The Gujjar, Van Gujjar, and Bakkarwal communities are nomadic shepherding tribes whose lives have long been intertwined with the Himalayan terrain. Spread across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, these communities follow centuries-old migration patterns, moving livestock between low-altitude villages and high-altitude pastures twice a year. This seasonal movement preserves grazing grounds and protects the animals from extreme temperatures, heat in the lower valleys during summer and harsh cold in the upper mountains in winter.
While the Gujjars primarily rear buffalos, the Bakkarwals specialise in sheep and goats. Their migrations, and the rhythms of village life that follow, are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of these communities, shaping not just livelihoods but housing and social structures.
Kutcha Houses: A Climate-Responsive Design
Traditionally, the Gujjars of Surankote in Jammu and Kashmir built their homes along the Pir Panchal mountain range. These “kutcha” houses were small, organic structures made of clay, timber, and shrubs. Typically, the lower floor sheltered livestock, while families lived above. Every space inside the home was multi-functional, from cooking and eating to socialising and sometimes even sleeping, particularly in the warmer cooking areas.
Materials were locally sourced: clay from nearby land, timber from forests or recycled constructions, and branches or shrubs collected sustainably. These homes were not only practical and cost-effective but also highly adaptable to the local climate. The mud walls and layered roofs provided insulation against both summer heat and winter cold, while the houses were easily repairable and fully biodegradable.
The Rise of Pukka Homes
Over the past decade, a noticeable shift has emerged in the Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities. Aspirations for “modernity” and “growth” have prompted many families to transition from traditional kutcha structures to pukka houses, made of reinforced cement concrete (RCC), bricks, iron, and GI sheets. Inhabitants view these homes as symbols of development, offering reduced maintenance and greater resistance to rain, snow, storms, and pests.
Government initiatives have accelerated this trend. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) improved road connectivity, making materials like cement and GI sheets more accessible. Meanwhile, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) incentivised construction of modern houses, encouraging many families to adopt new materials and designs.
Types of Pukka Houses
Pukka houses in these Himalayan villages typically take two forms. The first features RCC slabs and is locally referred to as “pukka makaan.” The second uses GI sheet roofing, often called a “bungalow.” While durable and low-maintenance, both types present challenges. RCC roofs, for instance, absorb heat in summer and become uncomfortably cold in winter. Many older residents lament that the homes lack the comfort and seasonal adaptability of traditional kutcha houses.
The use of bricks, cement, and metal has altered construction techniques and aesthetics, creating a clear visual distinction between old and new housing. These changes, while practical in certain ways, have cultural implications.
Cultural and Environmental Implications
The transition to pukka homes is not only a change in materials but also a shift in lifestyle and cultural practices. Traditional kutcha homes were deeply connected to the land and climate, offering sustainable solutions that left little long-term environmental footprint. Materials were renewable, upcyclable, and fully biodegradable. By contrast, RCC and GI constructions, though longer-lasting, involve significant environmental costs and are difficult to disassemble or reuse.
Experts note that this shift may erode the community’s architectural heritage and understanding of climate-adaptive design. While modernization brings undeniable benefits—safety, durability, and reduced upkeep—it also risks losing centuries of locally evolved knowledge about living in harmony with the mountains.
Roads, Connectivity, and Aspirations
Accessibility plays a major role in the pace of transition. Villages connected by new roads see a faster adoption of pukka materials and designs, influenced by frequent interaction with urban areas. Locals increasingly associate modern materials with upward mobility and progress, while traditional mud homes are often perceived as outdated or inferior.
Government policies and infrastructure, combined with the visual appeal of modern construction, reinforce this perception. Social media, exposure to urban lifestyles, and aspirations for economic growth further amplify the desire to move away from traditional designs.
Preserving Heritage Amid Change
While the shift to modern housing is inevitable in many areas, experts suggest that a balance can be struck. Hybrid models that incorporate climate-sensitive design principles, locally sourced materials, and multi-functional layouts could maintain cultural relevance while providing modern comforts. Adaptive use of timber, clay, or recycled materials alongside concrete could ensure sustainability and heritage preservation.
There is a growing dialogue among architects, anthropologists, and policymakers about safeguarding the Gujjar and Bakkarwal architectural identity. Recognising the value of traditional knowledge is critical, not just for environmental reasons but for maintaining a tangible link to culture and history in these rapidly transforming regions.
The story of Gujjar and Bakkarwal homes is emblematic of a larger narrative across rural and mountainous India: the tension between tradition and modernity. Kutcha houses, shaped by centuries of climate adaptation and cultural practice, are giving way to concrete and metal structures that promise durability and status. Yet, this evolution comes at a cost—the loss of sustainable practices, climate-responsive design, and a cultural way of life.
As these communities navigate the challenges of modernization, the future of Himalayan architecture will depend on thoughtful integration of tradition and innovation. Preserving the lessons embedded in kutcha homes while embracing the conveniences of pukka construction could ensure that the mountains continue to host homes that are functional, sustainable, and culturally resonant.
