Architecture
Mud, or, to be more colloquial, Maati, is the essential material to which every Kutchi in Banni relates to. Centuries of experience have given the people of Banni mastery over maati and their Bhunga (circular hut) demonstrates a deep understanding of the ecological, social and aesthetic features of architecture.
The thick maati (Mud) walls, which keep the interior cool during the hot Kutchi summers and warm in the cold desert winters, terminate in conical roofs made of thatch. The roof protects the walls which are adorned beautifully with colorful geometric and floral patterns also created from hand shaped maati.
Women use earth colors to paint the different motifs and create mud-mirror work designs (LippanKaam ) to decorate the exterior and interior walls of the Bhunga.
The traditional Bhunga is an engineering wonder. This sturdy structure has been known to withstand severe winds and seismic activity because of its circular design and tough mud plaster.
