THOON (Columns)
Culture : Dravidian culture
Type : Structural memberof the building
Location : TamilNadu, India
Period : 19th century
Columns found in Chettinad houses are known as Chettinad Thoons. During the 19th century, people from the Chettiyar community used these exceptionally detailed columns. Typically, these columns are made of granite or wood. The meticulous craftsmanship of these columns is widely known. The degree of detail reflects how wealthy the family who lives there is. They often utilize it to demonstrate their social standing in society. It serves as the community's cultural identity.
Cultural analysis
The houses in these regions are in a vernacular style which was greatly influenced by the climate condition of this place. The house was designed in such a way it allowed the people to interact with society. Spaces like thinnai and courtyard acted as the social gathering space and also served as places to host most ceremonies and rituals. These carvings reflect the community's strong religious beliefs and cultural narratives. The craftsmanship and artistry displayed in these carvings set them apart from more simplistic columns found in other architectural styles. The carvings was based on the hindu mythology and deities, local folklore, natural elements and traditional art and craft.
Cultural cues
• Intricate Carvings
• Hindu Religious Motifs
• Floral and FoliagePatterns
• Geometric Designs
• Temple-Inspired Elements
• Cultural Scenes
• Ornate Capitals
• Personal and Family Emblems
Material analysis
These columns are either built of granite or wood (teak wood). While the interior columns of a house are constructed out of wood, the columns that are directly exposed to the outdoors are made of granite. The beams connecting the columns together support the roof framework. The granite pillars may be coloured, smoothed, or left exposed to display their original texture, while the wooden columns are varnished.
COLUMN
WOODEN
GRANITE COLUMN
Aesthetic analysis
The Chettiars' dedication to fine craftsmanship and aesthetics is reflected in this fusion of art and architecture (Scriver and Srivastava 2015). They carve different patterns like floral, geometrical shapes, natural forms, mythological deities to showcase their cultural significance and spiritual connections.
Floral designed capital
Cylindrical shaft tapering towards the top
Floral designed base
Wooden carvings
Circular capital
Hexagonal shaft
Floral pattern
Concrete base
Interactive analysis
• The basic purpose of these column is to serve as the structural members.
• Column transfers the load from the beam to the ground. For this purpose, the columns were designed in such a way it had a string and broader base which tapers towards the top.
• Apart from serving as a structural member, the carving and the craftmanship on these column is what make them unique(Hancock 2008).
• Apart from the basic function, they used it to showcase their wealth and prosperity. The columns' wealth was indicated by the level of complexity they were.
• Leading craftsman were hired to do such detailed columns.
Prompt:
Inference
• Sustainable construction techniques were followed.
• The columns were used to represent their culture through the craftmanship.
• Vasthu Shastra were followed while construction and the column placement were also according to them.
• Social and cultural spaces.
• Structural stability – The columns were placed optimistically for even distribution of load.
Prompt:
Inference
• Architectural Brilliance: The pillars of South India, especially during the 13th century, are renowned for their intricate designs and stunning craftsmanship.
• Cultural Significance: Symbolized a connection between the earthly realm and the divine.
• Chettinad Artifacts: Beautifully crafted pillars, are a testament to their artistic taste and cultural identity.
Prompt:
Inference
• Material Selection: Locally sourced materials, like limestone and teak wood.
• Rainwater Harvesting: The pillars play a crucial role in rainwater harvesting. They direct rainwater from the roofs into underground.
• Cultural Heritage: Chettinad pillars embody the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Sustainable Living
Prompt:
Inference
• Material and Construction
• Carvings and Iconography
• Architectural Style
• Proportions and Measurements
• Wear and Tear
• Inscriptions and Markings
• Context and Provenance
• Comparative Analysis
Prompt:
STEEPLE Analysis
• Social impact - carvings of deities, religious motifs, and cultural scenes create a sense of belonging.
• Technological impact - Mastery of traditional building techniques and materials.
• Economical impact - Economic prosperity of the Chettiar community.
• Environmental impact - Sustainable construction practices and design elements.
• Political and Legal - Resilience and ability to retain their cultural identity.
• Ethical - Symbols and motifs hold deep spiritual and cultural significance to the community.
Prompt : Chettinad house pillar, South Indian style, Floral pattern, Wood, Highly ornamented
Analysis :
• Upon the 4 images, second image is more relevant to chettinad column style.
• It has features like floral pattern, decorated base, circular capital. The column is also tapering.
• The other 3 images have colourful floral pattern which is seen in other south Indian style columns specially in temples.
