Before Fans & ACs: How India’s Monuments  Stayed Cool in  Scorching Summers

10 April 2025

In a time before fans and ACs, Indian builders crafted monuments that stayed cool in scorching summers, using nothing but clever design and natural elements

From temples to palaces, every structure was built with a deep understanding of wind flow, heat absorption, and local climate. Beauty wasn’t the only goal, comfort was too.

Take Hampi’s Lotus Mahal. It had narrow pipes running through the walls where water flowed, cooling the stone surfaces from within, like a natural refrigerant system.

Stepwells, like those in Gujarat and Rajasthan, weren’t just for water storage. Their depth, shade, and air channels made them 5–6°C cooler than the surface — ideal summer retreats.

From Sufi shrines to Rajput palaces, delicately carved jali screens let air in, kept harsh sunlight out, and created patterns of moving shade — reducing indoor heat without blocking airflow.

In traditional homes like the Havelis of Rajasthan and Manduva Logilis of Andhra, open-to-sky courtyards acted as pressure zones. Warm air rose through the center, pulling in cooler air; perfect natural ventilation.

Water had multiple uses. Palaces used pools, fountains, and flowing channels to cool the air through evaporation, especially in arid regions.

In Mandu, Andheri Baori (dark well) inside Jahaz Mahal was used to cool the palace down. Today, 1500 people of Mandu use water from this baori.

In temples at Halebidu and Belur, thick stone walls and deeply carved surfaces acted as thermal buffers, absorbing daytime heat and releasing it slowly, keeping the deep inner halls cool.

Material mattered. Locally sourced stone and clay were chosen not just for their looks, but also for their thermal properties: cool to touch, slow to heat, and naturally insulating.

Shade was built into the architecture of forts — projected roofs, pillared corridors, and covered walkways all blocked direct sunlight while allowing air to pass freely.

Palaces had vents at higher points and openings at lower levels, allowing warm air to escape and cooler air to flow in. It was passive, but effective air circulation.

These techniques weren’t random, they reflected deep ecological wisdom. Each region had its own version, tailored to its climate and resources.

Today, as heatwaves become the norm, these ancient ideas are resurfacing, as low-cost, eco-friendly ways to build sustainably in a warming world.

What are some other unique measures Indians used to control heat naturally? Comment below.