Krishna, Ujjvala. n.d. The Spatial Type of Servant Quarters.

Notes

In-text annotations

"A culture of servitude is one in which social relations of domination/ subordination, dependency, and inequality are normalized and permeate both the domestic and public spheres" (Page 11)

"Dignity of work is defined as “the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed” (MerriamWebster dictionary, 2021). Dignity of labour means that all occupations, whether involving intellect or physical labour, deserves equal respect and dignity" (Page 11)

"The culture of work, production, and labour in India is not geared towards dignity. Rather, productive relationships and systems of work are at play in dialectically creating and changing these socio-cultural relationships, often negatively. Suspicion and distrust even without facts are a constant, often leading to a loss in personal dignity." (Page 15)

"Today, domestic servitude within the culture of servitude is closely related to economic realities of a capitalist world, even though the relationship of work and labour with domestic help closely resembles that of a paternalistic or maternalistic society (Ray & Qayum, 2007)." (Page 17)

"The relationship between the servant and the master was a complex one, confused the servant and the master was a complex one, confused and imagined between duty, work, and patronage. These and imagined between duty, work, and patronage. These subordinate and superior relationships were" (Page 26)

"Quoting Platt, Alison Blunt writes of the racial divide that existed and superseded the class divide between native servants and their and superseded the class divide between native servants and their colonial masters. “There is no more faithful and devoted servant colonial masters. “There is no more faithful and devoted servant than the Indian when he has definitely ‘adopted’ his master and than the Indian when he has definitely ‘adopted’ his master and mistress and identified himself with the family” writes Blunt quoting mistress and identified himself with the family” writes Blunt quoting Platt (Blunt, 1997, pp. 292). The racism here supersedes the caste Platt" (Page 29)

"Socio-cultural ideas of patronage are often cited as goodwill for allotting housing to servants. This goodwill becomes a base for allotting housing to servants. This goodwill becomes a base for exploitation of the domestic help and their family living in the exploitation of the domestic help and their family living in the quarter with regards to work. Often the children of the domestic quarter with regards to work. Often the children of the domestic help are asked to run odd jobs and finish small errands, like picking help are asked to run odd jobs and finish small errands, like picking up groceries from the store. This rampant exploitation is accepted, up groceries from the store. This rampant exploitation is accepted, since the argument of ‘we give you a place to stay, for which you since the argument of ‘we give you a place to stay, for which you serve us’ is cited often. Bikram Vohra (2016) writes in the serve us’ is cited often" (Page 31)

"As Pierre Bourdieu, a French sociologist and anthropologist writes on the social logic of spatial segregation, he says “It is true that on the social logic of spatial segregation, he says “It is true that one can observe almost everywhere a tendency toward spatial one can observe almost everywhere a tendency toward spatial segregation, people who are close together in social space tending segregation, people who are close together in social space tending to find themselves, by choice or by necessity, close to one another to find themselves, by choice or by necessity, close to one another in geographic space, nevertheless. People who are very distant in geographic space, nevertheless. People who are very distant from each other in social space can encounter one another and from each other in social space can encounter one another and interact, if only briefly and intermittently, in physical space” (Pierre interact, if only briefly and intermittently, in physical space” (Pierre Bourdieu, 1989). This segregation in the spatial order is seen Bourdieu, 1989). This segregation in the spatial order is seen quite clearly in the spatial type of servant quarters, especially quite clearly in the spatial type of servant quarters, especially enhanced in apartment housing. This is pronounced in apartment enhanced in apartment housing. This is pronounced in apartment housing, as in individual" (Page 37)

"The author writes “in large houses there should be not only a separate entrance for the large houses there should be not only a separate entrance for the servants, but also an independent small staircase leading to the servants, but also an independent small staircase leading to the lobby” and “in houses with five bedrooms and above there should lobby” and “in houses with five bedrooms and above there should be an independent stairway for the servants other than the main be an independent stairway for the servants other than the main one” (Deshpande, 1943). one” (Deshpande, 1943)." (Page 38)

