Folk Architecture of Asian Villages and Towns : A Comparative Study

Folk or vernacular architecture is basically an expression of local craftsmanship which has been developed from a particular environment, traditional skills and practices through generations.

The present book dealt with varied folk architectural patterns from prehistoric time to the modern period. Folk styled houses form a part of built heritage which differ from region to region and country to country. The book traverses the realms of the traditional folk architecture of India as well as that of some other Asian countries. It also highlights, some important aspects related to the folk culture of India like Folk Goddesses, folk songs, protection of folklore through legal means, tribal houses and many others.

In its fifteen articles, this volume focuses on tradition of folk or vernacular architecture of Asian villages and emphasizes on the role of communities, their customs and beliefs and also technological innovation. The book will be useful for understanding the vernacular architecture for those who have keen interest for this subject.

Prof. Durga Basu (b. 1957), the editor of the present volume, is a retired Professor of Department of Archaeology, Calcutta University. She has specialized in Indian art and architecture, Buddhist studies and historical archaeology. She has published several articles in various national and international journals and in edited books. She has also published a monograph entitled "The N.B.P. Culture of Eastern India".

Dr. Basu has participated and presented various research papers in number of International conferences held in Ireland, Jordan, Cambodia, Manila, Iran, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Sweden, France, and Cardiff University, Wales. She has chaired academic sessions of International Congress and conference held in Shiraz, Iran (2007), Sri Lanka (2010), in Jordan (WAC-7, 2013) and Paris (EurASEAA, 2015). As a Director of excavation, conducted Excavations at Kankandighi, 2013-2015 and also actively participated in many excavations held in West Bengal. She is also the Guest Faulty in Indology and Art Appreciation course of The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. She is currently the Senior Fellow of ICSSR.