BHUNGA

BHUNGA
KUTCH , GUJARAT
‘KUTCH NAHI DEKHA TOH KUCH NAHI DEKHA’
INTRODUCTION
Bhungas are closely linked to the

identity of Kutch desert areas.
They are single cylindrical
structures put close to each other
to form a house. In common
terminology, each bhunga would
be equivalent to a room in a
house.
As per one story, after the 1819
earthquake, all building craftsmen from
Sindh and Kutch region got together to
discuss the damage caused to the houses
in the region by the earthquake. After a
series of discussions, they came up with
the circular house-form design of
Bhungas which is in practice since then.1
Even after the earthquake of 2001, it was

observed that most of the bhunga houses
survived the earthquake despite being
very close to the epicentre of the
earthquake, while many other
constructions failed.
LOCATION
Bhungas are mainly found in desert

islands (fertile land in the middle
of the desert) in the northern parts
of Kutch region of Gujarat-
specially Banni and Pachham
(literally meaning pashchim- west).
Certain communities build the
bhungas in the other rural areas of
Kutch
CLIMATE
The district is basically a wide
stretch of dry land comprising hills
and deserts with a fertile coastline
on one side overlooking the
Arabian Sea. Predominantly being

a dry land, Kutch experiences

extreme climatic conditions
characterised by sweltering
summer and scanty rainfall.
Thatch roof is a weak conductor of heat
and adds to the thermal comfort.
In mud or stone construction of bhungas, the
walls are thick. This makes the surface less
penetrative for the heat. The lipan done on the
walls is also less conductive which adds to the
thermal comfort inside the bhunga. 7
The winter season is pleasant

and mainly a good time to visit.
The summer season in Kutch is
extremely hot and starts from the
month of February and lasts till
June. The weather is extremely
hot and the temperature can soar
up to 48°Celsius. Tourists
generally avoid visiting Kutch The roof overhang of a bhunga
due to the severe climatic comes quite low casts shadows
conditions during this time. on the walls and protects the
walls from the direct sunrays.
In mud or stone construction of bhungas,
the walls are thick. This makes the surface
less penetrative for the heat. The lipan
done on the walls is also less conductive
Bhungas have small openings,
which adds to the thermal comfort inside
this helps in extreme climate of
the bhunga.
the region.
CULTURE
Culture is revealed in the
decoration of the bhunga- inside
as well as outside
SETTLEMENT DESIGN
LUDIA REGION, KUTCH
SPATIAL FORM
Plinth, defines the domain of the homeland a

place for outdoor activities. The plinth is
about 500mm high.
Typical household , section (right)
Bhunga plan (left)
Masonry walls are mades of adobe blocks and the plaster is from mud covered by cow
dung, lime etc.
Roof is made from bamboo/wooden framework covered with thatch.

COMPONENTS OF BHUNGA HOUSES
One horizontal beam - adi, 15-

18cm.
A base for the vertical king post-

patli, 5x7x25cm.
A central king post - 180-270cm.
A cone - mann, at the top of the

king post, d-40cm.
Rope and straw- Kathi and kheep.

CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL
•In the construction of bhungas, raw

materials that are easily available in
Kutchh are used.
•Materials are such that the bhungas
are earthquake resistant.
•The materials include the stones,
burnt brick masonry either in mud
mortar or in cement mortar.
BUILDING TECHNIQUE
When three or four courses have been laid, one above the other, the sides
are smoothened overs that the holes and cracks disappear.
METHODOLOGY
Construction techniques generally used ‘COB’. In

these methods a large lump is roughly moulded
into the shape of a huge elongated egg. The usual
size is anything between 12 to 18 inches. 30-40cm
long ,6inch diameters. A row of cobs of mud are
laid nearly side by side. preferably somewhat
pressed together. Then another row of cobs is laid
on top.
CALAMITIES
Due to circular shape of wall in

plan, inertial forces developed
in the walls, are resisted
through shell action. Providing
excellent resistance to lateral
forces. Very few Bhungas
experienced significant damage
in the epicentral region.
The walls of the bhunga, play an
important role internally and externally,
providing a space for cultural reflection
as well as functional needs.

BHUNGA

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BHUNGA

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BHUNGA

Bhungas are closely linked to the

Even after the earthquake of 2001, it was

Bhungas are mainly found in desert

a dry land, Kutch experiences

The winter season is pleasant

Plinth, defines the domain of the homeland a

Bhunga plan (left)

Roof is made from bamboo/wooden framework covered with thatch.

One horizontal beam - adi, 15-

A base for the vertical king post-

A central king post - 180-270cm.

A cone - mann, at the top of the

Rope and straw- Kathi and kheep.

•In the construction of bhungas, raw

Construction techniques generally used ‘COB’. In

Due to circular shape of wall in

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