Traditional timber-construction practices in Dharmaj, Gujarat
Gujarat holds an invaluable repository of traditional wooden architecture that has emerged as a response to climate, geography and sociocultural expressions. The use of timber particularly in North and Central Gujarat has not been limited to that of a structural building material but has extended further as a medium of showcasing diverse cultural and religious connotations, influences of various time periods, and expert craftsmanship. This is evident from the intricately carved woodwork in elements such as brackets, doors, windows and column capitals. The predominant system of construction found in these regions is that of a timber-framed structure along with brick walls. The historic built fabric of Dharmaj, a small village in the Anand district of Central Gujarat comprises of a significant number of such wooden structures (predominantly residential) that are representative of traditional building systems and cultural identity of the region. Due to a long history of outmigration in Dharmaj since the late 19th century coupled with internal and external pressures, many of these structures remain in a state of dereliction, disuse and neglect. A general lack of awareness regarding the existence of this invaluable architectural resource in Dharmaj has also been observed in the region.
