WORKING PAPER

TANVI SUKHTHANKER
ROLL NO.: 16140
B. ARCH SEM:9
GOA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village:
A Case of Rivona
Researcher: Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Guide: Ar. Noah A. Fernandes
Abstract
This research emphasis on understanding
and analyzing the relation between nature
and culture with respect to the cultural
landscape of the Rivona village.
The main purpose of this research is to
develop a framework that could be used
as a base to document other traditional
villages of Goa. The cultural landscape
approach gives a better understanding of
the relation between humans and nature
for an area having a vast diversity of history
and culture like that of Rivona village. With
the increasing demand for Urbanization,
several villages are transforming into towns
and cities. In this process of development,
the cultural, historical significance of that
area is mostly not accounted for. Hence, it
is necessary to educate people about the
cultural and historical influence so that it is
preserved.
The study also attempts to establish a
relationship between the characters of
the cultural landscape which are derived
from the theories. Although there are
many elements of the cultural landscape,
the focus of this study revolves around
determining the interrelationship between
topography, water, vegetation and built
structure. Therefore, the study is carried
out at the village level and typology level.
The research also concentrates on the
background of the village concerning
history, geography and culture.
Ultimately, it was found that variations
in the cultural landscape were seen in
various areas and levels over the ages,
due to changing socio-cultural and political
background, giving a richness of cultural
landscape of the village.
1
Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
Keywords
Cultural landscape, Nature, Culture,
Topography, Vegetation, Water features,
Built structures.
Introduction
Rivona village is renowned because of its
historical and cultural significance. Like
several other Goan villages, various people
belonging to different caste, religion and
cultural background live symbiotically. The
village of Rivona has evolved as a result
of religious, political as well as cultural
influences over the years. Due to these
factors, there is uniqueness in the cultural
landscape of this area. This research
mainly focuses on analyzing the relation
between nature and culture with respect to
cultural landscape of this area by following
the cultural landscape characteristics as
parameters.
‘The cultural landscape is fashioned out
of a natural landscape by a culture group.
Culture is the agent, the natural area is the
medium, the cultural landscape the result’
(Saur, 1925). This means that the cultural
landscape consists of cultural resources as
well as natural resources associated with the
historic and cultural background of that area.
Natural resources are the ones that already
existed in the environment. Ex: Mountains,
rivers, forests, etc. Cultural resources are
the ones developed due to people’s relation
and interpretation of nature. These are also
affected due to changing socio-cultural
scenarios and technology. Ex: Cultivation,
mining, etc. Due to these changing human
activities, it has evolved acquiring many
layers that can be studied.
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona
Aim
To investigate the role of nature and culture
over the cultural landscape of Rivona.
Objectives of the Study
1. To understand the theory of cultural
landscape and its parameters.
2. To trace the evolution of Rivona with
respect to history and culture.
3. To study the cultural landscape of Rivona
at the village level and typology level.
4. To analyze and study the character of
cultural landscape.
Research Questions
1. Is the relationship between nature and
the culture affecting cultural landscape
of area?
2. How are these parameters of cultural
landscape interrelated to each other?
Methodology
The first stage consisted of the formation
of aim, objectives and research questions.
To understand the cultural landscape of
Rivona, it was necessary to understand the
origin, history and culture of this place to
get an idea of relation developed between
nature and culture. The next step was to
understand the various concepts of cultural
landscape from selected relevant theories
by conducting a survey of literatures.
These theories were compared with the
case of Rivona and a broad analytical
framework was formed. Various parameters
were selected at different level of study to
analyze different characteristics of cultural
landscape. Several primary and secondary
sources were used to get required data.
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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
Collection of Primary Data:
• Documenting layers of village level maps
using base maps (secondary data),
analyzing and deriving conclusions.
• Documenting observations and analysis
at typology level through site visits using
plans, sections, interviews, sketches and
photographs.
Collection of Secondary Data:
• Base maps:
-- RP 2021 (Source: Town & Country
Planning Department, Govt. of Goa)
-- Satellite imagery (Source: Google
Earth)
-- Watershed map (Source: Soil and Land
Use Survey of India, Govt. of India)
-- Topographic map (Source: Survey of
India and Google Earth)
• Theories of cultural landscape and
information of Rivona through books,
journals, published articles, temple and
village archives.
Next stage included documenting and
analyzing the data at the village level,
intermediate level and typology level by
following the selected parameters. Based
on the village level study various typologies
were selected which varied with respect
to parameters. An intermediate level
study was developed in order to establish
relations between the selected typologies.
A set of inferences and conclusions were
derived from the above analysis. All the
typologies were compared with respect to
selected parameters, to develop necessary
conclusions. Conclusions are based upon
discussions of inferences and research
questions formulated.
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

