Sustaining Traditionalism: an investigation into the vernacular transformation of the Khasi tribal houses of Sylhet

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims at understanding the reasons causing the decline in the practice of traditional, regional architectural methods of creating house forms in the Khasia Punji at Jaflong, Sylhet area.Design/methodology/approachTwo main types of traditional and modern house forms were identified and studied in order to document and analyze the aspects of changes in the construction method and material uses, while the interviews together with observational, qualitative and descriptive study formed an insight into the changing socio-cultural dynamics and evolving lifestyle of the tribe. Apart from physical surveys, the primary data on settlement patterns over twenty years' time were reviewed through satellite imaging while the characteristics of local house forms were also collected from tourist photographs through time recorded in Google database.FindingsThe findings of this research have pointed out that in the case of the Khasi tribe, the shift in temporal context, accompanied by a shift in technological, socio-cultural and economic aspects, is fueling the transformation in the formal expression, material and methods of the house building.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations were posed in setting up more constructive and informative interview sessions with the Khasi people due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation which limited the survey outcomes in general.Practical implicationsThe scope of this study is to understand the changes and advances in socio-cultural, technological aspects of a society and their impact on the intricate patterns of life and customs that are evidently reflected in the transformation of built environments.Originality/valueThis research attempts to understand the causes behind the transformation of vernacular house forms, taking place in the Khasi village of Jaflong, Sylhet.

How has rural tourism influenced the sustainable development of traditional villages? A systematic literature review

“…Traditional architecture transformation refers to the analysis of the modifications in the physical, functional, structural, construction methods, and materials of traditional dwellings caused by tourism. Monzur and Jany [ 96 ] also emphasize the temporal context, which is characterized by concurrent technical, societal, and economic changes. The disappearance of traditional architecture is attributed to changes in sociocultural dynamics and conflicts between locals and the government [ 97 ].…”

“… (Qual) interviews/observation/narrative analysis Villagers 7 2019 [ 108 ] Traditional architecture transformation The physical Transformation of the traditional dwelling due to rural tourism. (Qual) case study/observation 8 2017 [ 70 ] (Mixed) interviews/questionnaires/architectural examination Villagers 9 2023 [ 96 ] (Qual) interviews/observational/satellite imaging Inhabitants 10 2023 [ 109 ] (Quan) Remote sensing images/drone shooting 11 2019 [ 98 ] Traditional dwelling continuity Utilizing tourism to achieve traditional village population migration, cultural protection, economic revitalization, and strengthened social connections (Qual) case study 12 2018 [ 99 ] (Qual) case study 13 2020 [ 97 ] (Qual) direct observations/Semi-structured interviews/physical artifacts/thematic analysis Households 14 2017 [ 100 ] (Qual) observation/in-depth interview/focus group discussion Villagers 15 2017 [ 101 ] (Mixed) observation/depth interviews/mapping analysis The owners or occupants 16 2015 [ 102 ] (Qual) interview ...…”

“…Disregarding the values and meaning held by people can harm the integrity and distinctiveness of the destination [ 132 ]. Monzur and Jany [ 96 ] found that object-based authenticity and intrapersonal authenticity are important factors in creating emotional connection to a destination and increasing loyalty to that destination. This is because when a person's values and self-identity align with the perceived authenticity of the destination, they are more likely to develop a strong attachment to it.…”