Studio Co-ordinator:- Apurva Talpade, Kausik Mukhopadhyay, Prasad Shetty, Tamal Mitra
Rishika Waghmare
Our settlement study in Mategaon, a small village in Aurangabad with less than 1,600 residents, gave us a deeper understanding of how social factors shape space in rural areas. As we visited homes and spoke with the villagers, it became clear how these divisions affect housing. Farming is the backbone of the village economy.
The layout of the village reflects divisions by religion, caste, and class. Narrow lanes lead into the village, where the Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities occupy different areas. We found that lower-caste families live on the outskirts, while higher-class families reside near the main temple at the village center. This organization shapes not only where people live but also how they live.
Map plotting of the village, highlighting the layout of homes, farms, and community spaces that shape daily life.
We studied the diverse vegetation in the region, noting the richness of the soil, which supports a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and millets. We observed various types of farms and examined the farming techniques and local methods used by the farmers. Cotton and jowar (sorghum) emerged as the primary crops, reflecting the area’s agricultural focus.
The village is surrounded by farms and has three dams and two factories—one for producing jaggery and another for processing cotton. Farming is the main occupation, with most villagers engaged in it. By talking with them, we gained insights into their daily routines, how they spend their free time, their sources of entertainment, and how the village operates as a community. These conversations gave us a deeper understanding of the rhythms of rural life and the ways in which the village sustains itself.
"Walking through the fields, we observed diverse farms and recorded their areas and processes. Here, a tractor processes and collects chana (chickpeas), while we mapped the landscape, marking dams, rivers, and wells across the farms."
As we visited homes and spoke with the villagers, it became clear how these divisions affect housing. Lower-caste houses, often made from corrugated metal sheets, lacked defined rooms and sometimes even had outdoor kitchens. The interiors served multiple functions—storage, sleeping, and daily chores. These homes felt temporary, a reflection of the social and economic challenges faced by their inhabitants.
To capture these observations, we drew plans and elevations of the homes. This exercise allowed us to look closely at the physical structures and better understand how people adapt their living spaces to fit their social realities.
Elevation of a Dalit family's home, reflecting both resilience and resourcefulness in its design.
Dalit family's home on the village outskirts, constructed from corrugated metal sheets, reflecting in limited conditions.
Sketches of the Dalit family’s kitchen
In contrast, the higher-class homes, usually owned by landowners, were spacious and permanent, often with two stories and separate rooms. These differences in housing revealed much about the social status of their residents.
Elevation
"Spacious and permanent, the two-story homes of landowners reveal the higher social status of their residents through their distinct structure and layout."
The Muslim community’s homes were mostly built through government schemes, indicating economic hardships. Their houses were clustered and had both front and backyards, serving as extended living spaces.
Section
Plan
"Cluster of homes within the Muslim community, showcasing a close-knit and interconnected living arrangement."
The land and its use seemed to influence almost every aspect of village life, from livelihoods to daily routines. This study helped us see how factors like caste, class, and religion affect the organization of space, which in turn shapes gender roles and social interactions.
A map showing the division of houses on the basis of caste and religion
A map showing all the active government schemes in the village.
A map showing farmland owners v/s the daily wagers
Amidst all the daily routines, the one thing the villagers looked forward to was the weekly bazaar held in the central open space. Vendors from nearby villages, farmers with fresh produce, and confectioners with their sweet treats all gathered here, creating a lively and bustling market.
Aathavdhyacha Bazaar
Sundar bhai in bazaar making a batch of jalebis Phule Kaka and Kaku cleaning their soybean for market
This experience taught us that space is more than just a physical setting; it’s a reflection of cultural, social, and economic forces. Understanding these influences is essential to designing spaces that truly fit the needs and realities of those who inhabit them.
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