KRVIA Urban Design _ Semester 7 _ Varanasi

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CITY SCALE About Varanasi Brief Introduction of the City and its location explaining its religious significance

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LOCALITY SCALE Layers of Varanasi Fabric of the City- A transition from the city scale to the neighbourhood

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NEIGHBOURHOOD SCALE Introduction to Ashfaq Nagar and Reori Talab area along with a small part of Ramapur Brief Introduction of the Neighbourhood

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UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SCALES Evolution of the city and the neighbourhood studied together Timeline of the City and the Neighbourhood

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CONTEXTUAL SCALE Identifying the various Phenomenon which has shaped and affected the Neighbourhood at large 05.1.Educational Institutions- studies through two lenses a. Evolution and Effects b. Impact 05.2. Housing Typology- Identifying the various typologies and understanding each of them a. Identification of Clusters and Studying Clusters b Cluster 5 (Karkhana Housing) c. Cluster 4 (Row Housing: 3-4 Storeys, Courtyard Houses) 05.3. Traditional Livelihoods a. An Overview b. The silk weaving community

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OBSERVATIONS

01 CITY SCALE

About Varanasi Brief Introduction of the City and its location explaining its religious significance The district of Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras or Benares) is named after the etymology of owing to its position as its situated between the confluences of Ganges and two streams- Varana and Assi giving the name Varanasi. Jaunpur, Mirzapur, Allahabad and Ghazipur surround the Varanasi district on the four sides. This chapter will cover the basic introduction of the city with respect to its context, geography and social and religious beliefs.

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About Varanasi

COUNTRY LEVEL MAP

Location The district of Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras or Benares) is named after the etymology of owing to its position as its situated between the confluences of Ganges and two streams - Varuna and Assi giving the name: Varanasi. Jaunpur, Mirzapur, Allahabad & Ghazipur surround the Varanasi district on the four sides

Ghats There are about eighty eight ghats on the bank of river ganga from which five of them are the most sacred ones.

These ghats are loaded with various temples, which have played a major role in building settlements around it.

Religious Beliefs In the sense of its importance to the Hindu religion and culture, its regional influence extends to the entire country.

Varanasi is part of a pilgrimage route that most Hindus believe should be taken once in their lifetime.

STATE LEVEL MAP

Topography The district may be divided into two physical regions- the northern alluvial plain and southern hilly region. The plain is devoid of rock and is made entirely of alluvial of two types the tari the floodplain of the Ganga and the level upland (known as uparwar) the two being separated by clearly defined by banks.

Climate Located at an elevation of 80.7 m Low level floods resulting in fertile soil Summer- April to June | Dry | Low | Temperatures reach upto 46 degrees Temperatures drops to 5 degrees Monsoon- July to October | Annual Rainfall=1100 mm approx

Transport Varanasi is well connected by road, rail and airways with other parts of the country. The closest Airports of Varanasi are: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), Gaya Airport (GAY), Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (PAT)

CITY LEVEL MAP

City

Ganga

Apart from religious activities, Varanasi has been a centre of spiritual and educational activities since time immemorial. These activities have played an important role in shaping the character of this religious and pilgrimage town. More than a million pilgrims visit each year; many spend their last days here. A center of Hindu learning through the ages, it has lots of schools and countless Brahmin pandits.

Its three universities include the large and important Banaras Hindu University and over a dozen colleges.

A centre of arts, crafts, music and dance, it is also famous for its production of silks and brocades with gold and silver threadwork, as well as for wooden toys, bangles made of glass, ivory work, and brassware. The inner streets of the city are narrow, winding, and impassable for motor traffic; the newer outer suburbs are more spacious and are laid out more systematically.

Varanasi is the only city in India through which the river Ganga flows in the opposite direction. The flow of the river starts from the north and then flows towards the south west. As it reaches the Varanasi city it tends to bend upwards and starts flowing in the north eastern direction where its joined by Gomti. This is considered to be sacred and its this topographical nature led to beginning of what we today know as Varanasi.

Beliefs The three highest points in the mainland were deciphered as the Trishul carried by Lord Shiva.

Many believed that the western bank of the river Ganga was auspicious than the eastern bank and hence the settlements started growing on the western bank, while the eastern bank was left barren.

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02 LOCALITY SCALE

Layers of Varanasi Fabric of the City- A transition from the city scale to the neighbourhood There are essentially three layers which come together to form the fabric of Varanasi- the culturally rich core, the medieval middle layer and the outer layer which comprises of the newest developments. This chapter will give a brief overview of each of these layers and their fabrics. It will also introduce the various neighbourhoods existing in each layer of the city. The study of the fabric of the core, middle and outer layer has been strengthened by analyzing these neighbourhoods through different lenses

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Layers of Varanasi

The evolution of settlements within Varanasi can be studied in three layersThe core, the middle layer and outer layer The core is essentially the heritage strip that runs along the ghats. This is the old city which was developed on the higher ground. It consists of narrow lanes and old buildings.

Hindu architecture dominates this region. The cluster here is pretty congested as settlements started growing around important temples near the ghats. The typology transitions from ground storeyed structures to multi storeyed structures as one walks away from the ghats towards the middle layer

The origins of the middle layer takes place in the medivial period where muslim inhabitations become more prominent.

Here, there is a coexistence of hindu and muslim architecture.

This area experienced a rapid growth of population (the migrant middle class). Thus, the open spaces got converted to built up area. The middle layer consists of a lot of smaller temples and important educational institutions shopping areas, restaurants and government offices.

