Seismic risk reduction through indigenous architecture in Kashmir Valley

Since its inception, Kashmir Valley has been characterized by intense seismicity that has left a strong imprint on the country's landscape, heritage and traditions. In fact, its architectural heritage is largely shaped by the interrelationship of the natural with the human and of the physical with the social. Beginning with classical stone architecture during the first millennium, followed by a period of building with wood, Kashmir finally witnessed vernacular (mixed mode) architecture in the form of Taqq and Deji-i-Dewari from the last two centuries. Taqq and Dhajji-Dewari architecture reflects seismic risk reduction to earthquake threat through the use of timber-braced frame with masonry infill. Sporadic occurrence of earthquakes in Kashmir over the centuries led Kashmir society to learn that to fight earthquakes we ought to know them: how they cause damage, where they occur repeatedly and more importantly how to minimize the seismic risk. This seismic risk reduction was necessitated by available technology, resource use option and risk management strategies. Even the dialectics often reflect how the people were influenced by the seismicity of the region they lived in.