Traditional Kerala architecture is based on the principles of Vastu Shastra (science-related habitation). It considers the astrological placement of the Sun, Earth, and other planets during the actual construction along with the location of the site, its shape, the proposed building’s shape, the facing direction of the building, the location of gates, entry doors, doors to each room, windows, and the general design of the building. The basic theories of Vastu Sasthra are closely connected with astrological principles. Therefore, deviation from the accepted rules was believed to cause detrimental effects to those who use the building or the artisans who had constructed it. Thus the technology demanded highly skilled craftsmen and precision in the entire work. The whole process was under the control of a head craftsman. Also the building process was based on caste-related social customs and traditions. It had a great influence on the overall building process, such as the type of buildings, materials used for construction, technologies employed, the labour involved etc. The absence of wage labour relations and the supremacy of the casle system was a distinguishing characteristic (Harilal, 2000; 2002). Houses belonging to each caste had a common name of identification revealing their appearance and technology used. The quality and size of houses diminish as we go down to the caste scale.

The “Pulaya’s” (lowest division of caste) hut was considered as the smallest unit of accommodation (Government of India, 1891). The caste system provided the framework for occupational division of labour. Only the upper class enjoyed the privilege of employing the services of artisans, and the poor people used to build their houses with self-help or mutual help using locally available materials. This situation continued till the early 1970s.