LAYER WITHIN THE CITY MARKED ALONG WITH THE NEIGHBOURHOODS OF FOCUS

The outer layer is mostly occupied by the middle to high class society. It consists of spacious houses, wider streets and a lot of open spaces. This is probably due to the fact that it was developed in the later years.

Thus, three model neighbourhoods were selected from each layer in order to discern the city at a deeper level.

These were: A. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Godowlia and Chowk B. Ashfaq Nagar, Reori Talab C. Sigra The juxtaposition of the different fabrics of various neighbourhoods is what makes Varanasi so culturally rich and diverse

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APARTMENT BUILDING INDIVIDUAL BUILT SPACE

TEMPLES

GREEN COVER

HEAVILY TRAFFICKED

PUBLIC PARKS

MEDIUM TRAFFICKED

PHOKRAS

MINIMAL VEHICULAR MOVEMENT

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT

MOSQUES

OTHER

PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT

FOOD STREET

FOOD JOINTS

Sigra

Sigra is a downtown locality of Varanasi city. It is very well connected to Varanasi-Lucknow Road and NH-3. The settlement patterns vary from apartment buildings to the separate built up spaces.

The green cover in the area is reducing with the coming up these settlements.

Certain working class communities and the migrant workers communities are seen in Sigra.

Ashfaq Nagar

CHURCHES

Ashfaq nagar is a small mohalla in Bhelupur. It is a male dominant weaver community area. The settlement pattern comprises of individual built up spaces.

The people who are not silk weavers, are mainly artisans or tailors. The houses in this neighbourhood are equipped with handloom machines. Thus, the living and working conditions of the weaver community are poor. Women and other family members play a very important role in the silk weaving process.

THE THREE NEIGHBOURHOODS ANALYSED AND COMPARED TOGETHER

SAREE SHOPS

ACTIVE STREETS

COMMERCIAL SHOPS

DUMPING GROUND

HAWKERS

FAMOUS EATERIES

HOSPITALS

PUBLIC TOILET

GUEST LODGES

NIGHT CHAI SHOPS

OTHER HAWKERS

HAWKER MARKET

Dashashwamedh Godowlia -Chowk

The chowk is the part of the old city near the ghats. It's a busy street with shops lined up selling religious artifacts, sweets, and handmade toys. Godowlia Market is known for brocade fabrics, saris, and handicrafts.

Eateries range from hole-in-the-wall street food stalls to modest vegetarian cafes.

CLINICS

COVID HOSPITALS/VACCINATION CENTRES

Several temples cluster around the 18th-century Kashi Vishwanath Temple nearby, a major Hindu pilgrimage site with a golden tower are situated here.

Numerous guest houses are also seen here as this area has the maximum pilgrimage and tourist influx all over the year.

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03 NEIGHBOURHOOD SCALE

Introduction to Ashfaq Nagar and Reori Talab area along with a small part of Ramapur Brief Introduction of the neighbourhood

It is here the change in scale takes place- from a city level to a neighbourhood level. After thorough contemplation, it was decided that Ashfaq Nagar (a neighbourhood in the middle layer of the city) would be further studied to formulate the neighbourhood report. This is because the neighbourhood is the perfect amalgamation of the old and new fabrics of the city. It also can be considered a unique neighbourhood as it is essentially a Muslim ghetto of silk weavers in a predominantly Hindu city.

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Introduction to Ashfaq Nagar and Reori Talab area along with a small part of Ramapur From the Large City to the Smaller Neighbourhood scale Ashfaq Nagar is in Bhelupur, Varanasi. This neighbourhood is occupied almost entirely by a Muslim Silk weaving community presently along side a few significant universities and schools too. The housing typology seen here consists of mainly row houses, most which arent in good condition.

Topographic Analysis Varanasi experiences an average annual rainfall of 1110mm. The Ganges soars up every monsoon and floods the city.

Ashfaq Nagar is a low lying area as there is a steep altitude difference of 10-12m on its east, towards Ganga. Thus the locality bears the brunt and has to deal with extreme floods every year.

PRESENT DAY ASHFAQ NAGAR

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04 UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SCALES

Evolution of the city and neighbourhood studied together Timeline of the City and the Neighbourhood

While studying the evolution of the neighbourhood, the need to zoom out to larger scale and study the history of the city itself was recognised. Thus, this chapter highlights the evolution of both, the city and the neighbourhood in synchronization. It also covers the future plans the government has set for the city via is DP Plans.

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Evolution of the city and the neighbourhood studied together

Neighbourhood Scale

City Scale

MYTHOLOGICAL ERA

PANCHAKOSHI

MANDALA

GAHADVALAS

BUDDHIST TOWNSHIP AND TRAVELLERS’ ACCOUNTS

MUSLIM INVADERS

MUSLIM INVADERS

M

M

DELHI SULTANAT

MUGHAL RULE

MUGHAL RULE

COLONIAL RULE

COLONIAL RULE

POST COLONIAL RULE

POST COLONIAL RULE

PRESENT DAY

PRESENT DAY

PROPOSED/ DP PLAN

PROPOSED/ DP PLAN

RECENT OCCURRENCES

TE

INSTITUTIONS AND INFLUENCE

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THE SERIES DEPICT THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE KASHI MANDALA

Neighbourhood Scale

City Scale

VARANASI BEFORE THE SETTLEMENTS CAME UP VARANASI WHEN THE THREE TEMPLES WERE ESTABLISHED (TRISHUL)

MYTHOLOGICAL ERA

MANDALA

According to a myth of the 15th century, the two rivers were created by the gods and placed in position to guard against the entrance of evil. In the early Puranas Varana river is called Varanavati or Varanasi, and the old city got its name as it was settled along the river.