FIGURE 1: Methodology
Source: Author
Analytical Framework Theoretical Premise
An Analytical framework is derived from Carl To begin with the research, it was crucial to
Sauer’s theory of Morphology of landscape. understand the various concepts of cultural
The study was carried out at two levels landscape theory and using these, a broad
Village level and Typology level. analytical framework was formed to develop
Part 1: a method of documentation and analysis.

Meaning of Cultural Landscape

From Carl Sauer’s theory from his book
Morphology of Landscape, it was found that
the cultural landscape was derived out of
the natural landscape by a cultural group,
having culture as the agent with natural
landscape being medium and cultural
landscape as result. The region prior to
FIGURE 2: Mapping Parameters at Village Level the introduction of man was called natural
Source: Author
landscape which was resulted because
Part 2: of geographic, climatic and vegetative
changes which took place over a period of
time (Saur, 1925).

FIGURE 4: Morphology of Natural and Cultural

FIGURE 3: Parameters at Typology Level Landscape
Source: Author Source: Morphology of Landscape

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona
Indian Cultural Landscape
Nalini Thakur says that ‘Indian Cultural
Landscape can be called “Intellectual
landscape”’ (Thakur, 2019). Indian cultural
landscape is a collection of religious,
cultural and physical meanings that are
attributed to geographical components
over the years and are also shaped due to
active management of communities over
generations by empowering nature and land
from physical to metaphysical. The physical
landscape still surviving has the potential to
regenerate through association, ideology
and continuity of people. Historically, it had
the domination of cultural geography over
history.
Cultural Landscape Framework
The book Cultural Landscape: A Theoretical
Perspective elaborates that, based on
the framework of landscape, the cultural
landscape was divided into objective and
subjective framework. Objective framework
consisted of detailing geographical,
biological and geological features of
landscape and does not include point of
view of the people staying in a particular
area. Whereas subjective framework had
an imputed meaning and was defined as the
framework which includes how an individual
interacts, perceives and understands their
physical and cultural environment (Valle et
al., 1995).
Therefore, it was found that the cultural
landscape of the Rivona village has evolved
over the years due to many geographic,
cultural, social and political factors. Hence,
the subjective framework was used to study
the cultural landscape of Rivona.
FIGURE 5: Framework of Cultural Landscape
Source: Author
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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
Background Study of Rivona
Location and Context
Rivona lies along the bank of the river
Kushawati with a total population of 3,621
peoples with about 875 houses (censusindia.
gov.in, n.d.). Due to the availability of fertile
soil and the presence of the river, the
people in this area are mostly agrarian
communities, practicing cultivation of
paddy fields, orchards of Banana, Coconut,
Betelnut, etc. In the recent past, this area
was found rich in mineral resources has led
to its exploitation in the form of mining.
FIGURE 6: Location Map FIGURE 7: Survey Map
of Rivona of Rivona
Source: Author Source: Author
Also known as Rushivan.
Latitude: 15.160 N
Longitude: 74.100E
Taluka: Sanguem
Distance from Sanguem: 12.70 km
Distance from Margao: 25.60 km
Area: 3582 hectares.
History
Rivona has a vast history beginning from
Adivasis. The ‘Kol’ Adivasis were the
original community staying over here
6000 years ago (Nayak, 1983). These
communities started cultivation in this area
due to presence of fertile soil and the river
Kushawati. They also installed local deity
shrines such as Linga, Naga, Bhumika
which are still worshiped.
Around 3500 years ago, when Aryans came,
the Brahmin community found this place
suitable for meditation as it was amidst
the forest and provided silence and peace
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona
with diverse natural elements. Therefore
this area got its name as ‘Rushivan’ where
‘Rushi’ means saints and ‘van’ means forest.
(Nayak, 1983).
In the 3rd Century, Buddhist monk Punna
found this area suitable for starting their
religious school as there was a perennial
source of water due to the presence
of the river and springs. This led to the
development of caves in this area and small
scale mining (Mitragotri,1992).
Due to the change in the dynasty from Bhoja
to Chalukyas of Badami in the 6th century
(Nayak, 1983), the religious focus changed
from Buddhism to Hinduism. This led to the
building of Gurukul and Mukhyapran Muth in
this area spreading Vedic Hinduism. It was
during this time, Kulagar plantation system
was introduced. As there was growth in
cultivation Munkar (workers) community
started settling in this area leading to
population increase.
Later in the 17th century due to the
Portuguese invasion, Our lady of Rivona
church was set up and local population were
converted to spread Christianity (Nayak,
1983). They also introduced cashew
plantations in this area.
FIGURE 8: Development Map of Rivona
Source: Author
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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
Village Level Analysis
It is observed that topography and
watershed are the main parameters that
govern the development and variations of
the cultural landscape. Due to variations in
landforms, water flows from a higher level to
a lower and also changes its path if there is
presence of landforms.
These watershed boundaries further dictate
the growth of vegetation. Paddy fields
and orchard plantations were found in this
region. Fields are found around the water
bodies due to the presence of fertile soil and
water availability as paddy requires a high
amount of water. Kher paddy cultivation (flat
areas) and Morod paddy cultivation (hilly
areas) are found in this area. The majority
of the fields are found along the riverine
flat area. While some are found in hilly
areas along streams and springs. In areas
with mild slope, orchard plantations were
found which were of two types, Bhaat and
Kulagar. Bhaat can be grown on any slope
using a natural drainage system as trees
grown here requires less amount of water.
Whereas Kulagar are found in a certain
range of slopes with irrigation systems as
tress grown here requires a high amount of
water. As a result of this factor, settlement
is developed along with cultivation for
protection of crops, better management of
the area and also water availability.
Based on the development in settlement
patterns, road networks were developed for
better connectivity.
Due to the presence of essential minerals,
extractions of them have led to over-
exploitation through mining which affected
the environment of this village.
Hence, it is seen from all of the maps from
figure 9-16, that various layers of the
cultural landscape come into existence
as a result of their dependency on other
layers which shows their interrelationship.
Therefore these layers merge together
to give a unique character to the cultural
landscape of Rivona.
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

