Paper Contents
Abstract
The Vatara system of Bangalore has its roots in traditional South Indian communal housing, housing several families around a shared courtyard. It flourished during urbanization, providing cheap living for workers. Vataras still persist in older areas such as Malleswaram and Basavanagudi but are on the decline due to real estate development, lifestyle changes, and lack of maintenance. Several have been replaced by apartments and commercial buildings, while others are turned into PGs or hostels. Though its popularity has dwindled, there is renewed interest in community-based housing, with attempts to preserve heritage vataras or adopt their concept in contemporary urban planning.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 RACHANA S MURTHY. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