In Varanasi it is believed that the three highest elevated places form the Trishul which connects to Lord Shiva. These points of Trisul led to coming up of settlements around it.

Varanasi’s urban layout talks about its religious character as well. Many think of it as as a mesocosmintersection point between the microcosms ( the humans) and the macrocosms (the heavens). The city also hosts a network of five religious pilgrimage routes dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Hindus believed that these five routes represent the limbs of Lord Shiva’s body which are- the head, the legs, face, blood and the heart. this archetype of Shivas body supposedly meets at the central point called the ‘axis mundi’. In the city the Kashi Vishwanath Temple becomes this central point where its believed that the microcosms and the macrocosms meet. These five paths have created a pilgrimage mandala in Varanasi’s urban layout.

MAPS DEPICTING PANCHAKOSHI YATRA

VARANASI WHEN THE ROUTE FOR PANCHAKOSHI YATRA WAS ESTABLISHED

PANCHAKOSHI [200-300 CE] The Panchkoshi Yatra is considered the holiest pilgrimage route that should be taken to go to heaven. The significance of the Panchkoshi Yatra was found in the religious holy text of Varanasi called the ‘Kashi Khand’. The pilgrims taking the yatra pause at the five main temples which together completes the Panchkoshi yatra. In course of time the settlement patterns were seen coming up mainly along the ghats and around these five pause points in the city.

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THESE IMAGE DEPICT THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PANCHAKOSHI YATRA

Neighbourhood Scale

City Scale

VARANASI WHEN THE BUDDHIST FIRST ARRIVED IN THE CITY

BUDDHIST TOWNSHIP AND TRAVELLERS’ ACCOUNTS 500 BCE - Buddha came to Sarnath to preached his first sermon 800 to 500 CE - Archaeological findings at Rajghat 272 to 242 BCE - A buddhist township developed. Mud houses and burnt bricks in a rectangular design 4th to 6th CE - Gupta period- city expanded following a rough rectangular plan. Main roads parallel to the Ganges (North-South axis) 606 to 648 CE - Hsuan Tsang’s description of the citya conglomerate of congested houses separated by narrow lakes, gardens and water pools

VARANASI DURING THE GAHADVALA PERIOD

11th Century - First entry of the Muslim group of weavers in Banaras with the army of Mahmud Ghaznavi.

As their religion, appearance and dress were all different from that of the Hindus, they were asked to stay outside the main city [Madanpura]In fact, this caravan was comprised of weavers and was a group of seven families who later known as ‘sat gharua’. They became popular by the name of Julaha (male weaver). They came here from central Asia or western Iranian plateau and might have belonged to a group of Kazaz weavers.

Thus, the Muslims established themselves as weavers Trading was looked after by Hindus (Khatris) as the Muslims were ‘not allowed’ to have any direct connection with high caste Hindus

MUSLIM INVADERS

GAHADVALAS 8th to 12th CE - Major expansion took place, first settlements were in the north to the confluence of the varana to the ganga later in 10th CE expanded in southern side.

11th CE - City under rule of Gahadvalas. Three zones around temples brought about sacredness and settlement

THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS WERE SEEN

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City Scale

12th Century - Tughlaq Dynasty:Onset of construction of Vishwanath Temple; Muslim mohalla spread out (Probably to Ashfaq Nagar) 14th Century - The city was divided into four parts: Deva Banaras, Rajdhani Banaras, Madan Banaras and Vijaya Banaras. Deva Banaras was located around the Visvanatha mandir. Rajdhani Banaras probably indicated the area which was considered the center of the Muslim rulers. The third part is called Madanpura-referring to the present Madanpura mohalla which even in the fourteenth century had been inhabited by Muslims for two centuries. The fourth part, Vijaya Varanasi, was possibly the present Bhelupura area.

15th Century - The Muslim women played a significant role in the flourishing of weaving industry. They had to do initial work on the Charkhas before the starting of fabric making. They prepared threads and weft for the warp.

A ward at Banaras for the weavers called Katra-i resham (Silk bazaar). It seems that a large number of people were involved in this profession because the demand of Banaras fabrics was high and profitable for weavers.

Neighbourhood Scale

DELHI SULTANATE

SETTLEMENT SPREADING FROM REORI TALAB

THE NEW SILK ROUTE FORMED- SHIFT IN SETTLEMENT PATTERN

VARANASI UNDER THE MUGHAL RULE

1818 - Jai Narayan College was set up- Jai Narayan Bahadur Singh (Raja from Calcutta) came for medical aid and built a college during his stay; 13 acres colony plan developed by Nagar Nigam (not taken foward); Infrastructure developement; Alumni Sumitra Nandan Pant 1898 - CM Anglo Bengali CollegeAround a Bengali locality. CHS was established by Dr. Annie Beasant

INSTITUTIONS AND INFLUENCE MUGHAL RULE 16th Century - Akbar’s rule brought some relief to the city’s religious and cultural activities. He encouraged the silk weaving industry. When sericulture started in Bengal and the neighbouring regions, it became the main supplier of raw silk for the internal and external markets in the 16th century 17th Century - Setback during the Rule of aurangzeb in late 17th CE, later marathas sponsored new revival to the city 17th to 18th Century - Devki Nandan ki Haveli was a temple of Palace covered by houses in Aurangzeb’s rule [Maharaj Devki Nandan Singh Estate] 18th century- Vijaya Nagaram Palace establishedby Maharaja of Vijaya Nagaram. The Vijaya Nagar colony was developed

