Did you know the word ‘bungalow’ literally means ‘belonging to Bengal’ or a house ‘built in the Bengal style?’
Though we associate this word with posh and independent houses today, it traces its roots to the temporary, thatched structures built by peasants near their cultivation fields. These makeshift homes had the advantage of being easily set up or dismantled in Bengal’s delta region, where rivers frequently changed their course.
After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the beginning of British dominance in Bengal, British officers were housed in residences built in a distinctive style, inspired by the simple, functional design of the peasant homes. These houses were designed with low-pitched roof, often with a smaller upper story set in the roof. The open layout and wide verandas were particularly well-suited to the region’s hot, humid climate. This style of construction eventually became synonymous with what is now known as the ‘bungalow.’
The next time you see a bungalow, think of its rich connection with Bengal!
Image Credit: Wikipedia
