Which traditional construction technique in Assam utilizes bamboo to provide flexibility during earthquakes?

The correct answer is - Bamboo constructions Key Points In the Northeastern state of Assam , which is entirely situated in Seismic Zone V, bamboo is the primary material for traditional earthquake-resistant housing. Bamboo is an ideal material for seismic zones because it is lightweight and has high tensile strength and flexibility ; this allows the structure to sway and absorb energy during a tremor without snapping. Traditional 'Ikra' houses in Assam use bamboo frames with reed panels plastered with mud, which are much safer than heavy masonry during a collapse. The low mass of bamboo structures means that the inertial forces generated by an earthquake are significantly lower than those acting on a heavy concrete building. Additional Information While Bhongas (Gujarat) and Dhajji Diwari (Kashmir) also use indigenous wisdom, the use of bamboo is a specific adaptation to the humid, high-rainfall, and high-seismic environment of the Northeast. Bamboo is also a sustainable and renewable resource, making it an economically viable option for rural disaster-resilient housing. Modern engineering is now looking at engineered bamboo (like bamboo cross-laminated timber) to bring these traditional benefits into contemporary urban architecture.