FIGURE 9: Topography Map FIGURE 10: Watershed Map FIGURE 11: Fields Map
Source: Author Source: Author Source: Author

FIGURE 12: Settlement Map FIGURE 13: Orchard Map FIGURE 14: Forest Map
Source: Author Source: Author Source: Author

FIGURE 15: Mining Map FIGURE 16: Road Map

Source: Author Source: Author

Village Level Maps

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona
Intermediate Level Analysis
The typologies were selected based on their
variations with respect to topography, water,
vegetation and built structures. Typologies
were also identified based on the influence
of religion.
The selected typologies are Keri Wado
which is located in the hilly area. Kuklai
Wado and Muth area which are located on
mild slope areas. While Baag Wado and
Church area are located in the riverine flat
area.
Initial settlement in Rivona started due to
the presence of the river Kushawati. But
due to the migration of people the traces of
settlement are not available.
The main growth of settlement resulted
due to setting up of Muth due to which
priest started settling in this area. This led
to the development in cultivation activities
due to the requirement of food and also
for religious activities. Hence, the Munkar
community (working class) entered the area
and therefore, population started growing in
A B
FIGURE 17: Intermediate Level Map
Source: Author
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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
Muth Area.
Due scope of cultivation in the village,
higher caste people started shifting to the
places where they could commercialize
the agricultural produce. As a result of this,
Kuklai Wado was developed.
With the increasing demand for cultivation,
working opportunities for the Munkar
community increased. Therefore, these
people started settling close to the area of
cultivation. Hence, Baag Wado and Keri
Wado developed.
In the 17th century, Our Lady of Rivona
church was set up. Since this area belongs
to the new conquest, few people were
converted to Christianity. As a result of
which their community started settling at
the edge of the village without disturbing the
existing settlement pattern. With growing
interaction with people, these people also
started plantation in this area and hence
Church area was developed.
C
D
A - TYPOLOGY 1: KERI WADO
B - TYPOLOGY 2: KUKLAI WADO
C - TYPOLOGY 3: BAAG WADO
D - TYPOLOGY 4: MUTH AREA
E - TYPOLOGY 5: CHURCH AREA
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Typology Level Analysis

Keri Wado 100M

Keri Wado is located at higher altitude of 90M

the Barga hill. The residents from this area 80M

are Munkar community. The land ownership

is under Bhatkar under Bhatkari system. In
this system, these people stay in this area
70M

by working and protecting the Bhaat.

