Ethnobotanical knowledge and socio-ecological significance of vernacular architecture of Adi community of Arunachal Himalaya in North-Eastern India

Abstract

The present study describes ethnobotanical knowledge and socio-ecological significance of vernacular architecture of local house construction styles of Adi, one of the major ethnic communities inhabiting Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The community uses 21 plant species belonging to 15 genera and 12 families in vernacular architecture constructed as per local needs and traditions exhibiting native designs. The community possesses significant traditional knowledge and skills regarding the utilization of species in vernacular architecture. The houses capitalize on the availability of resources close to the construction site and fulfill basic community needs, values, economies, and ways of life as per local cultures. The study recommends that the vernacular architecture of Adi community is best suited to the local environment, climate, and culture; and therefore, needs to be preserved along with sustainable management and conservation of the plant resources used. Further multidisciplinary research is required to capture the overall significance of these vernacular architectures in terms of raw materials, structural designs, and environmental suitability and sustainability.