Decoding the Era of Open Angans in the Centre of the Houses

Open angans in houses have been an old age concept in India, but with modernity taking its toll and independent homes shifting to apartments, the concept was losing its grace. However, these days many people have again started liking the concept of these open angans which gives fresh air, sunlight and even gives adequate space to relax. Angans can be crafted in splendid designs to give the house a unique and different look.

Open Angans in India: A Tradition that dates back to centuries

Open angans have been a concept that dates back to thousands of years. Palaces built during the 13^th to 18^th century have showcased the presence and importance of angans in houses, its utility.

Talking about the Northern India, the City Palace in Rajasthan has a grand open air royal courtyard. This signifies how people in the ancient India understood the importance of angans, how they make a place vibrant, let the sunshine enter, give adequate space to the kids of the families to play and interact. In the ancient India, angans used to be the places where queens and princesses would gather, talk and laugh, a means to keep the family bonded.

Same is the case with South India, the open courtyard is popularly referred as “Nadumuttom”. Here the courtyard is built exactly in the centre of the houses. The Mysore Palace below has a large courtyard where assembly of the King was held.

Layout of Indian courtyard houses

In ancient India, courtyards were considered as the nucleus of the house, to be constructed in the central position. The image on right reflects the layout of an Indian house.

Angans with garden: A Growing Concept

This is a popular concept and many houses plan to get a courtyard constructed in such a manner that the a garden is present amidst giving a natural and green look. Nonetheless to say that green angans definitely give a breath of fresh air and give a positive vibe to the house.

Angans for Vastu Shastra

According to the science of Vastu Shastra, a central location of the house is the best place to have a courtyard. The North and East sides are preferred options for the same. It is believed that a central courtyard strengthens relationship in a family, probably because it gives ample of space to the family members to sit and spend quality time together. This is popular concept in South India.

Seating arrangement in the Angan

Different kind of seating arrangement such as dining table or lawn chairs and a small coffee table look nice. A ‘Jhula’ is also seen in many Indian homes in the angans. You can also add multiple seating arrangements if the angan has a large area. Here you can sit with your family members or even alone, read a book, sip coffee and revive your senses.

Though skyscrapers may become popular, but the panoramic view of natural beauty amidst your house is second to none.

Why should we have open angans in houses?

Answering to this question, there is not one, but many reasons for this:

• The angans let the natural light enter the homes and these can be utilised completely.
• Angans reduce the effect of extreme climates, such as excessive heat or winter as the space for ventilation is huge.
• Angans become a social hub for the members of the family where they can sit, talk and children can play, redefining the bond between them.

If you want to hear more about such lost concepts that are again gaining interest for Indian home owners, do connect with us on liveup.world@gmail.com