Architectural Marvels: Rooftop Sculptures Redefine the Skyline of Rural India

In the rural villages of Punjab, India, a unique architectural tradition has taken root, transforming the skyline with a captivating display of rooftop sculptures. Photographer Rajesh Vora's journey to document this phenomenon has uncovered a rich tapestry of personal aspirations, cultural influences, and a remarkable integration of form and function.

Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Discovering the Architectural Icons

Stumbling upon a vibrant village in Daulatpur, photographer Rajesh Vora found himself surrounded by a visual feast of eclectic, colorful architecture. Atop the buildings, he encountered a remarkable sight – a large facsimile of an Air-India plane, and across the street, a replica of an army tank with a painted soldier emerging from its hatch. These were not mere decorations, but elaborate rooftop water tanks, a vernacular tradition that has flourished in the region for over five decades.Vora's fascination with this phenomenon led him on a multi-year project, during which he visited 150 villages and photographed hundreds of these unique architectural icons. He was captivated by the "brilliant idea combining form and function," as the local artisans seamlessly integrated these sculptural elements into the homes.

Embodying Personal Aspirations

The ostentatious rooftop designs are not mere aesthetic choices, but rather a reflection of the homeowners' personal aspirations and experiences. Commissioned by Indian emigrants who return home or by their families still residing in the region, these water tanks have become a canvas for self-expression.Vora observed a diverse array of motifs, from sports equipment to culinary tools, and even bottles of whiskey. "If somebody plays sports, they'll put up a football there, if they are a chef they will put a pressure cooker… if somebody likes a nice drink, they'll put a bottle of whiskey," he explained. Planes, tanks, and cars also emerged as popular choices, as the homeowners sought to immortalize their dreams and achievements.

Tracing the Origins and Evolution

The tradition of these architectural icons can be traced back to the 1970s, as Punjabi diasporic communities flourished in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As the popularity of custom-designed water tanks grew, local builders became specialized in their craft, catering to the diverse preferences of the homeowners.Over the years, the favored icons have shifted in popularity, reflecting the changing times. When the Maruti van, a popular Indian automobile, was introduced in the 1980s, it began appearing on the rooftops as well. Vora also observed how architectural styles from different countries started to blend into the villages, as owners brought back ideas from their travels abroad.

Documenting a Disappearing Legacy

Capturing the essence of this unique tradition proved to be a challenging task for Vora. The remote areas of Punjab were not yet mapped by Google, making it difficult to locate the villages. "Some days are lucky — you might get three or four kinds of water tanks; others, you might not get anything," he said.Vora's efforts to create an archive of Punjab's distinctive architectural legacy have been driven by a sense of urgency. As the region continues to undergo major shifts, particularly with the increasing economic mobility of marginalized communities and the wealth accumulation of second- or third-generation immigrants overseas, the future of these rooftop sculptures remains uncertain."Will they come back to India? Will they build their own houses? Will they take care of these houses?" Vora ponders. He fears that if the younger generations do not maintain these structures, the tradition may eventually disappear, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved.