Ornamental use of Nanak Shahi bricks in my village home

Front wall decorated with now ornamental but 200 years old bricks

Rebuilding our ancestral village house has been a deeply meaningful project, blending the old with the new while honoring the memories of those who lived there before. The decision to use 20 dumpers of good earth to level the two-level house was a hard task after the old house was bulldozed to make it ready to support the new structure. Yet, the heart of this renovation was actually in meticulous preservation and storage of the old Nanak Shahi bricks.

The fired bricks in olden days were manufactured by placing the green bricks made of mud in the kilns to convert the loose earth into a strong, hard, full of strength, non-porosity and stable against moisture times. As the time passes, years after years they keep getting more hardened. It was easy to manipulate their sizes with modern powered tools. Hence the finished looks marvelous.

These bricks, once part of the original dwelling, carry with them the history of our family—our grandmother, father, and uncle, who spent their prime years farming and maintaining the land while dwelling in this old about 200 years old house. By cutting these bricks in the middle with a powered saw, grinding them down, and using their freshly cut side in front was a rare skill. It was used as an ornamental feature on the front wall of the house. 

we expertly integrated the past into the present. The final touch of wax polishing not only gives the bricks a glittering look but also symbolizes the care and reverence with which we’ve preserved them.

Living Room highlighted

Each brick, now a shimmering piece of the new house, holds within it the breath and memories of our loved ones. This thoughtful preservation serves as a constant reminder of their presence, their hard work, and the life they built, creating a living tribute that keeps their spirit alive in the home.