60M

Topography
Keri Wado has a high gradient of the slope
with the highest contour at 104m and the
lowest contour at 40m above sea level.
As a result of this slope, speed of water 50M

flow is more and hence trees that require

40M

40M

a high amount of water cannot be grown 50M

in this area. Because of this reason, Bhaat 10 100

plantation is done in this area. Contours are

0 50

FIGURE 18: Plan of Keri Wado

also modified for dwelling. Source: Author

ORIGINAL TOPOGRAPHY
CASHEW
PLANTATION BHAAT SETTLEMENT + BHAAT + OPEN SPACE BHAAT
SLOPE SLOPE DEGREE: 9֯ SLOPE DEGREE: 6֯ SLOPE DEGREE: 6֯
DEGREE:
23֯ SLOPE PERCENTAGE: 14.65% SLOPE PERCENTAGE: 10.23% SLOPE PERCENTAGE:
10.23%
SLOPE
PERCENTA
GE: 41.84%
104M

5 20

0 10 46M

SECTION AA

ORIGINAL TOPOGRAPHY
BHAAT BHAAT PADDY FIELD BHAAT BHAAT
SLOPE DEGREE: 7֯ SLOPE DEGREE: 6֯ SLOPE DEGREE: 4֯ SLOPE SLOPE
DEGREE: 15֯ DEGREE:
SLOPE PERCENTAGE: SLOPE PERCENTAGE: SLOPE PERCENTAGE: 8.3% 15֯
12.37% 10.74% SLOPE
PERCENTAGE: SLOPE
88M 27.7% PERCENTA
GE: 27.7%

5 20
40M
0 10

SECTION BB
FIGURE 19: Topography Analysis of Keri Wado
Source: Author

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Vegetation
Types of vegetation found are Bhaat
plantation and Morod paddy cultivation.

Bhaat
In Bhaat only those trees are grown which
requires less amount of water like that of
Mango tree, Jackfruit tree, Coconut tree,
FIGURE 20: Details of Bhaat
Sal tree and Cashew tree. Small trees Source: Author
like pineapple and chilies are grown below
the shade of these trees. Cashew trees
are grown at the higher part of the Bhaat
plantation. Cashew tree also helps in
preventing soil erosion. Terraced steps are
created along the contour in order to prevent
soil erosion and avoid water wastage.

Morod Paddy Cultivation

Morod refers to uplands or hills. It is a type of FIGURE 21: Details of Morod Paddy Cultivation
cultivation in which terraces are made along Source: Author
the contours in order to provide cultivation
area for crops. Baandh are created along
the periphery of each segment in the field to
distribute water to the crops in that segment
equally and hence avoiding water wastage.
Due to the lack of a proper irrigation system,
it is practiced only in the rainy season. The
seeding is done in the month of June and
the crops are harvested in the month of
FIGURE 22: Details of Stream
October. Source: Author

Water
Water from the stream and spring is used
for drinking, washing, and irrigation. The
topography of the hill is modified by building
a laterite wall around the spring to tap
the water coming down from the spring.
This enclosure provides space for water
collection. During the monsoon season,
due to heavy rains, the stream floods and
hence spring is used as the main source of
water. Whereas during the summer season,
the water flow of the spring dries up, so the
stream is used as the main source of water.
FIGURE 23: Details of Spring
Source: Author

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Built Structure
Community level open spaces ensure
better community level interactions. The
community level open space found is
Maand. It is a sacred cultural community
space used for social interactions and also
for religious activities especially during
Shigmotsav and Holi festivals. Religious
performances take place during this time FIGURE 24: Details of Maand
of the year. This space consists of a raised Source: Author
platform with Tulsi in the middle and is
H3
enclosed on all four sides by a wall. H1
H3 H3
H3
H1 H1

