An understanding of the Indian habitat or home, traces its foundations to 3rd millenium B.C., when the first great city or urban culture known in India flourished. The perfection of town planning and architecture at both Harappa and Mohenjodaro have been termed as ‘unparalled in pre-classical times’ by Sir Mortimer Wheeler.

VERANDAHS, COURTYARDS & BALCONIES: The concept of partially covered private areas as frontal verandahs and central courtyards have been integral to Indian homes, temples and public spaces since Harappan times. Vinaya texts from the Mauryan period also detail dwellings with verandahs and courtyards. Later periods reveal balconies with sloping eaves or chajjas. During the Indo-Islamic period one sees central courtyards with verandahs facing inwards,

PILLARS: Fundamental to both structural support and decoration, pillars are an iconic feature of Indian architecture. Since their earliest appearance at the Harappan civilization, to their records during the Magadh and Mauryan empires, and their presence in Buddhist, Jain and Hindu rock-cut architecture - like Ajanta, Ellora and Badami caves, the use of pillars in Indian architecture has been consistent, bearing distinction only to their specific regions.

SCREENS: Pierced stone screens were present across India, from 6th century as seen in the caves at Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. Followed by the South Indian style of architecture during the Chola and Pandyas in 9th Century AD. They were refined and achieved a finnesse of form and material in the marble screens created during the golden period of Indo-Islamic architecture.

WATER BODIES: From the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro - large public baths, water wells and reservoirs to formal gardens with water-bodies and fountains brought in during the Indo-Islamic period - the celebration of water, has been integral to Indian living.

PLACE OF WORSHIP: The relation of religion to architecture has been pivotal to India. Buddhist Stupas, Viharas, (residential area for monks), temples with their various styles of Sikharas and mosques with their distinctive domes and minarets - are some of the iconic elements of religious architecture in India.

For this study on everyday life, we showcase 4 pieces of furniture that discuss the following concepts.

>> The importance of intermediatory spaces
>> The pillar as a multi-functional aesthetic feature
>> The psychology of screens and revealing partially
>> Knowledge as the highest form of prayer