Architecture of Traditional Houses in Pune

Indian has a rich architectural heritage where in each element finds its roots in abstract beliefs. With so many states rich in cultures, every nook and corner of the country attracts great attention from the entire world for its diverse architecture. Even the small villages have preserved the jewels that represent their traditional architectural heritage.

‘Wadas’ of Pune are the best example of how houses from centuries ago have shaped the entire neighbourhood of the city. Traditional houses of Maharashtra are called ‘Wadas’. This word is derived from the word Vata which means a piece of land meant for house.  With distinct features that hold great importance, the wadas stand tall amidst the high-rise buildings. These traditional residential houses of Pune emerged during the reign of Peshwas and were influenced by the political, social, and cultural statistics.

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Design of Wadas

From the olden days till now, the designs of these houses have changed significantly but the main elements still preserve the essence. Wadas basically denote mansions with the courtyard having an introvert design. This type of planning was introduced by Marathas to safeguard their families from outsiders. The design is an amalgamation of Mughal, Rajasthani, and Gujarati architecture combined with the local construction techniques. These houses are typically multiple storey buildings with internal open courtyards surrounded by rooms. These are designed to accommodate multiple or single families. The most important element of the wadas is the open courtyards known as ‘Chowks’. The number of chowks varies based on the size of the house. The architecture is characterized by stone walls, wooden staircases and open chowks.

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During the reign of the Peshwas, the neighbourhood of Pune was well established and divided in wards known as Peths. The major highlights of these old jewels are the woodwork railings of the balcony, tinted glass windows and thick walls protecting the interiors from the changing climatic conditions.

If we see the planning of these wadas, the well defined zoning of the internal spaces can be seen. The areas are divided into public, private, and semi-private zones. There are different elements that make these houses different and unique. Here are few important elements of these traditional houses.

Architectural Elements of Wadas

1. Threshold: The transitional space between outside and inside is referred to as the threshold. At the entrance of the house, on either side of the door, there are elevated platforms called Osari, which is supported by pillars. This provides space for the residents to connect with their neighbours. It also provides shelter from the harsh weather outside.
2. Courtyards: Any house cannot be called a Wada without the courtyards or chowks. This is the main element in the design of wadas and its number can vary from 1 to 7 based on the size and capacity of the house. All the rooms are built facing the courtyard. This private open space is commonly used by the families residing there and can be converted to public space during festivals. This space is used to perform rituals, prayers, gatherings, gossip sessions, and more.
3. Verandas: The courtyard is surrounded by a semi-covered passageway known as ‘Sopas’. This space connects all the rooms and provides shelter from sun and climatic changes. This space is also used for recreational purposes where the families would put swings and play indoor games.
4. Doors: These wadas have huge wooden doors with smaller gates known as ‘Dindi Darwaja’. For day-to-day purposes, only the Dindi Darwaja is kept open. This was mainly for security purposes. The huge wooden gates have bolts called ‘Kadi Koyanda’ in the local language.
5. Windows: The wadas usually have full height wooden windows with a cusped arch and small square opening at the top. These windows have wooden railing adjusted across the width for security purposes. These windows were narrow and tall, starting from the floor; this is one of the Peshawi features.

While walking through these Peths and a few old lanes, we can see these houses, some still beautiful and some crumbling. With the emergence of Pune as an IT city, the traditional charm of these architectural marvels is getting lost. When in Pune, choose to take a walk along these lanes, and you can still see these beautiful houses. You can start your house search in Pune on NoBroker.

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