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Punjab is famous for having a vivid culture. Traditional modest house designs in Punjab have continuously exuded a vibrant and earthy atmosphere. Families today usually include classic features in their décor, even though they may prefer contemporary or present styles.
What’s interesting to observe is the evolution of Punjabi architecture and house design. It draws from various historical periods, including the Indo-Aryan and Vedic periods, the Mauryan, Gupta, Pala, and other empires; the Shahi kingdoms; the Muslim invasion; the Sikh reign; and the British colonial period.
The Buddhist and Islamic architectural traditions have had a significant influence on Punjabi architecture. Despite being the most popular faith in Punjab, Sikhism does not have a distinctive architectural style of its own. It is a synthesis of Hinduism and Sufism within Islam. The Gurudwara is an acronym for the Sikh place of worship. Sikhism’s adherents have embraced the architectural style of Mughal palaces. Architecture in Punjab has steadily increased, even after independence.
Let’s take a closer look at Punjab’s various home styles, ranging from the traditional dwellings found in the province’s villages to the more modern ones found in both rural and urban areas. In addition, we’ll discuss how to furnish your house with traditional Punjabi interior design features.
History of Punjabi Architecture
Punjab’s architectural heritage began in the Indus Valley period when aspects of architecture were fashioned from perishable elements like bamboo and wood. The history of Punjabi architecture has also been greatly influenced by Buddhism. A wall encircled the entire city, and it was home to grand mansions, lofty gates, and other structures. However, not a single one of these historic sites is still standing today. Punjab currently has no pre-Mauryan architectural artifacts in existence. Punjab’s earliest architectural examples date back to the Mauryan Empire. Following the Mughal invasion, Islamic architecture was introduced into Punjab.
During the Mauryan era, Taxila was a well-known city that controlled all of Punjab. Archaeological evidence points to three distinct periods in the city’s history. The city was home to several Buddhist stupas and shrines. The most important architectural example in the city is the Dharmarajika Stupa, which was constructed by Emperor Ashoka. Built atop a raised stone platform, the stupa has a hemispherical height and a circular shape. In the Peshawar district of Charsdda, Buddhist architecture, including stupas and viharas, has been discovered through excavation. Kanishka was the one who constructed Shahji-Ki-Dheri’s huge stupa. A Buddhist establishment is located in the district of Sanghol, Ludhiana.
For Sikhs, the primary place of prayer is the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In the latter part of the 16th century, Amritsar emerged as the foremost metropolis among the Sikhs. The Golden Temple was built in 1764, and its name was changed from Hari Mandir to the Golden Temple after Ranjit Singh founded the Sikh Empire in 1802 and added gold plating to the roof. Situated in the center of a tank, the main building appears to float on water due to its modest size. The water in the reservoir, the temple, and the marble-paved precincts surrounding it all seem exceptional, unique, and pure. The main structure has a later Mughal architectural style. The open terrace-style Mughal garden served as an inspiration for Pinjore’s Yadavindra garden. The water channel, adorned with fountains and chadars, winds through seven open terraces with pavilions at the heart of the park.
Chandigarh’s capital city is a magnificent example of 20th-century architecture. The civic center and the capital complex serve as the city’s main points. The city is divided into 47 sectors. It is the epitome of a “garden city,” with its broad roads, well-planned amenities, and modernist leanings. It is also the bible for architects. Chandigarh has come to represent youth, and its citizens take great pride in living in a cutting-edge metropolis. Le Corbusier, a French architect and planner, was responsible for Chandigarh’s urban development. Chandigarh is not like other historic cities at all. One of Chandigarh’s top tourist destinations is the terrace garden. Without going against the traditions of Indian architecture, the large sunscreen, the three-dimensional impact, and the internal spaces provide an appropriately stunning picture.
The museum that was constructed later is a clone of the National Western Museum in Tokyo and the museum located in Ahmedabad. Chandigarh’s rock garden is similar to America’s Sam’s Tower. This rock garden was designed as a counterpoint to Chandigarh, a very geometric, practical city. It’s a sculpture park with freely sculpted, self-styled pieces.
Punjab’s architecture has advanced significantly from Taxila’s historic buildings to the present day. The Mughal architectural style, the Buddhist monuments, or the modern Chandigarh city—Punjab’s architectural grandeur is mesmerizing and inspirational.
The Sikh Architecture
The architectural style known as Sikh architecture originated in the Punjab region during the 18th and 19th centuries, under the governance of the Sikh Confederacy and Sikh Empire. Its progressive style allows it to continuously expand into several new branches with cutting-edge styles. Despite having originated in Sikhism, Sikh architecture has become so beautiful that it is now employed in many non-religious structures. Three centuries ago, the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and Shri Keshgarh Sahib stood out as two of the most prominent examples of Sikh architecture, which was characterized by numerous straight lines and curves.
