In the rural villages of Punjab, India, an extraordinary architectural phenomenon has taken root over the past five decades. Atop colorful homes, elaborate sculptures in the shapes of airplanes, tanks, cars, and other objects stand proudly, serving both as functional water tanks and as symbols of their owners' aspirations and achievements. This unique tradition has been meticulously documented by Mumbai-based photographer Rajesh Vora, whose work is currently on display at the prestigious Les Rencontres d'Arles photography festival in France.
Vora's journey began in 2014 when he stumbled upon this architectural curiosity while on assignment in the region. What started as an amusing observation quickly evolved into a multiyear project that saw him visiting 150 villages and photographing hundreds of these distinctive designs. The photographer was particularly struck by the seamless integration of these sculptures into the architecture of the homes, all crafted by local artisans.
These ostentatious rooftop decorations serve as status symbols and personal statements for their owners. Many are commissioned by Indian emigrants who return home during the year or by their families still residing in Punjab. The designs are deeply personal, reflecting the occupations, hobbies, or aspirations of the homeowners. For instance, a chef might choose a pressure cooker sculpture, while a sports enthusiast might opt for a football. The popularity of certain motifs, such as airplanes, tanks, and cars, speaks to broader themes of mobility, success, and global connectivity.
The origins of this architectural trend can be traced back to the 1970s, coinciding with the growth of Punjabi diasporic communities in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As emigrants found success abroad, they sought ways to showcase their achievements back home. The custom-designed water tanks became a perfect canvas for this expression. Over time, local builders honed their skills, specializing in creating these unique sculptures. The designs have evolved with the times, reflecting changes in popular culture and technology. For example, when India began manufacturing the Maruti van in the 1980s, it quickly became a popular rooftop motif.
Vora's work goes beyond mere documentation of these architectural marvels. In 2023, he published a book titled Everyday Monuments, which not only features images from the villages he visited but also includes texts from architectural experts, scholars, and curators. Their research suggests that there are approximately 30 artisans in the region who work directly with homeowners and their families to create these lively sculptures, typically through word-of-mouth recommendations.
The photographer's quest to capture these unique structures was not without challenges. When he first began his project, many of the remote areas in Punjab were not yet mapped by Google, forcing Vora to rely on chance and persistence in his search. Some days yielded multiple fascinating designs, while others proved fruitless. The village of Daulatpur, where Vora captured multiple designs in a single frame, was a rare and exciting find.
As Punjab continues to experience significant social and economic changes, the future of this architectural tradition remains uncertain. Vora ponders whether second- and third-generation immigrants will maintain the same connection to their ancestral villages and continue this practice. He notes that these houses require maintenance to preserve their unique features, and without proper care, they may disappear within a few decades. Despite these concerns, Vora remains committed to creating an archive of Punjab's distinctive architectural legacy, hoping to preserve this cultural phenomenon for future generations to appreciate and study.
