CONTENTS: Introduction The aim and objectives of the study Relevant research Methodology, Scope and limitations 1 1. Factors and determinants that shape a traditional house form. 1.1 Socio-cultural and physical determinants. 1.2 The Phenomenon of change and its affect on the Built environment. 1.3 Chosen region for the study 2 2.1 The Hinduism in Southern India The Hindu religion, its origins and spread in Southern India Temples as centers of worship; their origin and growth The different types of temples 2.2 The Historical background of temples in Tamil Nadu The periods under the Hindu ruling dynasties until the annexation by the British The growth of temples to temple complexes The origin of temple towns and the temple towns of Srirangam, Madurai, Kanchipuram and Kumbakonam 2.3 The Socio-religious history of the region The Social Hierarchy and the Caste system 2.4 The Tamil Nadu house The organisational layout, response to climate, materials and construction technology 2.5 The Agraharam: a Cluster of Brahmin Houses The Line of houses along a street with a temple of the Main DeityThe characteristics of the street and the faade. Examples of village agraharams: of Varahur and Vishnampettai. 3 2.6 The Traditional Tamil Nadu Brahman House; The layout; the religious geography of the house; the male and female domains The examples of Brahman houses from Pondicherry, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur. An analysis of the type found in the villages of Varahur and Vishnampettai in Trichy Dist. 3 3.1 The Temple Town of Srirangam The origin and history of the town The reign of the successive dynasties 3.2 The Religious Center The Center for Prabandic Vaishnavism The relationship between sectarian leaders and the kings and the resultant expansion of the Temple Town. The religious festivals 3.3 The Social Structure The Kings, Chieftains, Landholders, Priests, the artisans and farmers 3.4 The Urban Plan The temple, the nucleus and the generator of the urban form The adherence to the Mandala 3.5 The Srirangam House The Streets and the House The Hierarchy in the scheme The house and the ancient texts The way of life and the variations within in terms of Social standing, occupation, religious background. 4 Case Studies Case studies 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Case studies 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Conclusion Appendix 1 and 2 Bibliography Acknowledgements