Sikh architecture comprises secular forts, palaces, colleges, and bungas (residential complexes) in addition to religious structures. The gurdwara is the name of the religious building (a site where the Guru resides). Gurdwara is a combination of the words dwara (a gateway or seat) and guru (guide or teacher). It therefore has an architectural meaning. Sikh gurdwaras are typically memorial structures that have some sort of connection to the ten gurus or to the historically significant locations and occasions. Gurdwara Dera Sahib, a resting place in the Gurdaspur area, is one example. It was built as a memorial to the short visit that Guru Nanak and his friends had on the day of his marriage.
Gurdwara Shahid Ganj, also known as Martyr’s Memorial, is located in Muktsar, in the Faridkot region. It honors the Sikhs who lost their lives in a 1705 fight fought by Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughals. Guru Har Kisan was born in Kiratpur, in the Ropar district, and the Gurdwara Shish Mahal, or hall of mirrors, was built there.
There are more than 500 gurdwaras from previous eras.
Traditional Punjabi Architecture
A house built incorporating elements of colonial and Punjabi vernacular architecture is known as a traditional Kothi or Haveli. In Punjabi villages, bricks, mud, lime, surkhi (powdered broken brick), and wood were the usual building materials for small houses.
Around a central courtyard, all the rooms were built. Family get-togethers would take place in this courtyard, which served as the baithak, or common living area. In the summer, it traps air to keep the interiors cool.
Typically, rooms had fireplaces, carved wooden doors, and curving arches. They also provided access to the outdoor garden and balconies. Punjabi houses were primarily designed with latticework and shuttered windows. The ceilings and railings on balconies were beautifully crafted from wood. In a Punjabi village, a basic house plan might feature exquisitely carved jharokhas, which are cantilevered enclosed balconies that protrude from the wall. On pleasant evenings, some homes use large stoves located on their rooftops for cooking.
Furnishing Style of Punjabi Homes
In Punjabi villages, traditional home designs featured basic furnishings like jute husk-woven beds. In the past, low seating on the ground was very common in living rooms.
Entrances in Punjabi Homes
In Punjabi traditional house designs, colorful ceramic tiles would adorn the front door or the main arch of the dwellings. You might replicate the effect by framing your main door in ceramic tiles or installing a sizable mirror in the entryway area.
Water Elements in Punjabi Homes
In Punjab, curved water tanks are a standard feature of all house designs. One possible solution to this may be to add a tiny fish pond to your living room or balcony, provided there is enough room. It will make your house seem like a contemporary village home in Punjab. Complete the design by surrounding it with plants, stones, and rock elements.
Material Selection for Punjabi Homes
Attempt to replicate the atmosphere of mud-floored, brick-colored Havelis as a Punjabi house design by utilizing terracotta sculptures and patio tiles. Try installing a backsplash made of terracotta tiles in your kitchen.
Make use of chic accent items made of cane and wicker for the living area, bedroom, and terraces. Alternatively use thin, tightly woven cane sticks to create wall paneling for your balcony. Use stone or bare cement for your patio or kitchen.
Color Selection for Punjabi Homes
By adding a few striking colors, you can create the traditional Punjabi house style even with a neutral base. Choose earthy colors such as orange, brick red, crimson, and ochre yellow. Use blues and pinks to balance everything out. These colors would go quite well with a glass wardrobe.
Things to Avoid While Designing a Punjabi-Style House
Punjabi house designs feature a lot of traditional features. Here are five faults you should avoid while incorporating them into your home:
- Having a bed-size cot in a Punjabi house that is too small is not recommended. Opt instead for a small, woven jute chair in the shape of an ottoman. It will give your house the ideal Punjabi “Kothi” look without being overly crowded.
- Consider it a point to incorporate the Phulkari print into different motifs and designs throughout the house to prevent crowding. You can choose from prints like as damask, ditsy, and chintz. This will guarantee that the inside decor of your Punjabi home looks flawlessly indie-modern.
- Punjabi modern home decor is known for its use of steel glasses. They’re also really simple, though. Choose “Kulhars” or mud glasses to avoid this monotony. They give the entire kitchen’s decor a more luxurious and genuine appearance.
- If your home does not have a traditional Punjabi courtyard, then you should not put in a fireplace in the living area. On your balcony, you may instead install a rustic fireplace. This will release a similar likeness, particularly in the winter months when it gets cold.
- Always adhere to the “less is more” philosophy when decorating a single-story home in Punjab. Don’t go overboard with any one element; instead, combine all the many Punjabi design components in the right amounts to prevent the design from appearing cluttered.
