A STUDY OF FRUGAL INNOVATIONS IN INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

In India, especially in villages, there is enormous potential to promote eco-friendly habitat development. Almost 80 crore people residing in rural India, face serious challenges with regard to fulfilling habitation. Many villagers across the country, are still living without basic amenities such as shelter, potable water, electricity and sanitation. The condition of infrastructure of roads, public buildings, schools, etc., needs much more to be done. To worsen the situation, the quality of the housing infrastructure with regard to disaster resistance, social and environmental response is poorly inadequate. Despite the various beneficiary schemes by the Government of India, there still are gaps in housing and habitat infrastructure development in rural areas that need to be addressed urgently. The silver lining is that, since the dawn of human kind, the innovations of great men and women have offered a way forward through the troubled times. Innovation for the spread of knowledge, for a brighter future, to bring people together, and above all, to offer hope. A world full of problems, requires a new way of thinking. We need to find solutions that allow the poor to live themselves out of poverty, to take control of their own lives and destinies, and to realise their potential. We Indians have enjoyed a rich cultural heritage that has always believed in the idea of frugality. It is due to the various indigenous and frugal solutions, we have been able to overcome many harsh constraints and catastrophes. Our culture has always believed in judicious use of resources, and scarcity of any sort, brings out the best in us. It is that knowledge that needs to come to the forefront. Be it a traditional mud house or a slum dwelling, etc., there are numerous indigenous examples of human ingenuity and wisdom, in which one learns about our attitude towards frugal innovations. It also becomes of great significance because it is important that the current and future generations become aware of such simple yet brilliant solutions that are often not even talked about anymore.