The Appropriateness of Standing kitchen in the Indian Context

Abstract

Women used to sit and cook in traditional Indian kitchens, which had floor-mounted fuel stoves. After the invention of gas cylinders, there was a significant change in the cooking position, which went from sitting to standing. Since Indian women spend the most hours cooking in the kitchen in the entire world (MUKHERJEE, 2015), standing while cooking is uncomfortable and might have negative health effects. Additionally, it makes older women dependent on other people. The objectives of this study are to compare standing and sitting cooking techniques and to determine if a standing kitchen would be appropriate in an Indian setting. The paper employs secondary data analysis, first-hand observation, and focus group discussion as part of the methodology. The paper brings out a need to re-evaluate the design of Indian kitchens so that women of all ages can work independently and comfortably.