Published March 30, 2026 | Version v1

Interweaving Architecture and Performance: A Study of Tangible and Intangible Heritage in Purisai Village, Tamil Nadu

  • 1. Conservation Architect, Hyderabad, Telangana

Description

The village of \textit{Purisai}, located in Tamil Nadu, represents a unique confluence of tangible and intangible heritage, where traditional architecture, cultural practices, and community life are deeply interwoven. This research explores the symbiotic relationship between the built environment and living traditions that define \textit{Purisai's} cultural identity. The study examines the village's traditional spatial organization, vernacular building techniques, and materials that reflect climatic adaptation and cultural continuity. Equally significant are its intangible aspects --- the rich legacy of Therukoothu (street theatre), oral traditions, and rituals that sustain community cohesion and collective memory. Through field surveys, and documentation, the research highlights how tangible and intangible heritage coexist and mutually reinforce each other in shaping the village's character. The paper further discusses the challenges posed by modernization and the gradual decline of traditional practices, emphasizing the need for integrated conservation approaches that recognize both material and performative dimensions of heritage. \textit{Purisai} thus stands as a living example of how cultural landscapes embody not just physical heritage, but the living spirit of tradition and identity.

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Additional details

Dates

Submitted
2026-02-19
Submitted
Updated
2026-03-10
Revised
Accepted
2026-03-20
Accepted
Available
2026-03-30
Published Online