The Tower Fortress of Chaini Kothi.
Chaini Kothi is around 30 meters tall in current condition. It has lost its two upper storey’s during the Kangra Earthquake of 1905. Architecture of Chaini Kothi is an indigenous method of pahadi architecture. Chaini proudly host marvels of the indigenous kath – kunni style architecture which had been built by master masons centuries ago.
The Bhandar faces the Jogini Mata temple and comes alive during the village festivals. Another huge building, constructed in a similar style to Chaini Kothi, has now been converted to a Krishna Temple also known as Murlidhar Temple. Krishna Temple is a five storey building believed to date from the same time as Chaini Kothi. In earlier times, this was the imposing residence of the ruling Thakurs. It takes us in an enchanting journey to the past. This striking and grand structure is one among many architectural masterpieces of Chaini.
A traditional house in the village.
Shabbir Khambaty and Swapnil S. Bhole are practicing architects from Mumbai. Graduating in 2004, they have been passionately involved in research projects and have chosen this path as one of their mainstream career goals. They have been doing research in Himachal Pradesh since 2003 and till date have documented around 28 villages.
Images used in the article are courtesy by Panki Sood.