Contemporaneous Transformation of Portable Shelters in the form of Tents in Rajasthan

Tents have been fulfilling shelter needs, since time immemorial. Tent was an intrinsic part of the livelihood of nomadic tribes. Being a multi-faceted product, it can be transformed to suit the needs of its user. From housing royalty, especially of the Mughal era on their hunting or pilgrimage expeditions, to providing temporary shelters to the soldiers in the military, tent has exhibited immense flexibility and adaptability, which has enabled it to survive and flourish as a product. As time progressed, tent was subjected to various changes and innovations. The opulent and regal aesthetics were gradually replaced with minimalistic British aesthetics. With the advent of modern technology, further innovation in its form and function were witnessed. This study aims at tracing the history of a tent as temporary shelter in Rajasthan, India, studying its contemporary uses and various types and further delving into the material and processes required to build it.