Clay homes of Bengal -- 'chaar-chaalaa wonders'

Two things have been abundant in the great Gangetic plains of Bengal -- clay and rice harvest . And it was these two that was extensively used to build residential homes of common people . They were simple and modest , yet extremely artistic . The arched roof made of straw started an architectural style statement that went beyond the frontiers of Bengal and influenced places as far as Mahabalipuram in south ( draupadi ratha ) and mughal indo islamic and rajput architecture in north . Such arched straw roof was called 'chala' . It was a treat to be able to meet with a loving family who still lives in their century old mud thatched roof hut in the village of Pandua in Hooghly district .

Sadly modernisation has drastically reduced the use of straw to make the roofs of village homes , with more and more people preferring terracotta tiles or corrugated tin . With each passing day , another wonderful indegenous art is inching towards extinction 

Traditional earthen thatched roof homes of bengal . This distinguishing arched bend in the roof gave rise to the 'chala' architecture

The ceiling was constructed on a strong base of wooden beams and brackets over which a fine network of thin bamboo canes ( bet ) was laid out . This was finally covered with straw by special carftsmen whose proffession was to thatch earthen huts .

Arched doorway , handmade using nothing but clay ... a traditional lost art

Religious motif ( Vasudhara ) made over and over again on the same wall bears witness to many marriages and functions this family have had :)

Beautiful alcove made on the wall of the bedroom using cowdung clay and bamboo for pillars ! Used as a worship altar .

Earthen huts are as cool as air conditioners in summers