Figure 25 and 26 shows the details of typical H1

H1 H2

spaces found in a cluster in Keri Wado. H2

Each of the houses has a front open space
H2

which is also known as Aangan which has

H2
H2

a Tulsi and is used for social interaction, H1 - SPACES BELONGING TO HOUSE 1 OWNER
5 20

drying produces of the Bhaat and field and

H2 - SPACES BELONGING TO HOUSE 2 OWNER
H3 - SPACES BELONGING TO HOUSE 3 OWNER 0 10

clothes. Some houses have covered these

spaces making it semi-open and is used FIGURE 25: Plan of Cluster
Source: Author
for parking purposes. The backyard of the
house is used as a utility space for activities
like cooking, bathing, washing, etc. Chula
or fireplace is used to provide hot water.
Hence, every house has wood storing units
which is made up of thatch and coconut
leaves. The firewood is collected from the
forest. Some houses also had cowshed with
FIGURE 26: Details of Cluster
grass storage. Source: Author

MAAND
AANGAN OF HOUSE

PATHWAY TOWARDS
FOREST STREAM
SETTLEMENT

BHAAT

STREAM

SPRING MOROD PADDY CULTIVATION

FIGURE 27: Characteristic features of Cultural Landscape in Keri Wado

Source: Author

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Kuklai Wado
Kuklai Wado is located in the lower part of Barga
hill. The residents of this area are Bhatkars as
well as the Munkar community. The Bhatkari
system was earlier followed in this area. But due 80M
B

to time change, the Bhatkar has given the part 70M

60M

of the land to Munkars in their name.

50M

40M

A
30M A
30M

Topography
20M

30M

Kuklai Wado has a moderate gradient of

the slope with the highest point at 80m and
the lowest point at 20m above sea level. As
a result of this slope, Kulagar are grown in 30M

this area as the natural drainage system

could be used to irrigate trees grown in this
area as they require a high amount of water. 60M

The other side of the stream has a steeper

contour where Kulagar system is not
possible. Hence Bhaat plantation is found
B

in that area. Contours are slightly modified

10 100

0 50

due to cultivation and also for building FIGURE 28: Plan of Kuklai Wado
residential space. Source: Author

ORIGINAL TOPOGRAPHY

STEPPED KULAGAR PADDY FIELD BHAAT

SLOPE DEGREE: 4֯ SLOPE DEGREE: 7֯
SLOPE DEGREE: 4֯
SLOPE PERCENTAGE: 8.84% SLOPE PERCENTAGE: 12.97%
SLOPE PERCENTAGE:
8.84%

60M

5 20
30M
0 10

SECTION AA

ORIGINAL TOPOGRAPHY
STEPPED
KULAGAR KULAGAR + SETTLEMENT STEPPED KULAGAR + SETTLEMENT
SLOPE SLOPE DEGREE: 2֯ SLOPE DEGREE: 9֯
DEGREE: 13֯
SLOPE PERCENTAGE: 4.24% SLOPE PERCENTAGE:
SLOPE 21.72%
PERCENTA
GE: 23.01%
64M

30M
5 20

0 10
SECTION BB
FIGURE 29: Topography Analysis of Kuklai Wado
Source: Author

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Vegetation
Kulagar Plantations consists of cash crops
like Coconut and Betelnut which require
a very high amount of water to grow. It is
further divided into two types which are
stepped Kulagar system and flat land
Kulagar system.

Stepped Kulagar plantation can be practiced

up to 23.01% of slope which provides a
FIGURE 30: Details of Stepped Kulagar System
natural drainage system. Stepping is made Source: Author
along the contour to provide plantation
area for plants. Baandh are created on the
periphery of every stepping to channelize
water, avoid water wastage and prevent soil
erosion.
Flat land Kulagar system is practiced up-till
the slope of 4.24% as seen from topography
analysis. Since this percentage of the
slope is not adequate enough for irrigation,
well and Paath irrigation was developed.
Baandh are also constructed to channelize
and distribute water equally in one row
which helps in preventing water wastage. FIGURE 31: Details of Flat Kulagar System
A Coconut tree is placed after every 6m Source: Author
whereas Betelnut trees are placed adjacent
to each other at an interval of 2m.

