The ‘traditional knowledge’ associated with ‘timber construction’, its intricacy and efficiency, ‘padmanabhapuram palace, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Association of Culture, its influence and spread over the substantial period of the time can be well justified by studying tangible/intangible resources which exist either in the form of art, architecture, literature, music, dance, drama, sculptures, murals and paintings, materials, tools and techniques and many more. Many a time salient features of such culture underwent to changes due to later enforcement; either by foreign rulers or patron and it eventually became a part of historic layering. Sometime such layering helped in extracting betterment; providing a room for human values and many a time proved to be brutal and devastated entire culture. Since early beginning of Vedic age till British colonial period, a constant race of dictatorship gave birth to too many cultures; either in the regards to Natural supreme power or to their messengers and leaders. One of such aspect leading to spread of Vernacular Timber construction and later Traditional Timber construction, prevalent to Travancore in the realm of Venad kingdom gave birth to a guild which believed to be followed the oral way to communicate their expertise and experiences. Their Timber construction for religious and palatial structures based on ‘Taccusastra’; a science behind Carpentry. In today’s context, due to change in socio-economic conditions many associated guilds are no more into practice. Many of them migrated to another country, mainly to Gulf, living behind their Traditional skills. As result Timber buildings are under serious threat; especially when it comes to their repairs and maintenance. Series of later interventions and current malpractice raising a question against the authenticity of the structure. Under such circumstances it is very important to document the building ranging from its spatial planning to construction techniques, materials to joineries. It is also important to use the latest technology which may help to bridge a gap between existing and lost knowledge. In my research study, I have tried to document Construction and joinery details for one of such important palatial building ‘Thai Kottaram, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu. As a proposal I have developed BIM model for the same which may need to be studied further for various analysis. As a result it will help to sustain Traditional timber culture and its practices, it will also help to discourage malpractices and surly lead to preserve authenticity and integrity of the palace.