Indian Badgirs: Austin Refrigeration's Ancient Cooling Techniques 101

Living in modern times, we certainly are spoiled when it comes to comfort. TVs, cars, computers, smart phones, grocery store deliveries, we're basically living in a sci-fi movie produced 20 years ago. But, how did ancient man survive for millennia against the harsh cruelty of Planet Earth without all these luxuries? Well, he created his own luxuries. In this new series, we will be delving into the history of ancient refrigeration and air conditioning techniques. Today's lesson: The Indian Badgir.

Badgirs, also known as "wind catchers" or "cooling towers," were traditionally built in areas of high temperatures and low humidity, such as in the deserts of Rajasthan. The towers were designed to capture and channel the wind to cool down the indoor spaces.

These ancient air conditioners were made of brick or mud and could be up to 30 meters tall. They had several openings at the top that were designed to catch the wind, which was then funneled down through a series of chambers inside the tower. As the hot air entered the tower, it was cooled down by passing over wetted cloth or water channels, which helped to lower the temperature inside the building.

The cool air then flowed out into the living spaces below, providing relief from the scorching heat outside. The system was entirely natural, requiring no electricity or mechanical parts, making it an environmentally friendly solution to indoor cooling.

Badgirs were also designed to work at night, when the temperature was cooler. By opening windows and doors, the cool air from the badgirs could circulate through the house, reducing the need for additional cooling.

In a way, the badgirs functioned as a natural form of ductwork. The towers were designed to channel the wind into the building, which was then cooled down as it passed over wetted cloth or water channels. The cool air was then distributed throughout the indoor space, providing relief from the heat. The badgirs were a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and are a testament to the ingenuity of the people of that time.

Badgirs are believed to have been in use in India for over 2,500 years. The earliest known example of a badgir was found in the ancient city of Dholavira, in present-day Gujarat, which dates back to around 2,600 BCE.

The technology was widely used throughout India, particularly in the arid regions of Rajasthan, where the towers were essential for providing relief from the scorching heat. In the city of Jaisalmer, for example, many of the historic buildings, including palaces, havelis (traditional townhouses), and hotels, are equipped even today with badgirs. The towers provide natural ventilation and cooling to help combat the scorching heat of the Thar Desert.

Badgirs can also be found in other parts of Rajasthan, as well as in the neighboring states of Gujarat and Haryana. True, their use is not as widespread as it once was, but badgirs remain an important part of India's architectural heritage and a testament to the ingenuity of the people who designed them.

So while badgirs were a highly effective method of cooling in their time, they were eventually (mostly) replaced by more modern forms of air conditioning. However, they remain an important part of India's architectural heritage and continue to be used in some parts of the country to this day.

In conclusion, badgirs were an ingenious solution to the problem of cooling indoor spaces in the hot and arid regions of India. They were a testament to the architectural and engineering expertise of the people of that time, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.