DEVKI NANDANI HAVELI

EARLIEST JAI NARAYAN COLLEGE

ANGLO BENGALI AND CHS SCHOOL

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City Scale

1990s - Draft Master Plan 2001- was prepared 2001 - Overall density of the area is noticed to have increased 2009 - Bhelupur Power House construction began. UP Power Transmission Corporation Ltd 2011 - Proposed Plan

Neighbourhood Scale

RECENT OCCURRENCES

BEFORE BHELUPUR POWER HOUSE WAS BUILT

BHELUPUR POWER HOUSE

PRESENT DAY

DP PLAN 2011-2031

PROPOSED/ DP PLANS DP Plans VT Corridor Project Smart Cities Project Labour Camp is set up in the Reori Talab area temporarily for the labourers

PRESENT PLAN OF ASHFAQ NAGAR

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05 CONTEXTUAL SCALE

Identifying the various phenomenon which has shaped and affected the neighbourhood at large After understanding the evolution of the neighbourhood, three essential phenomena stood out clearly- the various institutions, the story of the silk weavers and the various settlements patterns and housing typologies spread throughout the city. These phenomena were then taken ahead in the next step of the studywhere they would be scrutinized through various lenses following which inferences would be made.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD HIGHLIGHTING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

NEIGHBOURHOOD HIGHLIGHTING VARIOUS HOUSING TYPOLOGIES

NEIGHBOURHOOD HIGHLIGHTING SILK WEAVING AND ALLIED LIVELIHOODS

The phenomenon are chosen based on our study and observations of the site. These phenomenon will help us understand and study the neighbourhood better.

A. Educational Institutions In the course of time various educational institutions have been established in the neighbourhood during different time periods. Each of these institutions plays a significant role and reflects the historical relevance of the time it was established. Some of these also holds religious and cultural value within the context of the site. This phenomenon throws light at the three larger Institutes and the smaller Madrasas and affiliated schools which are present within the neighbourhood.

B. Housing Typology The neighbourhood is extremely crowded and there is no set pattern of houses. The housing typology within the neighbourhood is extremely varied. There are old dilapidated structures, and in its fabric, newly constructed houses and structures are seen. However, in its complex fabric, Row houses is one constant typology observed in the area. Contiguous houses share walls. Due to the industrial nature of work here a lot of Karkhana houses are also found here with machinery appropriated to the silk weaving process. This phenomenon studies and analyses such housing typologies and their respective users.

Besides this, it also aims to develop an understanding of the nature of public spaces in the neighbourhood site.

C. Traditional Livelihood The neighbourhood essentially comprises of a community of traditional handloom weavers of Varanasi- which is very well known for its Banarasi Sarees and the intricacy of jari work. It is a skill which is passed down to families over generations. One can observe weaving karkhanas and textile shops dotted across the region within the lanes and on the streets.

The nature of the work observed in this area is informal albeit industrial. Aside from the weaving activities, various allied activities used in the process of manufacturing Silk Sarees like yarning, dyeing, polishing etc are also seen. This phenomenon further explores the nature of such work and the factors which are leading to the decline of this industry -one of the important heritage of the city.

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05.1 INSTITUTIONS

Educational Institutes studied through two lenses a. Evolution and Affects b. Impact The first phenomena studies for the neighbourhood report. It was realised that even though various educational institutions dominated the neighbourhood, the overall literacy rate of Ashfaq Nagar at present is very low. In order to understand this, the various formal and informal schools were studied under various lenses.

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a. Evolution and effects

Ch sc wa 190 sc in Sc wa int its Rs Mu fou

1898

1911

Th se ye ha ne inc Sc co un m

CM Anglo Bengali Inter College And Central Hindu College

hintamani Mukherji established a primary chool in 1898 which was named after him. It as placed under a managing committee in 01. In 1915, it was recognised as a middle chool and eventually became a high school 1919, teaching up to the departmental chool Leaving Certificate Examination. It as raised to the standard of an termediate college in 1938. It had acquired s own building in 1925 at an initial cost of s. 80,629. It was renamed Chinatmani ukherji Anglo Bengali College when the under passed away in 1945.

he maps to the left show the growth of ettlements around the school over the ears. Today, CM Anglo Bengali Inter College as one of the biggest plots in the eighbourhood (when the back grounds are cluded as well). Unlike the Jai Narain chool Intermediate College, this school is oed. This is due to the fact that the street nder the school is relatively active and thus more comfortable for girls occupy.

The Central Hindu College was established

by Dr. Annie Besant in July,1898, at first, in a very small building. In 1899, it was removed to Bhelupura, the land and buildings being donated by the maharaja of Benaras. In 1898, it was affiliated to Allahabad University. The number on roll in 1906 was 188 college section, 51 in high school and 154 in Sanskrit department. In 1911, the trustees of the college agreed to hand it over to the Banaras Hindu University Society to serve as a nucleus of a university, more land than buildings being donated by the maharaja of Banaras. In 1917 it became the first constituent unit of the Banaras Hindu University. In 1921 the college shifted from Kamachha to it’s new buildings in Nagwa and in 1949 the intermediate section was shifted back to Kamachha. In this college, the learning of Sanskrit is compulsory for students.The historical importance of the college and the strategic placements of markets increase the activity of the streets in an inward neighbourhood..