"Toilets were surprisingly placed closer to the entrance of the house in smaller apartments. This was to give the entrance of the house in smaller apartments. This was to give easy access to the cleaners, who would not have to enter the rest easy access to the cleaners, who would not have to enter the rest of the house. This clearly demonstrates the caste divisions and of the house. This clearly demonstrates the caste divisions and distinctions that were manifested in the spatial organizations of distinctions that were manifested in the spatial organizations of these apartment homes. Either back entrances would have to be these apartment homes. Either back entrances would have to be given to maintain the sanctity and the purity of the house, or the given to maintain the sanctity and the purity of the house, or the least intruding arrangement of spaces would be done to decrease least intruding arrangement of spaces would be done to decrease the occupancy by servants of a lower caste within apartment. This the occupancy by servants of a lower caste within apartment. This clear casteist indication within spatial organisation is" (Page 39)

"The servant quarters are usually single rooms with no dedicated cooking space, with just an attached bathroom. This is rather cooking space, with just an attached bathroom. This is rather interesting, as cooking is not seen as a necessary division, though interesting, as cooking is not seen as a necessary division, though having separate toilets and bathrooms is enforced quite often. having separate toilets and bathrooms is enforced quite often. Many quarters have small windows without adequate" (Page 40)

"The design of servant quarters even finds its way into Vaastu- Shastra. According to the above snipping from the (see Shastra. According to the above snipping from the (see Fig 29) Vastu-shastra.com website, “Vaastu suggests placing this 29) Vastu-shastra.com website, “Vaastu suggests placing this important room (servant room) so that the owner can have proper important room (servant room) so that the owner can have proper control over his servant” (2021). This implies that firstly, the control over his servant” (2021). This implies that firstly, the placement of the servant room in a particular direction reduces placement of the servant room in a particular direction reduces the possibility of the servant engaging in wrongdoing like theft or the possibility of the servant engaging in wrongdoing like theft or ‘usurping’ the employers’ authority; and secondly, increases the ‘usurping’ the employers’ authority; and secondly, increases the control of the employer over the servant. These statements are control of the employer over the servant. These statements are deeply problematic, as they clearly indicate the social division being deeply problematic, as they clearly indicate the social division being manifested and further propagated through design using Vaastu. manifested and further propagated through design using Vaastu. Further, the social divide is enhanced through the usage of terms Further, the social divide is enhanced through the usage of terms like ‘owner’, ‘usurping’, and ‘authority’. These terms all signify like ‘owner’, ‘usurping’, and ‘authority’. These terms all signify the authority and divide between a servant and their employer, the authority and divide between a servant and their employer, treading towards aspects of patronage, supremacy, and treading towards aspects of patronage, supremacy, and control." (Page 43)

"Moreover, the housing advertisements use of certain terminology exerts and amplifies this socio-cultural divide. For example, exerts and amplifies this socio-cultural divide. For example, ‘‘separate’ servant quarters’ signifies a divide between the main ‘‘separate’ servant quarters’ signifies a divide between the main unit and the quarter. This is indicative of the class divide too that unit and the quarter. This is indicative of the class divide too that manifests itself rather clearly within this spatial type. Another manifests itself rather clearly within this spatial type. Another example mentions “allocated’ servant quarters’, signifying the example mentions “allocated’ servant quarters’, signifying the act of designating and earmarking a separate space for the act of designating and earmarking a separate space for the servant populace, separate and distinct from the main units for servant populace, separate and distinct from the main units for the employers. This terms indicates a segregation which is done, the employers. This terms indicates a segregation which is done, showing aspects of control and patronage of the servant populace showing aspects of control and patronage of the servant populace and the space they inhabit. and the space they inhabit." (Page 45)

"According to the International Labour Organisation, ‘decent work’ is that which "respects the fundamental rights of the human person is that which "respects the fundamental rights of the human person as well as the rights of workers in terms of conditions of work safety as well as the rights of workers in terms of conditions of work safety and remuneration; respect for the physical and mental integrity of and remuneration; respect for the physical and mental integrity of the worker in the exercise of his/her employment" (ILO, 2021). the worker in the exercise of his/her employment"" (Page 51)

"One of the largest issues which lead to loss of dignity in work is overworking largest issues which lead to loss of dignity in work is overworking and overtime, which is increased through the proximity of servant and overtime, which is increased through the proximity of servant quarters to the employers’ homes. This proximity creates a control quarters to the employers’ homes. This proximity creates a control which the employer exerts over" (Page 51)

Also is not paying wages legal in defence?

