Influence of Migration on Traditional Houses of Kerala

Abstract

Originally people of Kerala (Nairs) were Kshatriyas who fought on behalf of different local rulers and British. After independence due to unavailability of job opportunities locally, people migrated to other countries in search of living. Initially they had migrated to different states within the country later on to other countries depending on their skill level. Kerala state is known for its people migrating abroad looking for better job opportunities. As per Kerala migration survey (2018) the statistics of people migrating was 34.17 lakhs. In today’s context the migration is not only seen as necessity, but also seen as an identity concern related to status symbol in the society. Socio cultural developments such as industrialization led to industrial occupations which gave rise to identity based on the economic standards (capitalism). The idea of group based on the local culture and place has shifted to multi-cultural and multi-spatial notion (eclecticism) due to migration, material innovation and technology. These cultural shifts can be noted in Kerala which are reflected in their house forms. Documentation and observation methods are used to study the influence of migration on residences in present day context. Three house samples of different religion have been documented for studying the influence in Kollam and Trissur region. The modifications made in spatial planning, elements and elevations are discussed in detail in this paper. As a result of the study it is been observed that there is vast shift in the spatial organization and inclusion of western functions. Although people still associate the form and elements with local culture in case of Hindu and Christian communities and more Western/Middle Eastern identity in case of Muslim community.