Poetics of Dwelling: Insights from the Baiga Tribe of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Baigas are one of the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of India (PVTGs). They reside in the deep, remote, unapproachable hilly tracts of the Satpura valley of Madhya Pradesh in India. In a setting like this, the very concept of dwelling takes on a new meaning. Indeed, the idea of existence and needs are moulded by the surroundings and the shared narratives of the tribe. For them, poetics of dwelling signifies how each space is a unique manifestation, shaped by the influence of both tangible and intangible aspects that define their relationship with the land. In this context, this study examines the idea of dwelling as understood and practised by the Baigas, focusing on the interplay between their perceptions of the world and their tangible and intangible spaces. It asks the question as to what the idea of dwelling means for the people who do not live under the influence of the modern urban civilisations. It explores the unique dwelling practices of the Baigas, examining how their perception of the world manifests in both the tangible and intangible spaces. The research employs case study as a method. Data was gathered through observations and measured drawings of seven houses in two clusters, and interviews with six families in two households in Madhya Pradesh, India. The study documented spatial arrangements, construction techniques and symbolic elements embedded within their houses. Furthermore, mythology, rituals, and daily routines were recorded to understand the cultural underpinnings of their built environment. The findings reveal how the understanding of the Baigas of their environment shapes the architecture of the dwellings. Their houses are not confined to physical boundaries but extend into semi-open and open spaces. These spaces embody the perceptions of the Baigas: the seen and the unseen worlds, their mythology, territorial behaviour, and their layered understanding of boundaries. The research concludes that Baiga dwellings are not merely shelters but tangible expressions of a profound relationship with the natural and metaphysical realms, underscoring the unique way of life of the tribe.