"These regulations make it a point to specify SQs separately than the main units they are attached to or serve. This is to further inscribe main units they are attached to or serve. This is to further inscribe and showcase the disparity between the design and construction and showcase the disparity between the design and construction of the servant quarter in comparison to that of the unit it serves. of the servant quarter in comparison to that of the unit it serves. Further, this is indicative of the socio-cultural segregation that Further, this is indicative of the socio-cultural segregation that these regulations are based upon. It goes without saying, that these regulations are based upon. It goes without saying, that these regulations hint at ‘servants needing a separate and distinct these regulations hint at ‘servants needing a separate and distinct set of sub-human bye laws for the construction of their set of sub-human bye laws for the construction of their homes’." (Page 54)

"The servant housing is aimed at EWS category, though through comparison of EWS wages and annual household income, the comparison of EWS wages and annual household income, the housing does not cater to EWS. EWS housing is available to those housing does not cater to EWS. EWS housing is available to those with an annual household income of less than 1 Lakh. The Domestic with an annual household income of less than 1 Lakh. The Domestic Workers Act (2008) regulates the minimum wages" (Page 63)

"Service Staff Children’s Children’s Park Block P6 apartments Officers’ Mess Block P25 apartments (course building) PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED" (Page 66)

"The author’s family currently lives in the housing project. lives in the housing project. They shfted into the They shfted into the property in the year 2015, and were in the year 2015, and were first occupants of the apartment occupants of the apartment in question. The case study in question. The case study is of the same type, a 3BHK is of the same type, a 3BHK + servant room. servant room." (Page 150)

"Diagram showing the spatial organisation of all case studies" (Page 200)

"The main units are all larger than 100 sqm each (other than the P25 Vishwa Vihar case, as it is a 2BHK), while the SQs/maids rooms P25 Vishwa Vihar case, as it is a 2BHK), while the SQs/maids rooms are all only an average of 8.3% of the total area (SQ + MU). This are all only an average of 8.3% of the total area (SQ + MU). This high level of disparity can be seen as a direct demonstration of high level of disparity can be seen as a direct demonstration of creating an inequality and disparity between the occupants of the creating an inequality and disparity between the occupants of the servant quarter/maids room and the main servant quarter/maids room and the main unit" (Page 201)

"None of these servant quarters/maids rooms are compliant to the regulations (EWS housing regulates a minimum size of 25 the regulations (EWS housing regulates a minimum size of 25 sqm). Many of them (as seen in the individual case studies) also sqm). Many of them (as seen in the individual case studies) also do not comply to the minimum dimensions and areas of different do not comply to the minimum dimensions and areas of different spaces within the home - main habitable area/kitchen/toilet. This spaces within the home - main habitable area/kitchen/toilet. This is demonstrative of the disparity and inequality exhibited between is demonstrative of the disparity and inequality exhibited between the design of the servant quarter/maids room and the main unit. the design of the servant quarter/maids room and the main unit. It implies that the spaces for occupancy by the domestic helpers It implies that the spaces for occupancy by the domestic helpers are not important enough to even comply to the minimum areas are not important enough to even comply to the minimum areas as given by the regulations. Further, this is a direct manifestation of as given by the regulations. Further, this is a direct manifestation of the socio-cultural inequality and disparity within space. the socio-cultural inequality and disparity within space." (Page 201)