EARLY MAP SHOWING ANGLO BENGALI INTER COLLEGE AND CHS

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T o p b i t o s P i e a

1963

1995

J p i t m p n i s a t

Jamia Salafia

This falls under the control of the inspector of Arabic Madrassas, UP, Allahabad, and prepare students for examination conducted by the registrar. Jamia Islamia was founded in 1913 by Maulana Muhammad Hasan (who transported to Malta for some years because of his anti British activities during the struggle for freedom 1857-1858. Arabic and Persian are two of the subjects taught in this institution which prepares students for the examinations of Munshi, Kamil, Maulvi, Alim and Fazil.

Jamia Islamia has been one of the most popular schools in this neighbourhood since it was built. Although when one zooms out to the city scale, it might have have that much importance, this school is very prominent in a muslim dominated neighburhood. It is one of the main institutions upon which many supported schools and madrassas depend . The road above the institution on the map is called the Jamia Salafia Road.

SETTLEMENTS INCREASING AND WATERBODIES DEPLETING

Thus, it becomes clear that this institution is very dominant in Ashfaq Nagar. This is because it not only provides educational facilities, but also holds religious importance.

Similar to the Jai Narain Intermediate College, the Jamia Salafia does not have and does not intent to have any infrastructure for female students.

Smaller madrassas (affiliated with Jamia Islamia) for girls have been built in various spots in this neighbourhood.

All the madrassas in the mohalla of Ashfaq Nagar, are affiliated with the Jamia Salafia Masjid. The smaller madrassas must have come up due to maybe two reasons. One, in order to facilitate education among the girl child in society. The second reason could be for easier access.This reason is inferred by studying the map shown right. It is evident that the supporting madrassas lie near a silk weaving community, very far from Jamia Islamia

EARLY BUILT FORM OF JAMIA SALAFIA

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2009

T t N V N l V m h c H h h S t c U a a 1 s o

O c n

2020

Jai Narain Intermediate College

The Jai Narain Intermediate College is one of the oldest institutions, not only in Ashfaq Nagar, but also within the district of Varanasi. It was founded in 1814 by Raja Jay Narayan Ghosal (a wealthy Bengali landowner who had settled down in Varanasi) as a token of his gratitude to a missionary doctor, Wheatley, who had cured him of a long standing illness. He was able to carry out the project with the help of Lord Hastings (the governor general), but after having run the school for the first four years himself, he willed it to the Church Missionary Society in 1818. In 1852, it’s status was raised to that of a college teaching upto the B.A. course, and it was affiliated to the Calcutta University. In 1875, however, it again became a high school through affiliation, though affiliation with that university continued till 1906. It was raised to an intermediate standard in 1951 and imparted education only in the literary group

Over the span of the following years, many changes happened within the neighbourhood as well.

A newer infrastructure brought about an influx of population to the pre-existing silk weaver settlements. The reason of the Jai Narain Inter College becoming an all boys school could have been due to the fact that the population influx which the college brought about was essentially male dominated. This can be seen in the streets of Ashfaq Nagar even today- most of the streets are occupied by men and the women do not exactly wander around freely, especially in the quieter streets.

Recently, the School has opened itself up to girls as well. However, due to the severe lack of infrastructure for women (such as toilets), and the mentality of the society still, female students still feel reluctant to attend the Jai Narain Intermediate College Thus, it can be seen that while the major educational institutions of the neighbourhood restructured itself, the activities of people (of various socio-economic and religious backgrounds) and settlement patterns changed in synchronization with respect to the institutions themselves. . .

NEW JAI NARAIN COLLEGE OLD JAI NARAIN COLLEGE

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b. Impact on the neighbourhood

This diagram shows the two major institutions and their affiliations. The Jamia Salafia school is strictly a boys school. in order to promote education for girls, it built various madrassahs sprawled across the neighbourhood for easier access and less travel. The Jai Narayan Inter college shares its ground with the police chowki. this resulted in the school ground becoming a recreational spot for the police. However, it has become more accessible now. these two institutions, along with the prominent junction, increases the activity along Jamia Salafia road.

The CM Anglo Bengali Inter College is one of the oldest institutions built in this neighbourhood around which settlements began to grow. It is affiliated with many aanganwadis whose main aim is to increase the literacy rate of the neighbourhood. This along with the highly activated market and junction, makes the Kamaccha road extremely activated (moving traffic)

Jai Narayan Inter College - School ground and user groups - Police chowki - Rickshaw stands and general activity of people in the junctions - Teachers’ quarters - Increase in activity (pedestrian and vehicular)

Jamia Salafia -The parent school - The smaller madrassas affiliated with the parent school - Interspersed within neighbourhood - Schools within the community clusters - Increase in activity (pedestrian)

CM Anglo Bengali Inter College -Prominent institutions - Settlement Pattern - Different amenities (market and banquet halls) -Wider roads -Increase in activity (mostly vehicular, pedestrian in some cases)

Madrasaahs -Spread across the neighbourhood - Some are affiliated to larger institutes -Increase in activity (mostly vehicular, pedestrian in some cases)

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Street Level Observations

The junction of this chowk is one of the most activate spots in Ashfaq nagar. The Jai Narayan Inter college plays a significant role over this spot as it adds in a sense of security along with the police chowki. Perhaps this is the reason to women being seen at this junction.

Although the streets here are narrow and surrounded by boundary walls, it manages to be heavily activated owing to the student body’s movement from here to the various madrasshas in the neighbourhood.

The Anglo Bengali Inter college plays a significant role in the building of the neighbourhood. Its placement marked the early vehicular road (which is densely trafficked today). It also gave rise to some of the earlier settlement patterns of Ashfaq Nagar when it was originally built.

