Archive · 12 Sep 2025
Ancient Building Techniques in Himachal Withstand Floods, Landslides
Imagine houses built in a special way that can survive big floods and shaking from the ground!
In Himachal Pradesh, India, some old houses are made using a secret way of building called kath kuni and dhajji dewari.
These houses use wood, stone, and mud.
Instead of building up and down, they use strong sideways beams like a puzzle.
They are built on higher ground instead of near rivers.
This helps them to not fall during earthquakes or get washed away by floods.
These old methods are friendly to the environment, showing us how to build strong and safe homes while respecting nature.
Himachal Pradesh saw over 370 deaths and damage from floods and landslides.
Kath kuni and dhajji dewari are traditional building techniques that proved resilient.
These techniques use horizontal beams, making them resistant to earthquakes.
Houses built this way use wood, stone, and mud for sustainable construction.
Traditional wisdom avoided building homes in river basins.
- Who
- Homes in Himachal Pradesh, and architect Rahul Bhushan.
- What
- Ancient building techniques, kath kuni and dhajji dewari, that are withstanding floods and landslides.
- When
- During recent floods and landslides, after which traditional methods were highlighted.
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh, India, specifically in the Kullu and Shimla regions.
- Why
- These traditional methods are more resilient and sustainable compared to modern techniques.
- Building Techniques
- Kath kuni and dhajji dewari architecture
- Location
- Himachal Pradesh, India
- Key Feature
- Horizontal beams for earthquake resistance
- Materials Used
- Wood, stone, and mud
- Advantage
- Eco-friendly, sustainable, and resilient
- Traditional Wisdom
- Building on mid-slopes instead of river basins