Architecture of the Golden City – Amritsar
One of the biggest cities in the Indian state of Punjab is Amritsar. It is situated close to the international border with Pakistan in the northwest, approximately 465 kilometers from New Delhi. It is separated into two sections: the walled city and subsequent developments outside the walls. It has grown on both sides of the Grand Trunk Road. It functions as Punjab’s main market for the trading of grains and other commodities and has excellent access to the major towns in the area.
Regarding religious sites, cultural legacy, India’s national integrity, and the country’s early 20th-century struggle for independence from British domination, the city is a significant landmark.
Historical Significance of Amritsar
Amritsar’s history and culture are deeply ingrained in the city. The fourth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas Sahib, established the city in the latter part of the 16th century. These three eras are represented by the principal constructions in these areas:
With nearly a million tourists on weekdays alone, Harmandir Sahib receives more visitors than the Taj Mahal. The temple is a two-story building situated on a marble slab measuring 67 feet square. The temple is also known as the Golden Temple because pure gold leaf covers its top construction. The shrine’s four entrance doors, which stand for the idea that God lives everywhere and that no direction is more pure than another, are seen to make it a true emblem of secularism. Architecturally stunning, it features panels made of gold and a “dome” made of 750 kg of gold. The temple’s interior is embellished with marble and gold pieces.
The northern Afghans often threatened this bean-shaped settlement, making it particularly vulnerable to attacks. Protecting Shri Harmandir Sahib and the city of Amritsar against invaders was the main goal of the 43-acre Gobindhgar fort. This fort’s position outside the conventional walled city acted as an impenetrable barrier to access the pilgrim city, in contrast to other forts situated in the center of old towns. The Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1964 saw the government of Punjab designate it as a historical monument.
Amritsar was overthrown by the British in 1840. During the period of British rule, Amritsar’s outer walls were destroyed, windows were opened, and the Town Hall—which served as the city’s administrative center—was built. The Ram Bagh Garden was also renamed Company Bagh by the British. The Saragarhi Gurdwara Memorial, the post office, and the railway station were all constructed during the British colonial era.
Modern Punjabi Architecture
It is clear how the different periods’ architectural styles changed over time. In the past, the Rajasthani architectural style, which featured numerous jharokhas, vibrant motifs, and sculptures, was the main inspiration for the architecture. Later, after the Mughals arrived, people began utilizing architectural elements like minarets and domes. Entrance porches, colonnaded verandas, and pediments were introduced by the British.
The finest example of Indo-British architecture is the Khalsa College, which was created by renowned Amritsar-based architect Ram Singh. He was a trailblazer in the world-famous Pinjara woodwork and Amritsar wood carvings, which are known for their excellent craftsmanship.
Nearly 430 years ago, Walled was designed as a pedestrian city on a human scale. The majority of interior streets in many areas are small and have played a significant role in urban design, which has improved social connections. Most of the medieval streets range in width from 4 to 20 feet. They adhere to the gridiron layout. It is possible to walk from one end of the walled city zone to the other in about twenty minutes, given its compactness and unique character.
Many civilizations provoked change over the twentieth century by rejecting traditional structures, architectural techniques, and materials in favor of a more modern approach, as a result of the advent of modernism and extensive rebuilding. The use of building materials, craftsmanship, and decorative aspects varied in the walled area of Amritsar in both of the later periods. Formerly, the structures display an elaborately ornamented front with elements like recessed arches, jharokhas, and chhatris. These days, building facades typically experiment with massing. The building has an unexpected depth because to the utilization of solids and voids. Additionally, new technology emerged, and reinforced concrete replaced traditional brick homes.
Famous Architectural Buildings in Punjab
- Akal Takht
- Sri Takht Keshgarh Sahib
- Qila Mubarak
- Gurdwara Amb Sahib
- Gurdwara Bibeksar Sahib
- Gurdwara Sukhchainana Sahib
- Pul Kanjari
- Elysee Palace/MGN School
- Mukta Minar
- State Gurdwara
What Did We Learn?
The streets’ layout remained the same throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, despite the fact that buildings were frequently rebuilt or remodeled. The result is that our cities’ centers, which were originally designed to accommodate tourists and slowly moving vehicles pulled by animals, are now squeezing and cracking under the weight of increased urban traffic.
However, as a result of growth pressure, the urbanization process increases the land value and occupancy rate. Commercial establishment speeds are faster than residential ones, which forces the building’s usage to change. A sense of community has gradually disappeared from the city as a result of the replacement of ancient structures with new ones, undermining the city’s social and cultural character.
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References:
- https://www.indianetzone.com/43/architecture_punjab.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh_architecture#:~:text=Sikh%20architecture%20is%20a%20style,branches%20with%20new%20contemporary%20styles
- https://www.homelane.com/blog/home-designs-in-punjab/
- https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a840-the-architecture-of-indian-cities-amritsar-the-golden-city/
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g297663-Activities-c47-t3-Punjab.html
