The Architectural Heritage of Anjugramam: A Look at Our Old Houses

We all rush through Anjugramam junction, heading to the market, to Nagercoil, or towards Kanyakumari. But have you ever slowed down and truly looked at the old buildings standing silently along our streets? Not the new concrete houses, but the old ones—with the sloping tile roofs and the welcoming porches. These buildings are more than just old; they are a living history of our town, a key part of the architectural heritage of Anjugramam.

Explore the traditional architecture of Anjugramam. Learn about the old houses with their thinnai, muttram, and tiled roofs that define our town's unique heritage

Many of our old family homes share a beautiful design. The first thing you'll notice is the thinnai – the raised platform at the front of the house. This wasn't just a decoration. It was our original social network! It was where grandfathers read the newspaper, neighbours gathered to chat in the cool evenings, and weary travellers were offered a place to rest.

Step inside, and you might find an open space in the centre of the house, the muttram or courtyard, open to the sky. This clever design brought sunlight and fresh air into every room. It was the place where children played safely, where women dried pickles and vathals, and where the entire family gathered during festivals. The cool touch of the red oxide or black cement floor under your feet is a feeling many of us remember from our childhood homes.

Built for Our Weather, Built for Our People

There’s a reason these old houses in Anjugramam look the way they do. They were built with common sense.

• The Sloping Roofs: The beautiful, reddish-brown Mangalore tiles (odu) weren't just for looks. They were perfect for our heavy monsoon rains, allowing water to slide off easily and keeping the house dry. The earthy smell when the first rain hits those hot tiles is a memory in itself.

• Thick Walls: The thick walls, often made of stone and lime mortar, were natural air conditioners. They kept the scorching summer heat out, making the inside of the house surprisingly cool even on the hottest day.

• Wooden Beams & Pillars: Look up at the ceilings in these old structures. You'll see strong wooden beams, often from jackfruit or palm trees, holding everything together for generations.

New Buildings Rise, But Let's Not Forget Our Roots

Today, our town is growing. New, modern concrete buildings are coming up everywhere. They are strong and serve today's needs. But as we build the new, we must not forget the value of the old. These heritage buildings are a link to our grandparents and their way of life. They tell a story of a time when life was simpler, more connected to nature, and built around the community.

Next time you walk or drive through a street in Anjugramam or a nearby village, take a moment. Look for a house with a thinnai. Notice the pattern of the tiles on a roof. These pieces of Anjugramam architecture are our identity. They are the soul of our town, and it's up to us to appreciate them before they fade away.

What are your memories of old houses in Anjugramam? Share your thoughts or stories in the comments below!

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