with three rooms and other amenities, including generating solar power.
The Fusion House was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Mr Bhandari, in the presence of Addl. Chief Secretary (TN govt.) Mrs Supriya Sahu ; this project was sponsored by ONGC limited
EBR appeals to corporates and others to sponsor the prototype of this so that the first step in restoring the traditional Toda Landscape is taken.
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