CONTENTS Chapter One : Introduction1 Traditional/Vernacular Architecture in India 1 The Traditional Dwellings of the Bohras of Gujarat 3 Historical Context in Traditional Studies 5 Traditional Architecture and its Importance 7 The Indian Context 10 Exiting Literature 11 The Focus of the Study 12 Chapter Two : The Socio-cultural and Related Aspects 17 The State of Gujarat 17 Historical Outline 20 Religious Context 24 Origin and Spread28 Religious Beliefs and Practices 30 Social Background 32 Social Customs 36 Social Relations : Family Structure 37 Social Psition of Women 39 Chapter Three : Settlement, Streets Bohra House Form 43 Bohrwads in Gujarat : Morphology 43 Public Institutions 50 The Street 54 Role of the Craftsmen 58 Bohras as Clients 60 Vastu-Shastra 60 Rituals Connected to House Construction 61 Structure 61 Building Materials and Techniques 62 Climate 64 Chapter Four : The Traditional Bohra House Form 69 House as a Home 69 Spatial Organization and Space Use 70 Facades: Aesthetic Meanings 78 Interior Space 87 Important Architectural and Interior Elements 90 Bohra Women and the Physical Environments 93 Beyond the Traditional House Form 94 Present Ubiquitous Housing 98 Chapter Five : The Eclectic Expression 103 A Postscript Towards Conservation 109 Glossary 112 Appendices 114 Bibliography 115 Illustration Credits 120