The Indian villages with rooftop sculptures of planes, tanks and cars

2024-07-18
The Indian villages with rooftop sculptures of planes, tanks and cars

Architectural Marvels: Rooftop Sculptures Redefine the Skyline of Rural India

In the rural villages of Punjab, India, a unique architectural tradition has taken root, transforming the skyline with a captivating display of rooftop sculptures. Photographer Rajesh Vora's journey to document this phenomenon has uncovered a rich tapestry of personal aspirations, cultural influences, and a remarkable integration of form and function.

Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Discovering the Architectural Icons

Stumbling upon a vibrant village in Daulatpur, photographer Rajesh Vora found himself surrounded by a visual feast of eclectic, colorful architecture. Atop the buildings, he encountered a remarkable sight – a large facsimile of an Air-India plane, and across the street, a replica of an army tank with a painted soldier emerging from its hatch. These were not mere decorations, but elaborate rooftop water tanks, a vernacular tradition that has flourished in the region for over five decades.Vora's fascination with this phenomenon led him on a multi-year project, during which he visited 150 villages and photographed hundreds of these unique architectural icons. He was captivated by the "brilliant idea combining form and function," as the local artisans seamlessly integrated these sculptural elements into the homes.

Embodying Personal Aspirations

The ostentatious rooftop designs are not mere aesthetic choices, but rather a reflection of the homeowners' personal aspirations and experiences. Commissioned by Indian emigrants who return home or by their families still residing in the region, these water tanks have become a canvas for self-expression.Vora observed a diverse array of motifs, from sports equipment to culinary tools, and even bottles of whiskey. "If somebody plays sports, they'll put up a football there, if they are a chef they will put a pressure cooker… if somebody likes a nice drink, they'll put a bottle of whiskey," he explained. Planes, tanks, and cars also emerged as popular choices, as the homeowners sought to immortalize their dreams and achievements.

Tracing the Origins and Evolution

The tradition of these architectural icons can be traced back to the 1970s, as Punjabi diasporic communities flourished in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As the popularity of custom-designed water tanks grew, local builders became specialized in their craft, catering to the diverse preferences of the homeowners.Over the years, the favored icons have shifted in popularity, reflecting the changing times. When the Maruti van, a popular Indian automobile, was introduced in the 1980s, it began appearing on the rooftops as well. Vora also observed how architectural styles from different countries started to blend into the villages, as owners brought back ideas from their travels abroad.

Documenting a Disappearing Legacy

Capturing the essence of this unique tradition proved to be a challenging task for Vora. The remote areas of Punjab were not yet mapped by Google, making it difficult to locate the villages. "Some days are lucky — you might get three or four kinds of water tanks; others, you might not get anything," he said.Vora's efforts to create an archive of Punjab's distinctive architectural legacy have been driven by a sense of urgency. As the region continues to undergo major shifts, particularly with the increasing economic mobility of marginalized communities and the wealth accumulation of second- or third-generation immigrants overseas, the future of these rooftop sculptures remains uncertain."Will they come back to India? Will they build their own houses? Will they take care of these houses?" Vora ponders. He fears that if the younger generations do not maintain these structures, the tradition may eventually disappear, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved.

Article "tagged" as:

Top Articles

Related Article

Person Shot At Sam’s Food Mart On Joliet’s Richards Street

Person Shot At Sam’s Food Mart On Joliet’s Richards Street

A shooting occurred at the Sam's Food Mart in Joliet, Illinois, where a 29-year-old man was shot in
Vintage fashion show at Baldwin Hotel Museum

Vintage fashion show at Baldwin Hotel Museum

The Baldwin Hotel Museum in Klamath Falls, Oregon, will host a fashion show featuring vintage garmen
Massachusetts is Home to America’s #1 Top Fashion Retailer

Massachusetts is Home to America’s #1 Top Fashion Retailer

Despite tough economic times and high inflation, people still want to feel good in their clothing. A
Every Single Beauty Detail From ‘Emily In Paris’ Season 4, Explained

