Having lived in one of the old bungalows built during the British era, I have always admired their distinctive architectural beauty. Some of these homes were spacious and grand, occupying large plots of land in the ordnance estate and military areas of Kirkee, while others were modest cottages with charming verandahs. Yet, every one of them had a special warmth that made it a lovely home. Many had enough space for a lush garden, adding to their charm.
The bungalow I lived in was a fine example of this old-world grace. Built with sturdy stone walls, it featured long front and back verandahs, smooth cemented floors, and imported Shanks sanitary fittings — including a large bathtub. The kitchen had a coal-fired baking oven with a built-in chimney, and the rooms were equipped with wooden shelves, cupboards, and two large three-compartment wardrobes. Doors of wood, glass, and net allowed light and air to flow freely, while the sloping tiled roof with a high false ceiling and ventilators kept the house cool.
Each room had electric fans — initially DC, later replaced with AC — and water flowed by gravity. The lamps were cleverly designed with adjustable heights using counterweights and pulleys. The house was surrounded by a fence and ample open space, perfect for a garden. We enjoyed an abundant water supply, a separate servants’ quarters, and fresh milk delivered in glass bottles from the nearby military dairy farm.
Sadly, bungalows like these are no longer built today. What you see now are tall concrete structures with flats like pigeon nests!
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