It’s a well-established fact that architecture is influenced by cultures of specific regions. It is also true, however, that these cultural influences are not singular or undiluted. With the migration of human settlements and conquests, external cultural influences also began to show up in construction. So the architectural styles of one community are actually a combination of cultures. One such style is seen in the Bohra homes of Gujarat.
Community living
The Bohras are an Islamic trading community from Gujarat who eventually spread out because of the demands of their work. Wherever they settled, they created communities called Bohrawad. There were neighbourhoods built around a particular street as well as its by-lanes. Consequently, they had gates installed to restrict entry beyond a certain time of the night. The homes within each Bohrawad consisted of multiple homes, three- or four-storey tall, closely packed together. Although the community believed in being tight-knit, they also valued their privacy. While external viewing was made possible through window seats, privacy was maintained due to the houses being elevated above street level.
External design
The Bohra homes were a joy to behold. Facades with three-part divisions and pilasters spoke of European influences on the construction style. Richly decorated windows provided picturesque views. The facades themselves had exquisite detailing on wood. Visual relief was provided with the use of ornamental columns, mouldings, and brackets. The ornamental designs were restricted to abstract geometric patterns and patterns that did not involve figures. This was in keeping with Islamic beliefs.
The facades also featured zarookhas or floor projections with breath-taking designs. Shielded from outsiders by iron screens, these zarookhas had window seats on the inside which allowed women to sit together and view the goings on outside the home.
Internal orientation
The sequence of spaces within a Bohra home usually began with the otla or entrance platform. Beyond that, there was the deli (arrival area) and the inner courtyard or avas. The courtyard opened to a small skylight that let in light, let out warm air but didn’t reveal too much. Then there were the rooms or ordo. The higher floors consisted of bedrooms. There was also usually a terrace called agashi.
Social impact and family structure
The interiors were oriented in a way as to reflect social values espoused by the community. Men and women had their own designated space within homes. The kitchen, however, was accessible by both.
Bohra homes were typically occupied by joint families.
The Bohra homes were a wonderful culmination of European and Indian influences. Unfortunately, most of them are no longer being maintained. Multiple homes have been sold to antique dealers who take them apart to sell teak wood and other decorative elements. Conserving them as a form of art would take effective collaboration between citizens and the government.