TRAFFIC INTENSITY MAP

HEAVILY TRAFFICKED MEDIUM TRAFFICKED MINIMAL TRAFFIC MOVEMENT PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC MAP OF ASHFAQ NAGAR

MODEL HIGHLIGHTING INSTITUTIONS

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05.2 HOUSING TYPOLOGY

Housing Typologies- Identifying various typologies and understanding each of them a. Identification of Clusters and Studying Clusters b. Cluster 5 (Karkhana Housing) c. Cluster 4 (Row Housing 3-4 Storeys, Courtyard Houses) It was realised that after studying the evolution of the settlements across the city and the neighbourhood, it would be interesting to zoom in further and understand the different settlement patterns which exist within the neighbourhood. Clusters were highlighted as a result of this study; and each cluster was further scrutinized to understand how the residents of a house occupy the spaces within their homes and outside it (the street level interaction)

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Identification Of Clusters After studying the evolution and fabric of the neighbourhood, a few housing typologies could easily be detected. The map below shows the four different housing typologies in their respective clusters. The clusters will further be analysed for understanding its organization, response to the street texture and to its role in the neighbourhood’s fabric.

PLAN DEPICTING CLUSTERS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Cluster

Key Section

Key Image

I. Towards the main road.

MAIN ROAD SECTION

II. A residential colony with textile shops with residence on upper floors.

LARGE SCALE HOUSING

III. Houses on the inner lanes with textile shops on the ground floor.

NARROW LANES

Karkhana houses with interconnected lanes and open spaces.

ACTIVE WIDE JUNCTION

IV. Houses lined on inner streets with industrial shops on the front.

CLOSELY SPACED HOUSES

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Cluster 1.

The market lane of Kamachha Road is highly active notwithstanding it’s restrictive width. It has an equal pedestrian and vehicular occupancy ratio. This is due to the various market niches and commercial shops at the edge of the street.

Besides these public facilities, the cluster comprises of row houses. The tightly packed areas here manages to get its light and ventilation by leading the internal narrow lanes to small open spaces

KEY PLAN

KAMACHA ROAD

COMMERCIAL SPACES

FRUIT MARKET AND HOTSPOTS

OTHER BUILT SPACES

CLUSTER PLAN

VIEW OF THE KAMACHA ROAD WITH SHOPS OF THE FRONT FACADE OF THE HOUSES.

FRUIT MARKET AT THE CROSSING.

SECTION THROUGH THE MAIN ROAD

The fruit market is an active hotspot throughout the day. It lies at the Kamachha - Bhelupur crossing and makes it an active crowded junction.

These structures temporary in nature.

are

It is also an active junction for the women of the neighbourhood.

VIEW OF THE FRUIT MARKET

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Cluster 2.

This particular cluster continues the fabric of the previous one in terms of its commercial nature and housing typology. However, there is a shift in the socio economic factor of its residents.

The row houses in this cluster are mostly occupied by upper middle class textile owners who reside above their on shops/ weaving studios.

Owing to its residential nature, this cluster does not witness much street activity.

KEY PLAN

LANES

PARKS

TEXTILE ENTERPRISES

OTHER BUILT SPACES CLUSTER PLAN

ENTRANCE WITH ADJOINING PARK

RESIDENTIAL COLONY

ROW HOUSING WITH A LARGER FOOTPRINT OF THE HOUSES

SECTION THROUGH THE ROAD AND THE RESIDENTIAL COLONY

The activities are very minimal.

Residents walking generally, male members of the houses, children playing on the lanes.

Since these shops are mostly wholesale, very few people know of them which is why the cluster is not so active

VIEW OF THE ENTRANCE TO THESE ORGANIZED RESIDENTIAL SPACES.

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Cluster 3.B. This cluster comprises of the residencies of the silk weaving community.

The housing typology is that of typical row houses placed closely to one another.

Although these houses start from a highly activated street edge, the internal lanes of the weaving community are narrow and considered ‘unsafe’.

The narrow lanes however, are breathable owing to small open spaces created to invite light and ventilation

KEY PLAN LANES

KARKHANA HOUSES

ALLIED SAREE WORK

KARKHANAS

STREET FRONT SHOP

OTHER BUILT STRUCTURE

CLUSTER PLAN: LAND USE, NARROW LANES WHICH OPEN INTO SMALL OPEN AREAS

KARKHANA CLUSTER 1

KARKHANA CLUSTER 2

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Karkhana Housing Typology I A karkhana house is one in which the working space of the weaver is within his home itself.

The spaces within these homes have varying degrees of access depending on the family member and their purpose.

For example, women, children and the elderly usually occupy the spaces above as workshops exist on the ground level.

The courtyards are used to entertain guests by the man of the house or for children to play.

However, when in time of need, these spaces can also be used by women in order to help out in the weaving process.

KEY PLAN

The courtyard can also be used for allied activities associated with silk weaving.

PLAN OF THE KARKHANA

Narrow lanes with people commuting and vehicles parked

Street with shops and eateries with large otla spaces.

FROM THE STREET TO THE INNER LANES

STREET VIEW OF THE JUNCTION

In most of the houses here, silk saree weaving and other allied activities take place.

Residential spaces are usually on the upper floors.

SECTION THROUGH THE KARKHANA

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Karkhana Housing Typology II Considering the industrial nature of work within the area, especially, the silk weaving activating; karkhana houses become an important part of the study.

The work takes place on the ground floor while residential activities takes place on the upper floors.

Usually courtyards are observed within the houses The rooms around the courtyard have multiple ventilators to constantly exchange air.

These houses have large rooms to house the machinery and materials.

KEY PLAN

Sometimes, the activities also spill out on the lanes around the houses.

