SIGNIFICANCE OF FORESTS IN TRIBAL VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE: IN CONTEXT TO KHARIA TRIBE IN JHARKHAND,INDIA

Tribal community and their association with nature is deeply rooted. The primitive tribes in India and the world are settled around forests or islands and use their products for their livelihood. The style of architecture, art, culture, beliefs, socio-economic framework is guided by the local environment. As the primitive tribe remain secluded from the urban development and advancement, their beliefs and practices are limited and are based on real time experiences. The availability of resources around the community shapes the type of architectural and cultural practices of the tribe. The forest provides ample resources like wood, fodder, mud, straw, etc. which serves as construction materials, fuel, and source of livelihood for the ethnic community. The article throws light on the influence of forests and its resourceson the vernacular architectural style, the settlement pattern, dwelling units, construction technology and, materials which ultimately responds to the local climate, art, culture, socio-economic framework, and beliefs of the people.