Why Traditional Kath Kuni Houses Survived Himachal’s Floods and Landslides

In the wake of devastating cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides that struck Himachal Pradesh in 2024, traditional architectural techniques such as kath kuni and dhajji dewari have proven to be remarkably resilient. These indigenous building methods, characterized by their use of locally sourced materials and flexible design, have withstood the region's extreme weather events, highlighting the enduring strength of vernacular architecture.

Between June 27 and August 16, 2024, Himachal Pradesh experienced 51 incidents of cloudbursts and flash floods, resulting in 31 fatalities and 33 individuals reported missing. The affected districts included Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Una, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Solan. These events caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as the displacement of numerous residents.

Despite the widespread devastation, homes constructed using kath kuni and dhajji dewari techniques demonstrated remarkable durability. Kath kuni architecture, prevalent in the higher altitudes of Chamba, employs horizontally layered beams of wood interspersed with stone, creating a flexible framework that can absorb seismic shocks and resist the forces of nature. Similarly, dhajji dewari construction, common in the Kangra Valley, utilizes a timber frame filled with stone and mud, forming a quilted pattern that enhances the building's strength and flexibility.

These traditional methods are not only structurally resilient but also environmentally harmonious. The use of locally sourced materials such as wood, stone, and mud ensures that the buildings blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and are less prone to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the design principles of these structures take into account the local topography and climate, contributing to their longevity and sustainability.

The resilience of kath kuni and dhajji dewari homes amidst the 2024 natural disasters underscores the value of integrating traditional architectural wisdom with modern construction practices.

Kath Kuni: Architecture Built for Endurance

Kath kuni construction differs fundamentally from modern reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures. While RCC relies on vertical columns, kath kuni homes employ horizontally layered beams joined using dovetail joints, locally known as maanvi. This design creates a framework capable of absorbing shocks from earthquakes and other external forces more effectively than rigid vertical columns.

A field study conducted in Jana Village, Naggar (Kullu district) highlights the technique’s resilience. Layers of stone placed between timber beams enhance stability, while the flexible wooden framework allows controlled movement during seismic events. While kath kuni structures may develop minor cracks in strong earthquakes, the probability of total collapse is minimal. Additionally, the thick stone and timber walls provide natural thermal insulation, retaining heat during cold months, while mud plaster promotes natural airflow.

Other features further contribute to durability. Trenches, proportional to the building’s height and filled with loose stone blocks, form elevated plinths that protect the structure from snow and rainwater. Sloped roofs, held together without nails or mortar, facilitate efficient water drainage while maintaining structural integrity.

Respect for the Landscape

These techniques are deeply informed by local topography and soil conditions. Construction on unstable floodplains is avoided, reflecting traditional knowledge that mid-slopes and rocky strata provide safer foundations. For example, in Kullu, fertile riverbanks were historically reserved for rice cultivation and later transformed into apple orchards, rather than used for housing. Such practices demonstrate an inherent understanding of sustainable settlement planning.

Architectural historians note that these indigenous methods integrate knowledge of local flora, soil composition, and geological features, resulting in buildings that are not only resilient but also environmentally attuned. The lessons embedded in kath kuni and dhajji dewari techniques remain relevant, particularly as the region grapples with increasing climate-related hazards.

Learning from the Past

As modern construction expands across Himachal Pradesh, traditional architecture offers crucial insights into creating resilient and sustainable homes. The enduring strength of kath kuni and dhajji dewari homes underscores the value of combining historical wisdom with contemporary design, ensuring that settlements can withstand both natural and man-made challenges while remaining in harmony with the landscape.