Unraveling the Craftsmanship of Kath-Kunni – A Timeless Building Legacy

Have you ever wandered through a traditional Pahadi village? Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, what captivates the senses are the village houses constructed with a harmonious blend of wood and stones, topped with roofs made of slate. This architectural legacy, prevalent throughout the Himalayas, especially in Himachal Pradesh, is known as kath-kunni. “Kath” is derived from the word ‘kasth,’ meaning wood, while “Kunni” signifies the corner. Essentially, kath-kunni is a unique wall construction technique where stones are meticulously placed between wooden beams, and corners are fashioned using wood, adapting to the needs of the occupants. Crafting a kath-kunni structure demands expertise in selecting suitable wood, stone, craftsmanship, and an understanding of local conditions. Local artisans, referred to as “mistri,” inherit this knowledge from their ancestors. Notably, strict spiritual rules are adhered to during construction, particularly for temples, and these rules may vary across regions. The high hills of Himachal provide an abundance of wood and stones, making kath- kunni structures a sustainable solution. The wood primarily used is from the Deodar tree, known as the ‘Devdar’ or the tree of Gods. With its straight veins and impressive durability, Deodar wood is utilized in various structural applications. A popular saying attributes an exceptional lifespan to this Himalayan wood, lasting up to 1,000 years in water and significantly longer in air, with fire being its primary adversary. The design of a kath-kunni structure exhibits various forms. Typically, a Pahadi house comprises two to three stories, with the ground floor often designated for cattle.

A remarkable example of Pahadi construction can be witnessed in Chehni Village, boasting the tallest kath-kunni structure in the entire Western Himalayas. Despite the challenges of constructing tall structures with stone, the local craftsmen at Chehni have meticulously arranged the stones, and the structure endures even amidst harsh climatic conditions. Situated in a high seismic zone with extreme weather conditions, the kath-kunni structure serves as a solution to both challenges. The thick walls made of stone and wood, coated with mud, act as effective insulation against severe winters. The interlocked wooden beams within the walls provide remarkable ductility, allowing the structure to adjust during earthquakes, dissipating seismic forces without breaking apart. The use of slate tiles for the roof adds weight, enhancing stability.