STREET VIEW OF THE HOUSE

WEAVING SPACE

COURTYARD IN THE CENTRE

STREET ACTIVITY

PLAN OF THE KARKHANA

SECTION THROUGH THE KARKHANA

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Transformation of Houses with time

Story Of Transformation

I. Plot of land.

2. Weaving activities on ground floor.

Loom pit,

3. Ground floor structure.

4. Courtyards for light and ventilation.

5. As the family expands, the number of floors increases.

This decreases light on the ground floor Building height increases..

6. As the floors increase further, most often the courtyard goes away.

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Cluster 4.

This cluster covers houses on the street edge and we study how this affects the organisation of the spaces within the house.

There are both residential and residential with shops housing on the edge of the street. This changes the nature of activities in front of the houses accordingly.

We can mostly spot row housing in the area with narrow back alleys.

LANES

KEY PLAN

OLD COURTYARD HOUSES

TALL ROW HOUSES

STREET FRONT SHOPS

OTHER BUILT STRUCTURE

CLUSTER PLAN

SHOPS ON THE FRONT PART OF THE HOUSE ALONG THE STREET AND THE ACTIVITIES AROUND IT

The houses can be either 2 storeys high with a courtyard or higher, generally, without a courtyard.

CLUSTER PLAN

VIEW OF THE CHOWK

OTLA SPACES OUTSIDE THE HOUSES

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Row Housing Typology Houses with smaller footprints and a higher number of storeys don’t have a courtyard.

The only source of light and ventilation then becomes the front facade.

Designed with large openings and and supported with ventilators, they provide light and ventilation to the entire housing.

KEY PLAN

STREET VIEW

ENTRANCE

OPENING OF THE FRONT FACADE

STAIRCASE

PLAN OF THE HOUSE

SECTION THROUGH THE HOUSE

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Old Courtyard House Typology Considering the industrial nature of work within the area, especially, the silk weaving activating; karkhana houses become an important part of the study.

The work takes place on the ground floor while residential activities takes place on the upper floors.

Usually courtyards are observed within the houses The rooms around the courtyard have multiple ventilators to constantly exchange air.

These houses have large rooms to house the machinery and materials.

KEY PLAN

Sometimes, the activities also spill out on the lanes around the houses.

STREET VIEW OF THE HOUSE. OTLA PROVIDES GATHERING SPACE FOR MEN

COURTYARD

DILAPIDATED CONDITION

OTLA

PLAN OF THE HOUSE

SECTION THROUGH THE HOUSE

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House With Shop On The Front Typology Located in the most activated part of the city, the building at ground level comprises of various shops and markets.

These shops are usually run by the owners themselves.

Above the markets and shops, comes the living space. This is usually occupied by the women and children on the house.

The remainder spaces on the street level are used by elderlies and the men/ owners themselves. These can be commercial in nature (allied spaces for their business) or personal in nature (living space to entertain guests without actually bringing them to their house

KEY PLAN

SHOP

ENTRANCE

COURTYARD - LIVING SPACES

PLAN OF THE HOUSE

SECTION THROUGH THE HOUSE

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05.3

TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOOD

Traditional Livelihoods a. An Overview b. The Silk Weaving Community A brief study was done to understand the various occupations within the neighbourhood. It was realised that the silk weaving community has a heavy weightage as a source of income as compared to the rest. However, the working and living conditions of the weavers are extremely poor. In order to understand this unfortunate macabre, the study of the silk weaving community was further dwelt into.

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Traditional Livelihood Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre and is famous for its silk industry, perfumes, ivory works and sculptures. The silk industry is able to cater to the needs of domestic as well as international markets. The sector mainly consists of small individual units, integrated units are few. The industry uses high amount of bonded labour as units engage in production of silk products are typically set within the households.

The informal economy of Varanasi is dependent on few smaller livelihoods other than silk weaving such as1.Local traditional crafts- manufacturing areas as well as retail areas 2.Retail areas for consumer and durable goods.

3.Wholesale areas for food grains and spices 4.Local culinary hotspots 5.Street vending in almost all neighbourhoods Locals adopted other occupations like automobile repair shops, electronic repair shops, butchers shop which would take place on the street itself. The otlas outside these smaller shops became an interaction space for the local men who would gather and spend time.

The street leading to Bhelupur- Luxa is very active street because of the presence of the small eateries situated on the main road. The Reori Talab police chowki also located here which adds on to the security of these streets.

Small scale industries 1. Zari Embroidery 2. Making of Gold and Silver Thread 3. Wooden Carpets 4. Hosiery 5. Brassware 6. Cycle Industry 7. Electrical Goods 8. Electroplating Works 9. Steel Trunks 10. Iron Foundries and General Mechanical Engineering

11. General Jobs Unit 12. Chemical Industry 13. Toys 14. Ivory and Bone Carving 15. Glass Reads 16. Scientific Balances 17. Geometric Drawing and Surveying Instruments 18. Wire Netting 19. Tobacco 20. Tin Containers

Silk weaving The industry is an intricate and complex web of relationships between artisans, contractors, merchants and their intermediaries. The city houses expertise in all aspects of textile production and finishing except spinning of fibre into yarn. Silk and synthetic fabric is woven by hand and by machine, various post-weaving operations such as cleaning, finishing, embroidery etc, are performed and finished goods are packaged and distributed all over the country and outside.

The inner narrow lanes where only 2 wheelers could pass by, silk saree karkhanas were seen. Along with the karkhanas allied jobs relating to silk weaving were also observed. Silk weaving would usually take place within the household where the handlooms machineries used by the men would occupy the lower floor while the ladies of the house would occupy the upper floor for other silk related jobs like embroidery works, finishing etc.

