Continuum of Settlement Pattern in Karaikal in the Perspective of Conservation

Abstract

Karaikal is the small town built in the northern banks of Arasalar river in the former kingdom of Thanjore, Tamil Nadu. Now it is the major port town in the union territory of Pondicherry. The evolution of human settlement in Karaikal has been passed through many phases starting from early Dravidian to the present urban settlement. In-between, Karaikal was under many dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas, Khilji, French, Dutch, English and then finally now, under Indian democracy. Hence diverse culture and religion is seen in Karaikal. Each stages of development in Karaikal have been experienced with different cultural influence in town planning and architectural styles. This makes the Karaikal town rich in heritage. This paper gives the overview of the evolution happened in Karaikal in terms of settlement pattern and housing styles all through its timeline with its ground of influence and the adverse effects of urbanisation in heritage streets and buildings. Hence this paper aims to learn different cultural and religious influence in Karaikal’s settlement pattern and housing and to conserve diminishing heritage streets and buildings due to urbanization. The information is collected by field survey at Karaikal and from literature references.