Settlement studies A25
In terms of spatial configuration, washrooms are traditionally built outside the main house, a practice that has been followed since the inception of the settlement. A typical house consists of three rooms, without a defined concept of a bedroom. Historically, houses were not fully levelled, and livestock such as buffaloes were accommodated within the property boundary.
The natural landscape around the settlement supports a variety of foliage, including papaya, babool, teak, mango, neem, nilgiri, and cactus, alongside extensive wheat fields. These elements play an important role in shaping both the agricultural practices and the visual character of the settlement.
Modes of transportation within and around Baiyora are simple and largely non-motorized, consisting mainly of walking, bicycles, and motorcycles. Recreational activities commonly observed include sports such as kabaddi, football, and cricket.
C l u s t e r 3
The settlement consists of multiple families, including the Roth, Tahari, Katara, Damor, and Kazar families. Among these, the Roth, Tahari, and Kazar families are predominantly engaged in farming. Agriculture and animal husbandry form the backbone of the local economy. Crops cultivated include wheat, chana, mustard, corn, bhindi, chilli, tomato, and brinjal. Livestock provides essential resources such as milk and cow dung, the latter being used as fertilizer.
A typical family comprises around seven to eight members spanning three generations. The first and second generations are largely involved in farming activities, while the third generation shows a growing inclination towards education. At least two members from most families work outside Baiyora, often migrating to nearby cities for employment. For instance, Narayanlal’s parents work in Ahmedabad, where his father is employed as a watchman and his mother works as a domestic helper.
The houses in Baiyora are primarily constructed using locally available materials, reflecting a strong connection between building practices and the surrounding environment. The main construction material is black soil mixed with water, which is used for wall construction. Wooden beams and supports form the structural framework, while traditional tiles known as thapade are used for roofing. Large stones are laid at the base to create a stable foundation, which is further strengthened using a mud–water mixture.
The construction process is time-intensive and relies heavily on manual labor. It takes approximately one and a half months for the walls to set and solidify. Including the formation of openings for doors, windows, and the roof, wall construction takes around the same duration. Overall, the completion of a single house requires nearly three to four months, typically involving four to five people. With proper maintenance, these structures are known to last for 70–80 years, and sometimes even longer.