Importance of Yumsharol in modem days discussed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 25 2024: A one-day workshop titled "Scientific and Social Outlook on Yumsharol" was held at Lainingthou Sanamahi Shanglen, Haying Khongbal Uphong Yumpham, emphasising the importance of preserving traditional house construction methods known as Yumsharol in the face of modern development.

The event was jointly organised by Institution of Engineers (India) Manipur State Centre and Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board under the aegis of Civil Engineering Division Board (CVDB),IEI .

Speaking as chief guest of the event, Manipur University of Culture vice-chancellor Professor Dr Paonam Gunindro stressed the need to uphold traditional systems, the Yumsharol method of house construction, even as society progresses and adopts modern trends.

He highlighted the importance of adapting traditional practices to contemporary needs while maintaining their core values.

With increasing population and decreasing land area, constructing traditional houses has become challenging, Prof Gunindro said, while explaining that Meetei Yumsharol is distinct from other communities' construction systems, with each Meetei house mandatorily having a dedicated room for Lainingthou Sanamahi in the southwest corner.

The Meeteis regard their house as a temple, and vandalising or burning a house deeply hurts their sentiments, similar to the destruction of a temple, he added.

Despite the rise of multi-storied buildings in a developing society, Prof Gunindro emphasised the need to maintain the essential structure of a Meetei house in modern constructions.

Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board member secretary Mais-nam Shivadutta Luwang echoed same concerns, underscoring the necessity for architects to possess a thorough understanding of traditional systems.

The workshop was also attended by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board vice-president Vidyapati Senjam, Institute of Engineers (India) Manipur State Centre chairman Loktongbam Swamikanta, Manipur Architects' Forum president Aribam Joychandra, and PHED retired superintendent engineer Ngasepam Surjakumar.

The event concluded with a call to integrate traditional construction methods in modern architectural practices to preserve cultural heritage while accommodating contemporary needs.

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