Devaraj Toda

I am Toda from the Nilgiris. Our homes are known as Toda barrel-vault huts.

They are curved, low, and built using stone, bamboo, and thatch. The shape resists wind, retains heat, and sheds rain efficiently in a high-altitude climate. The low profile keeps the structure stable when weather shifts quickly.

The walls are thick and the entrance is small, which helps keep warmth inside. The roof curve guides rainwater away from the dwelling and prevents pooling. The materials are local and replaceable, which means repairs can be done without waiting for outside supply.

Architects now study Toda huts as examples of climate-responsive architecture. The design is efficient because it responds to wind, moisture, and temperature rather than fighting them. It is a system shaped by use, not by display.

We did not build to innovate. We built so life could continue comfortably in a difficult environment. The architecture is a practical answer to the land we live on, refined over generations.