CHAPTER 3

Homestead in Ponnani

A homestead forms the affluent house prototype in the midlands of Kerala. The large compound accommodates a dwelling and its related entities as separate units. They include the main house, guest house, store house or granary, cow shed, serpent grove, tanks and wells. The inhabitants act as connectors between these units which are generally anchored to the main house. According to vastu, these have assigned positions within the site which is followed in most traditional samples. The selected homestead at Ponnani in Malappuram district is a typical example which holds a two-storeyed main house, a two-storeyed pathayapura or store house which is also used as a guest house, a granary, a thozhuthu or cow shed, a serpent grove, two tanks and a well attached to the kitchen. The structure which is over 100 years old, had inhabitants till recent who vacated with the occupational shift of the younger generations. The compound is covered with trees leaving some clearance all around the structures. In the centre is a raised platform with koovalam tree, which is considered auspicious. Each of these built structures has a semi open verandah all around. One kulam is located in the north-east, while the other is in the south-west corner which is against the vastu prescriptions. These collected rain water as well as percolated ground water. They do not have a bath house or steps attached, but are accessed from the sloping sides. The well which is attached to the kitchen is located in the north east as prescribed. The sacred serpent grove which is located in the north-east, adjacent to the tank, with its thick vegetation and deep roots help retain ground water. The compound is adjoining agricultural fields and hence the water table remains high except for summers. The house as well as the pathayapura has a loft which is ventilated by means of small openings around. This remained as the storage space which was rarely accessed. The verandah of the main house has charupadi lined on two sides. This used to be the family gathering space which also allowed viewing the rain. The lower roof of the main house is further extended to provide a larger shade. This probably was used to gather the fruits and crops grown within the compound.