Water
To develop a proper irrigation system so that
there is a continuous and adequate supply
of water, wells were constructed. Since the
slope gradient was not sufficient in certain FIGURE 32: Details of Irrigation System
areas, channels were created in order Source: Author
to provide water to all the plants. These
channels were called as Paath which were
constructed using laterite stones. Baandh
were created after each row of trees so that
water is further channelized properly and
distributed equally avoiding water wastage.
Traditionally, the irrigation system was
developed using this method. But due to
development in technology, pump houses
were installed next to the well and sprinklers
were installed in between trees for better
irrigation. FIGURE 33: Details of Well
Source: Author

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Built Structure LOZ

Loz Space and Pump House P

WELL

Since the plantation is done at a commercial LOZ

level, proper storage space were developed

to preserve the produces were called Loz.
These spaces were also used for drying PADDY CULTIVATION

the product and storing working equipment.

Some of them are fully commercialized
P

WELL

by providing water and goods carrier

facilities. The front open space as well as
veranda are used for drying produces. Well
5 20
P - PUMP HOUSE
0 10

is constructed behind the Loz in order to

FIGURE 34: Plan of Loz Space
provide water which is attached with pump Source: Author
house adjacent to it with another Loz space.

Bhaatkar’s House
The Bhaatkar’s House is located inside the
Kulagar plantation. The Aangan has Tulsi in
front of the house. The backyard part of the
house is used for various utility purposes. FIGURE 35: Details of Loz Space
The house has a well attached to it which is Source: Author
used for consumption purpose. It also has
a Chula to provide hot water. The firewood
required for this is obtained from the
remains of produces of Kulagar plantation.
The space outside the backyard of the
house and backyard veranda are used for
drying produces which is mostly Betelnut.
FIGURE 36: Plan of Loz Space
There is also presence of semi-open type of Source: Author
Loz which is used during rainy season to dry
produces along with storage.