"Thirdly, the servant quarter is within the main unit, and is not accessible separately from the exterior. This is seen in the Bearys accessible separately from the exterior. This is seen in the Bearys Lakeside Habitat apartment case, wherein the maids room and Lakeside Habitat apartment case, wherein the maids room and toilet is accessed through the main units’ kitchen utility. This toilet is accessed through the main units’ kitchen utility. This possibility is an extreme case of reduction and shackling (not to possibility is an extreme case of reduction and shackling (not to mince words) of the domestic helper’s individuality and life outside mince words) of the domestic helper’s individuality and life outside of their employer’s of their employer’s home." (Page 203)

"“Houses are not just assemblages of individual rooms but intricate patterns of organised space, governed by rules and conventions patterns of organised space, governed by rules and conventions about the size and configuration of rooms, which domestic activities about the size and configuration of rooms, which domestic activities go together” (J. Hanson, 1998, pp. 1). go together” (" (Page 205)

"As seen in the above table showing the functional division of each of the case studies analysed, it becomes apparent that cooking of the case studies analysed, it becomes apparent that cooking space is not seen as a priority in the design of the servant space is not seen as a priority in the design of the servant quarter/ maids room. This is important to note, as it colludes to the idea maids room. This is important to note, as it colludes to the idea that the occupants of that space would not be cooking their own meals the occupants of that space would not be cooking their own meals and would be dependent on the family they are employed by. This and would be dependent on the family they are employed by. This is a testament to the idea of patronage and dependency within is a testament to the idea of patronage and dependency within the culture of servitude. Interestingly though, despite a cooking the culture of servitude. Interestingly though, despite a cooking space not being there in all the case studies, there is always a space not being there in all the case studies, there is always a separate toilet within each of the case studies. This can be seen in separate toilet within each of the case studies. This can be seen in many housing societies, where domestic helpers are asked to use a many housing societies, where domestic helpers are asked to use a separate bathroom, and stems from an idea about hygiene, though separate bathroom, and stems from an idea about hygiene, though rooted in rooted in caste." (Page 207)

"This blatant lack of adequate lighting and ventilation disregards the life and health of the occupant of such a space, and disregards the life and health of the occupant of such a space, and is a direct manifestation of creating a deliberate inequality and is a direct manifestation of creating a deliberate inequality and disparity against the occupants of such a disparity against the occupants of such a space." (Page 209)

"The above comparisons and analyses (in section 5.2 Comparative Analysis) paint a picture of deliberate and unnecessary creation Analysis) paint a picture of deliberate and unnecessary creation of disparity, segregation, separation, and inequality (as concluded of disparity, segregation, separation, and inequality (as concluded through pages 206 to 215). This is firstly a direct manifestation through pages 206 to 215). This is firstly a direct manifestation of the culture of servitude" (Page 210)

"I imagine, in a myriad of things, policy changes and strict adherence to regulations and building bye-laws to end strict adherence to regulations and building bye-laws to end discrimination and inequality. It is rather ironic that I imagine discrimination and inequality. It is rather ironic that I imagine this would create a more" (Page 211)

"Revisiting these thoughts while growing made me realise how there exist aspects other than while growing made me realise how there exist aspects other than the economic realities, that have played a role in creating these the economic realities, that have played a role in creating these spaces that dismiss the people living in them. These spaces are not spaces that dismiss the people living in them. These spaces are not designed by the people living within them or by people without designed by the people living within them or by people without adequate funding or constraints. Rather they are designed by adequate funding or constraints. Rather they are designed by architects and practitioners of the built environment, who either architects and practitioners of the built environment, who either unconsciously or deliberately create these spaces that manifest unconsciously or deliberately create these spaces that manifest the disparity and inequality within the culture of servitude. It is the disparity and inequality within the culture of servitude. It is time that we as individuals imagine and re-evaluate our role within time that we as individuals imagine and re-evaluate our role within society, and work towards firstly understanding and then creating society, and work towards firstly understanding and then creating more equitable and dignified spaces. more equitable and dignified spaces." (Page 211)