Lost in time, Found in archives

“Koka, why do all the houses look the same?”, she asked as she pulled the murha closer to her grandfather’s feet. His gamusa dangled from above his knees as he sat up on his chair, clearing his throat.

“It was a long time ago, in 1897, Maina, when one of the biggest earthquakes struck us. Your Aita and I were living in Shillong at that time. Why, Maa was only your age! he said, playfully right before the corners of his lips flattened. “We lost so much to that calamity, the damage we incurred just brings tears to my eyes, Maina. I think it was right after the next earthquake that hitin 1950, that the British and Japanese seismologists –– “Koka, what is seisa-ma-ligit?”, she

interrupted. “Aiyodehi, it was the British government that set up a committee of experts to construct ‘Assam-type houses’. They studied the various existing infrastructures and the materials available in our dear Assam. Did you know these houses are also called ‘Ikrahouses’? Grandfather exclaimed.

Just then Aita walked in with a tray in her hand, “Here Maina, have your tea and kata biscuits. And don’t drop the crumbs on the ground.” Maina grabbed her cup of tea and carefully bit into her biscuit. “But how do these Assam-type houses help with earthquakes, Koka?”

“Well by using lighter materials such as bamboo, wooden planks, and thatch. What helps the most is that they have proper beams made out of wood/bamboo that hold up the single-story structure.”, he said as he paused to gulp in some tea. His hands held on tightly to the cup handle. Maina repositioned herself in the murha and eagerly waited for her grandfather to continue his story.

“I came across a study recently called, Study of Traditional Houses in Assam by Royal Group of Institutions Guwahati, Assam that mentioned how the stonework supports the walls consisting of bamboo woven in with a wooden frame.”

“And what about the triangular roof, Koka? Maina shrieked in excitement. Sitting beside her grandfather as he told her tales of Assam and how he grew up was the most memorable part of her visits. “Oh! The roofs are sheets supported on bamboo trusses, Maina. It helps connect the triangular structure to the parallel framework of the walls. And I believe there has been very minimal damage caused by earthquakes ever since.”

“O kokai, how are you?”, a voice traveled out to the verandah. It was the vendor that came by every morning, returning home from a fruitful day. Grandfather stretched his hand up to wave back, “I’m doing good, bhaiti, do you have the fresh mulaxaak for us? “Arrey dada, I’ll come by first thing tomorrow morning with the fresh vegetables!”.

“So where was I?”, Grandfather turned in his chair to look at his niece, nibbling into her biscuits. “Koka, have these houses been the same since they were built?”

“No Maina, there’s so much that has changed and upgraded over time. For instance, the high false ceilings go up to as much as 20 feet now! And the staircases have become immensely decorative, I also notice how there are covered entrances now. Oh –– and the roofs that used to be just wooden or bamboo are now made up of lightweight and durable tin and iron. In fact, the rooms are more well-connected, there are flower gardens in front of the construction that have become an integral part of the aesthetic. There’s better ventilation and I can go on and on”, said koka with a beaming face.

“O Maina, we have to get going before it’s dark!” called out her mother as she walked into the veranda and gave a warm hug to grandfather. Maina jumped up from the murha and flung her hands into the air, heaving an appreciative sigh as she hugged her grandmother and grandfather goodbye. As they drove by the various houses, Maina wondered how these magnificent infrastructures have stood the test of time and if they will continue to do so.

Today many of these prominent houses have been overshadowed by the construction of RCC Buildings. Assam-type houses withheld a lot of cultural context of the Assamese culture. The front garden is where families grow their vegetation, cultivating their own needs. These houses are built on stilts to prevent flood water and have been home to the people of Assam for decades.

The interiors see handicrafts made out of cane and bamboo, interestingly integrated with the Timber and bamboo construction of the house in itself. The handmade pieces of furniture’s trail us back to the sustainable craftsmanship of the local artisans of the Northeast. Conservation efforts benefit from the skills and knowledge of artisans, who understand the ecological significance of their materials and the need for sustainable practices. At the same time, craftsmanship thrives when it is rooted in a healthy and preserved environment, as nature provides the raw materials and inspiration for creative expression.

1.  Koka - grandfather

2.  Murha - a stool made of woven cane

3.  Gamusa - a white rectangular piece of cloth whose basic function is to be used as a towel, and is also gifted on cultural and 

     official occasions

4.  Aita - grandmother

5.  Aiyodehi - an expression of love

6.  Maina - a nickname given to a young girl

7.  Dada - Elder brother

8.  Bhaiti - Younger brother

9.  MulaXaak - Radish

10. Ikra - a locally available reed known for its durability and extremely lightweight