LOZ
WELL

FOREST

STEPPED
KULAGAR
FLAT LAND
KULAGAR

MUNKAR CLUSTER BHAATKAR’S HOUSE

FIGURE 37: Characteristic features of Cultural Landscape in Kuklai Wado

Source: Author

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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona
Conclusions
Comparative Analysis of Parameters
The five typologies selected for
documentation are Keri Wado,Kuklai Wado,
Baag Wado, Muth Area and Church Area
which vary with respect to Topography,
Water Vegetation and Built structures.
These typologies were further analyzed
with respect to these parameters mentioned
above to understand the cultural landscape
of the village and to derive necessary
conclusions.
Topography
The natural slope is modified in all the
sites for various purposes like dwelling,
vegetation, etc.
The topography is one of the main factors
that govern the type of vegetation in an
area. In the case of Morod paddy cultivation,
stepped Kulagar Plantation and Bhaat
plantation, the topography is modified in
order to provide space to grow crops or
trees to avoid water wastage and hence
preventing soil erosion.
Following are the percentage gradient
of slopes required for various types of
vegetation.
• Morod paddy cultivation: 8.3% - 18.6%
• Kher paddy cultivation: up to 8.84%
• Stepped Kulagar: 8.84% - 23.01%
• Flat land Kulagar: up to 4.24%
• Bhaat
-- Other trees – up to 27.16%
-- Cashew plantation – up to 45.16%
Wall enclosures around springs is
constructed by tapping the existing
topography in order to provide space for
water collection, washing and irrigation.
Wells are constructed by digging till the
water table is achieved and hence modifying
the topography.
Contours are cut flat to form community level
spaces like Playground, Maand, Pad area,
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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
etc. As a result of variations in topography,
clusters of houses are formed at various
levels.
Vegetation
As a result of changing landforms of the
village, various types of vegetation are found
in this area which are Bhaat plantation,
Kulagar plantation and Paddy cultivation.
Bhaat plantation has trees like Mango,
Jackfruit, Coconut and Sal which can be
grown on any vegetative range of slope as
they require less amount of water. Cashew
plantation is practiced at the highest part of
the Bhaat as this tree requires less amount
of water and also prevents soil erosion.
Small plants like Pineapple and chilies are
grown under these shady trees.
Kulagar plantation and paddy cultivation
require a high amount of water and can
be cultivated using an irrigation system.
Kulagar plantation consists of Betelnut
trees and Coconut trees which are cash
crops of Goa. It is further divided into flat
land Kulagar system, which is practiced in
areas less than 4.24% of slope gradient and
stepped Kulagar system, which is practiced
on the slope by constructing steps to
restrict the flow of water and also providing
cultivation area for crops. Paddy cultivation
is further divided into Morod cultivation and
Kher cultivation. Morod refers to uplands
cultivation which is practiced in hilly areas
by modifying the contours to form terraces
which are created to provide plantation area
for crops and also to prevent soil erosion.
This type of cultivation is practiced only
during the rainy season due to lack of
an irrigation system in these areas. Kher
cultivation is practiced in flat land areas with
a high water table and with proper irrigation
systems, it can be cultivated twice a year.
Forest spaces are put to use for the
collection of firewood and growing small
plants under shady trees. Settlement
started developing around cultivation area
to ensure better management of cultivation
and also to protect them.
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona
Water
Water features are divided into two types
which are natural features consisting of
stream, spring and river and cultural features
consisting of wells and water tanks.
Springs are tapped by modifying contours
and constructing laterite retaining walls in
order to provide space for water collection,
washing and irrigation.
Kulagar plantations and paddy fields
require a high content of water and hence
the irrigation system were developed. The
traditional way of irrigation in areas with
slopes was to use the natural drainage by
modifying the contours to form terraces
which provided space for plantation and
constructing Baandh along the periphery
in order to distribute water evenly in one
segment of fields or rows of trees. Baandh
also helped in preventing soil erosion.
In the case of flat land Kulagar system wells
were constructed to develop an irrigation
system in these areas as the slope gradient
did not support the flow of water. The water
from the wells was distributed to the plants
using channels constructed called as Paath.
With the introduction of new technology
in Kuklai area, the sprinkler system was
developed by constructing a pump house
next to the wells to commercialize the
plantation.
In the case of Muth area, it was seen that
the spring water coming down from the hill
was tapped using Baandh and was provided
in flat land Kulagar crops through Paath.
Water features like water tanks were used
for rainwater harvesting and it also helped
to cool the environment.
The river Kushawati was the main reason
for the development of settlement in Rivona
which is the main source of water in this
area. One reason was due to the easy
availability of water and the other was due
to the scope for cultivating a variety of crops
throughout the year.
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Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
Built Structures
In terms of built structures at house level, all
the houses of all typologies had presence
of Aangan in the front space of the house
which either had a Tulsi or a Cross varying
upon the religious belief of the household.
This space was used to dry produces of
cultivations. It was also used as a social
interaction space and also for dying clothes.
In some houses, this space was covered
using a thatch roof to use as parking area.
The backyard part of the house was used
for utility purposes like washing, bathing
and cooking. Since most of the houses
used Chula to get hot water, they had a
wood storage area. The firewood was either
collected from the forests or the remaining
of the plantations produces.
In the case of plantation areas, the produces
were dried and stored in units known as
Loz which were either closed or semi-open
structures. These spaces were used for
drying and storing the products and storing
working equipment.
The market area was found in the Baag Wado
which had old as well as new structures of
the market. The older structures were more
user-friendly as they had veranda space
which was used for social interaction and
also provided shelter for trespassers during
harsh weather conditions.
Community level open spaces were found
in all the typologies. One such space was
the Maand area which was a sacred cultural
space that was used for religious activities
during Shigmotsav and Holi festival.
Another such space was Pad space which
is a laterite pedestal built around a tree in
Muth area which was on the higher part of
the cave. This was also used as a religious
space during the festival of Avhali Bhojan.
Religious structures were found in all the
typologies based on the religious belief of
the community staying in that area.
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Broad Conclusions
In the case of Keri Wado, even being away
from the river, having a steep gradient of
slope, people have managed to develop
Bhaat and paddy fields in this typology
using stream and spring water along with
monsoon rains. Kuklai Wado is made into 10 100

a commercial plantation area by using the 0 50

FIGURE 38: Keri Wado

natural gradient of slope as a drainage Source: Author
system and also by using modern irrigation
methods. In case of Baag Wado, presence
of the river and a flat area, has led to the
development of vegetation in the form of
Kher paddy cultivation and stepped Kulagar
plantation along its edges. People from
Muth area have managed to commercialize 10 100

