The Allure of Mud Homes: Discovering the Rural Beauty of Narsingdi's Madhushal

Explore the captivating charm of Madhushal, a picturesque village in Narsingdi, where traditional mud houses tell the story of rural life, sustainability, and rich cultural heritage. This village, with its lush greenery and agricultural roots, offers a unique window into the timeless beauty of Bangladesh’s countryside.

Home Travel The Allure of Mud Homes: Discovering the Rural Beauty of Narsingdi’s Madhushal

The Allure of Mud Homes: Discovering the Rural Beauty of Narsingdi's Madhushal

About 7.5 kilometers east of Monohardi Upazila in the northern part of Narsingdi district lies the serene and lush village of Madhushal in Kachikata Union. To reach Madhushal from the center of Kachikata Union, one must travel approximately 4.5 kilometers. The village’s narrow rural paths are a delight for walking. Being an agriculturally dominant area, most of the villagers are farmers. The soil of Madhushal is highly fertile, yielding abundant crops with cultivation.

Sometimes paddy, sometimes wheat, sometimes vegetables, and sometimes leafy greens—farmers of Madhushal cultivate a variety of crops in different seasons. In two-thirds of the village’s land, crops are harvested twice a year, while in one-third of the land, crops are grown three times a year.

Life

Childhood in the village is filled with the joy of flying kites, playing with spinning tops, and exciting games like “Golla Chut.” Madhushal is one of the 25 villages in Kachikata Union. Nature seems to favor this village a little more, making it serene and refreshing in every corner. In rural households, a stack of hay means granaries full of rice, and full granaries mean well-fed cattle. Such prosperity in rural life is visible in many homes of Madhushal.

Taking care of domestic animals and birds is an integral part of rural life. Almost every household in the village raises livestock and poultry. The traditional mud houses with tin roofs are one of the main attractions of the village. The new generation here enjoys both an open environment and the warmth of family care. Due to bumper crop yields, many farmers in Madhushal now cultivate sugarcane as a cash crop. Most of the villagers are tree lovers.

Lush greenery surrounds almost every home, with trees flourishing in courtyards, by ponds, and along field borders. Vines and shrubs growing by the fields serve as fodder for livestock. Besides fulfilling their hobbies, some villagers raise pigeons as an additional source of income.

Mud Houses

In the village, some people build and repair mud houses themselves, while others hire skilled artisans known as “Ghorami“—specialists in mud house construction. Building and repairing mud houses is relatively easy and cost-effective. Instead of cement or sand, sticky clay soil is used to construct these houses.

Construction Style

For single-story mud houses, walls are built 12 to 14 feet high, and the ceiling is supported by bamboo, wood, or iron angles, covered with a tin roof. For double-story houses, the walls are constructed between 13 to 25 feet high. A wooden floor is created at around 13 feet using sliced palm tree trunks, and a 2 to 3-inch thick wooden roof is placed on top.

Then, at a height of 25 feet, a tin roof is placed, similar to single-story houses. Mud houses can still be seen in areas like Bhaluka and Trishal in Mymensingh, Gazipur, and Sylhet. Nowadays, people have modified the traditional construction methods of mud houses. Instead of using wet clay, they mix dry loose soil, straw, and 5% cement to create blocks.

These blocks are then compacted using a scientific approach, making the houses more eco-friendly and durable.

Change

With the touch of modernity and evolving tastes, the environment has undergone significant changes over time. This has brought about a fundamental transformation in both family and social life. As a result, the traditional mud house, which was once popular for dwelling, is gradually becoming extinct. In the past, mud houses were a common form of residence, but today, most houses are constructed with wood and tin. Those who are financially stable have built brick-and-cement houses.

Local elderly residents say that in the past, mud houses in rural areas were like palaces. These houses were built with minimal cost. The family members would collectively build these houses in just a few days. Shovel was used to dig and break up the clay soil until it became loose and dry.

Then, a suitable amount of water was mixed into the dry soil to create mud paste. This paste was used to construct the aesthetically pleasing mud houses in stages. Building these houses required less labor and time, and the cost was also low. Mud houses kept the winter cold and summer heat at bay, providing comfort in all seasons.

In this riverine country, the geological formation plays a vital role, and mud has been a key element in shaping this landscape. The residents of Madhushal have made excellent use of this natural resource to create their homes. The mud houses of Madhushal preserve the oldest construction techniques in Bangladesh.

The roof of the mud house is covered with tin, followed by bamboo rafters, and the walls are made of mud. Whether it’s a living room or a kitchen, the floor is always made of mud. This mud-based lifestyle is a tradition passed down through generations in this community.

In the village, the household activities begin early in the morning, and as the day progresses, it transitions into the busyness of cooking. These daily household tasks reflect the eternal simplicity of Bengali life, spreading a sense of peace across every home in the village.

The mud houses of Madhushal are not only beautiful but also durable, environmentally friendly, and safe. There are even two-story mud houses here. Some of these homes are adorned with mirror decorations, making them even more attractive. These mud houses stay cool in the summer and remain slightly warm during the winter, offering a balance of nature’s blessings and the unique independence of self-reliant living.

Sustainability

Madhushal village embodies the true essence of rural life, with everything from fish, meat, vegetables, rice, lentils, to potatoes. Most of the vegetables used in cooking are supplied by the villagers themselves. With the mud stove and the magical touch of the housewife’s hands, rural food here retains the timeless charm of authentic flavors.

In wealthier households, a distinctive feature is the pigeon loft in front of the house. The girls of Madhushal are well-known for their skills in stitching nakshi katha (traditional embroidered quilts). Through the art of kantha stitching, they preserve the heritage of rural Bengal, woven together with thread and needle.

This beautifully crafted nakshi katha is a symbol of pride in the village’s rural cultural legacy. The population of Madhushal is nearly 4,000, with more women than men in the community. Located in the Monohordi upazila of Narsingdi, this charming village, with its blend of rich traditions and natural beauty, is a true reflection of the splendor and grace of rural life.