MAP DEMARKING SILK WEAVING COMMUNITY CLUSTERS AS WELL AS FINAL FINAL PRODUCT RETAIL AND WHOLESALE SHOPS CLUSTER

CLUSTERS OF SILK WEAVING HOUSES AND KARKHANAS

CLUSTER OF SILK SAREE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SHOPS INNER LANES FROM WHERE RAW MATERIALS FOR SILK WEAVING ARE SUPPLIED

LANES WHERE SILK WEAVING ALLIED JOBS ARE DONE

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Chai Tapri

A middle class man owner of a chai Tapri by the road junction.

He lives behind his chai tapri with his wife and child.

Zaid Creations -Silk Saree Shop

A middle class man owner of a silk saree shop.

In this occupation since generations Saree made out of different materials and 15 days for 1 saree

Silk Weavers Lane

The lane comprises of mainly silk weaving karkhanas. Many silk weavers work from home where they have a room dedicated to silk weaving with the handloom machine placed in that room. The streets outside these houses and karkhanas are used for silk weaving allied jobs like for drying of the dyed clothes,thread process etc

Caretakers Of Haveli

Devaki Nandan ki Haveli is 400 years old. Used as refuge area during partition by migrants.

Caretakers have maintained this family profession since 7 generations. The other building in this area is placed close to each other forming inner smaller lanes where people put up stalls to sell vegetables, fruits etc.

MAPPING STORIES

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SILK WEAVERS LANE

SIL

RAW MATERIALS FOR SILK WEAVING Silk weaving process taking place in weavers lane

The images are arranged in the manner in which the respective activities take place, starting from the supply of raw materials to the silk weavers till the final silk product and where it is sold. The other images also show the different livelihoods adopted by the local people of the ashfaq nagar.

RAW MATERIALS FOR SILK WEAVING

SILK WEAVERS LANE

Fin wh

SILK SAREE AND TEXTILE SHOPS

SILK SAREE AND TEXTILE SHOPS

ALLIED JOB FOR SILK WEAVING PROCESS

The Ashfaq Nagar area has machine. With time these added with mechanised par hand driven machines are a boost the industry gove subsidy.The people working working since generations. generation to other, but still it is low paying job. The silk w physical health related issue while weaving

LK WEAVERS KARKHANAS

Different eateries on street creating interaction spaces for locals Handloom machines used for silk saree weaving

ALLIED JOB FOR SILK WEAVING PROCESS

nal products sent to holesale and retail shops

s houses equipped with handloom e handloom machine have been rts to increase the production. Few also present in the area.In order to ernment provides electricity at g in this handloom industry are The skill is transferred from one l some people are moving away as weaving process also causes certain es due to the incorrect body posture

Other street activities include butchers, repair shops, automobile shops, cobbler etc

OTHER STREET ACTIVITIES

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06 OBSERVATIONS

Observations After studying each phenomenon and building the neighbourhood report, a few observations were made on how the spaces within Ashfaq Nagar are occupied. It was als realised that there were three sects of people who had concerns which needed to be addressed. After a deeper study and various interviews, certain strategies were shared in order to improve the living conditions of these sects of people.

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OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS

TRAFFIC OVERVIEW OF ASHFAQ NAGAR

It can be seen from the traffic map that the neighbourhood has an extremely inward nature. The activity on the streets heavily depends on certain elements present on the street. A public vehicular stand, the junction of Durgakund Road and Reori Talab- Bhelupur Road is the most activated spot in the entire neighbourhood. It is considered to be the ‘safer’ part of the neighbourhood. Owing to the presence of markets and shops, Kamachha Road is the second most activated street.

The wider vehicular lane which frames the bottom of the neighbourhood is another activated area, however unlike the other two lanes mentioned before, the activity here is constantly moving. The Jamia Salafia Road above is occupied by a very specific user group owing to the very prominent educational institutions present there. As one travels within the neighbourhood, it can be observed that the activity dies down as the streets get narrower. The space becomes completely residential as a result of which the attenuated streets become ‘unsafe’

INSTITUTIONS

Literacy rate is low as people within the neighbourhood start working at a very early age

Primary education usually received by males and females. Secondary and Higher education mostly received by males

Student body mostly comprises of Muslims from a lower socio- economic background

HOUSING TYPOLOGIES

Houses are mostly occupied by women, children and elderly

Streets are usually occupied by men (aside from the few spots for women and children)

Even within the house, the ground floor and courtyards are usually occupied by men and interiors and upper floors by women

TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOOD Most prominent means of livelihood is silk weaving

A shift in occupation due to low income and way of living. This has endangered a skill passed down through generations

Those who started into the profession very early on have not migrated, but taken on other jobs in order to sustain

After a thorough study of the neighbourhood and its phenomena, it was realised that there are essentially three important communities whose importance should be highlighted and who’s problems must be addressedthe silk weaver community, the women of the neighbourhood and the student body.

The silk weaving community wants to be recognised and uplifted from their poor living conditions, the women in the neighbourhood want more female oriented public spaces to feel safe and the literacy rate within the neighbourhood has to rise.

Addressing these concerns, strategy map was formed.

STRATEGY PLAN

a

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By,

Sana Nalwalla -1852 Bansi Shah -1870 Ishika Shah -1872 Mahek Todi -1879 Romil Gaglani -1882 Under the guidance of Arijit Sen Aneerudha Paul Aradhana Paralikar