plantations using traditional methods of 0 50

natural drainage. In the case of Church Area, FIGURE 39: Kuklai Wado
Source: Author
the presence of the river and a flat area has
led to the development of vegetation in this
area in the form of stepped Kulagar plantation
and Bhaat plantation along the river edges.
All these parameters are interrelated and
have led to the development and growth of
settlement in every typology showing the
relation between nature and culture giving
character to the cultural landscape of every 10 100

region. 0 50

FIGURE 40: Baag Wado

Therefore it can be concluded that the Source: Author
manifestation of the cultural landscape in
the settlement of Rivona is seen in a manner
where human settlement is possible into the
diverse terrain with the help of topography
concerning hydrology which is tapped and
shaped in the form of river and streams
due to natural factors and into springs and
wells due to cultural factors. This has made
10 100
0 50

irrigation of landscape possible in the form FIGURE 41: Muth Area

Source: Author
of paddy fields, Morod and Kher, Kulagar,
stepped and flat land and Bhaat which
is seen in various typologies. Due to this,
settlement has grown in all these areas.
These vegetation types are instrumental
in providing the community with food and
shelter along with income and protection
from calamities like floods and landslides.
Hence, variations and richness of the 0
10
50
100

cultural landscape of Rivona are seen. FIGURE 42: Church Area

Source: Author

16
Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21
Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Traditional Goan Village: A Case of Rivona

Appendix References

Morod Paddy cultivation: Books

Cultivation practiced by creating terraced
fields on uplands or hills, in order to provide
cultivation area for crops.
Kher Paddy cultivation:
Cultivation practiced in flatlands with low
elevation above sea level having high water
table level. Irrigation techniques are used to
cultivate crops throughout the year.
Bhaat:
Type of plantation growing trees like Mango,
Jackfruit, Sal, Banana, Coconut and Cashew
trees which requires less amount of water.
Small plants like chilies and pineapple are
also grown.
Kulagar:
Type of plantation growing cash crops like
Coconut and Betelnut trees using proper
irrigation system as they require high
amount of water and maintenance.
Paath:
Channels made in irrigation system followed
in Kulagar after every two to three rows
of trees in order to provide water to these
plants from main water source.
Maand:
Cultural sacred community space having a
raised platform and Tulsi or Khamb (small
pillar) in the middle. This space is used as
religious space during Shigmotsav and Holi
festival.
Baandh:
Small mound created of mud and stones on
the periphery of tree rows or one segment
of field in order to channelize water and
distribute equally. It also helps in preventing
water wastage and soil erosion.
17
Tanvi Rajeev Sukhthanker
• Saur, C. O. (1925). Sauer - Morphology
of landscape
• Valle, D., Leone, M., & Potter, P.
B. (1995). Cultural Landscape: A
Theoretical Perspective.
• Nayak, N. B. (1983). Rushivanacha
Itihas (Marathi) – History of Rushivan
Published Articles
• Thakur, N. (2019). Indian Cultural
landscape: Religious pluralism,
tolerance and ground reality.
• Thakur N., (2019), The Architectural
Knowledge Systems Approach, New
Delhi: Architexturez Imprints
Journals
• Page R., Gilbert C., Dolan S., (1995),
Landscape Lines: 03. Landscape
characteristics
• Grottoes, Mogao, (2009), Landscape
Lines: 05. Graphic documentation
• Scharfstein, Gaurf M., (2013),
Landscape Lines: 09. Surveys
• Piovan, Elena S., (2020), Landscape
Lines: 10. Geographic Information and
Systems
Dissertations
• Mitragotri, V. R. (1992). Socio- Cultural
History of Goa from The Bhojas to The
Vijaynagara.
• Coelho, A. (2014), Settlements:
Patterns in Landscape, A case of
Agrarian Landscapes in Naroa,
Bicholim
• Raghav Jalan, (2013), Morphology
of Agrarian Settlements: The case
of Morod settlements of Canacona –
Quepem region
Online Resources
• censusindia.gov.in. (n.d.).
Email: sukhrtanvi@gmail.com
Goa College of Architecture, Working Paper Series Vol. 10, 2020-21