Every Single Beauty Detail From ‘Emily In Paris’ Season 4, Explained

The article discusses the evolution of Emily Cooper's beauty looks in the fourth season of the Netfl
Outside Money and Dueling Claims of Working-Class Roots in Wisconsin Primary

Outside Money and Dueling Claims of Working-Class Roots in Wisconsin Primary

The article discusses the Democratic primary race for Wisconsin's Third District, where candidate Re
The one song that inspired Billie Eilish to make music

The one song that inspired Billie Eilish to make music

Billie Eilish's musical journey began with the song "Runaway" by Aurora, which inspired her to start
‘Truffles is just like me:’ How a Pennsylvania cat makes kids feel proud to wear glasses

‘Truffles is just like me:’ How a Pennsylvania cat makes kids feel proud to wear glasses

Truffles, a "super smart" cat, works full-time at an optical shop in Pennsylvania, helping children
Local Boys and Girls Club treats kids to back-to-school shopping spree

Local Boys and Girls Club treats kids to back-to-school shopping spree

The Yuma branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) organized a back-to-school shopping
7th Street Kids to act in “Finding Nemo” this weekend

7th Street Kids to act in “Finding Nemo” this weekend

The article discusses the upcoming musical adaptation of the Pixar film "Finding Nemo" by the 7th St
U.S. Food Imports Rising

U.S. Food Imports Rising

The article discusses the increasing import of foreign food and farm products by the U.S. It mention
Perspective | ‘Concord’ is Sony’s expertly crafted big bet. It’s just a few years late.

Perspective | ‘Concord’ is Sony’s expertly crafted big bet. It’s just a few years late.

"Concord" is a new hero shooter game from Sony's first-party developer Firewalk Studios. While the g
Softball game, picnic in Mishawaka raises money for Special Olympics

Softball game, picnic in Mishawaka raises money for Special Olympics

The Mid-America Senior Softball League and the St. Joseph County Special Olympics softball team came
Manhattan prosecutors urge judge to uphold Trump’s conviction in “hush money” case

Manhattan prosecutors urge judge to uphold Trump’s conviction in “hush money” case

New York prosecutors are urging a Manhattan judge to uphold Donald Trump's criminal conviction for f
Ben Affleck Claims Paparazzi Endangered His Daughter

Ben Affleck Claims Paparazzi Endangered His Daughter

Ben Affleck confronted paparazzi outside his Beverly Hills home, accusing them of endangering his da
Local athletes take home medals at Able Games

Local athletes take home medals at Able Games

The article highlights the inspiring achievements of athletes from the QTown fitness gym who compete
Toyota Pulls Off a Fast and Furious Demo With Dual Drifting AI-Powered Race Cars

Toyota Pulls Off a Fast and Furious Demo With Dual Drifting AI-Powered Race Cars

Researchers from Toyota Research Institute and Stanford University have developed self-driving cars
Woman charged after several puppies found dead inside hot car, police say

Woman charged after several puppies found dead inside hot car, police say

A woman in Missouri has been charged with 13 counts of animal abuse after several dead puppies were
NYC Summer Streets 2024: 20 miles of car-free streets

NYC Summer Streets 2024: 20 miles of car-free streets

New York City is expanding its Summer Streets program, with nearly 20 miles of roads going car-free
‘It was the first time I wasn’t obsessed with food’: comedians mine Ozempic trend for laughs at Edinburgh Fringe

‘It was the first time I wasn’t obsessed with food’: comedians mine Ozempic trend for laughs at Edinburgh Fringe

A group of female comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival are using their shows to confront the i
Which 13 Kent restaurants, stores had the most food inspection violations in 2023-2024?

Which 13 Kent restaurants, stores had the most food inspection violations in 2023-2024?

According to state records, more than 200 restaurants and retailers in Kent, Ohio were cited for foo