Think back to the last time you visited an old Indian home — a haveli in Rajasthan, a Chettinad mansion in Tamil Nadu, or even a village house in coastal Kerala. Remember how cool and calm it felt inside, even without fans or air conditioning?

That comfort wasn’t accidental. It was built into the walls themselves.

For centuries, Indian homes used natural, climate-responsive materials like mud, wood, and lime plaster. These materials didn’t fight the weather—they worked with it. Today, as cement homes crack under heat and humidity, it might be time to bring some of that wisdom back.

Lime plaster: India’s age-old, climate-smart secret

Lime plaster is a traditional mix of calcium hydroxide and sand, sometimes enhanced with natural additives like jaggery, fenugreek seeds, or bael fruit. This humble blend formed the skin of our homes for generations—from palaces and forts to temples and village homes.

A great example is the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal in Madurai. Its lime-plastered halls........

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