Prompt : chettinad column, knolling layout : : 3, wooden columns,intricately detailed, Kerala architecture
Analysis:
• Since the work knolling layout was weighted 3, a row of continuous column is been generated.
• The first 2 images are accurate to the chettinad style. It has features like fluted shaft, floral base and capital, material used.
• The other 2 images are colourful and does not have the features of a chettinad style columns.
Vignesh_r 2023. Chettinad column [MidJourneyoutput], https://www.midjourney.com/app/jobs/7b4aa8ae-a526421c-aab1-cb0d4c8e5021/
Vignesh_r 2023. Chettinad column [MidJourneyoutput],https ://www.midjourney.com/app/jobs/ef2edc4a-a180-43a09eb2-77d24773a2ed/
Prompt : column focused : : 3, a large wooden column, Indian architecture : : 5, delicate and intricate details, Chettinad house : : 2, fluted shaft : : 2, close-up shot of column : : 3 --c 20
Analysis :
• Among the 4 images, the first image is more accurate.
• The base, tapering shaft, capital and the beam connecting capitals are all the features of a chettinad column.
• This version is then remixed to generate more accurate results.
Prompt : a largewooden column, Indian architecture : : 5, delicate and intricate details, Chettinad house : : 2, fluted shaft : : 2--c 20
Analysis :
• With the above image as the base image and editing the prompt, three out of four images were accurate in this iteration.
• The features in these columns resembles the chettinad stylecolumns.
Vignesh_r 2023. Chettinad column [MidJourneyoutput],https: //www.midjourney.com/app/jobs/eee91dd9-3d35-4e11b2a3-cd7116de43bc/ Vignesh_r 2023. Chettinad column [MidJourneyoutput],https: //www.midjourney.com/app/jobs/773796df-6c62-4d37bd0d-bf0e3b189e16/1. ancient pillars in kerala temple, in the style of grandiose interiors, kitty lange kielland, revived historic art forms, light maroon and black, polished surfaces, elaborate calligraphy, detailed marine views --ar 3:4
2. a large room with wooden pillars in a courtyard, in the style of thota vaikuntam, eye-catching detail, sabattier filter, glazed surfaces, dark crimson and light brown, national geographic photo, traditional oceanic art --ar 3:4
3. a staircase in an indian building with wooden pillars, in the style of light maroon and emerald, edo art, calm and serene beauty, monumental architecture, yaka art, light indigo and amber --ar 3:4
4. an open room with pillars in a house, in the style of hindu art and architecture, oku art, polished craftsmanship, vernacular architecture, light magenta and dark amber, intricate architectures, historical documentation --ar 3:4
Prompt:ancient pillars in kerala house: : 3, in the style of grandiose interiors, kitty lange kielland, revived historic art forms, light maroon and black, polished surfaces, elaborate calligraphy, detailed marineviews, arthangudi tile flooring --ar3:4 --c 5 Vignesh_r 2023.
Prompt : interior, indian vernacular architecture, detailed column, chettinad column : : 2 c 15
knolling layout : : 3, Kerala
Prompt: chettinadu house pillar, South indian style, Floral pattern, Wood, Highly ornamented , capital ornamented : : 2, plain body : : 2
Prompt : chettinadu house
pillar
Prompt :chettinadu house, pillarsextremely detailed : : 4, capital,base detailed : : 2, column Shaft plain : : 2 , symmetrical , close-up shot
Prompt : chettinadu house, pillarsextremely detailed : : 4, capital,base detailed : : 2, column Shaft plain : : 2 , symmetrical , close-up shot, floral pattern on capital : : 4, wooden material : : 3 --c 20
Prompt : traditional Chetiinad column : : 3, wooden material : : 2, knolling layout : : 3, Kerala architecture
Prompt : traditional Chetiinad column : : 3, wooden material : : 2, knolling layout : : 3, Kerala architecture --c 10
Prompt : Kerala house, Detailed column, Knolling layout
Prompt : traditional kerela house, extreme column detail : : 3 , Wooden engravings : : 2 , fluted column : : 2, chettinad style : : 3
Prompt : chettinadu house pillar, South indian style, Floral pattern, Wood, Highly ornamented
Prompt :Chettinadu house : : 2, ornate columns : : 4, traditional South Indian architecture : : 2, inviting ambiance --c 20
Prompt : Chettinad house
with extremely detailed columns no Human figure c 10
Prompt : chetiinad house : : 3, arthangudi tiles : : 1, intricate detailing, Kerala architecture : : 2, close-up shot of column : : 1
