They are basically irrlevant.
They are basically irrlevant.
I feel like you are looking at this from a western perspective. Normally Indian families have a much more communal culture. Lots of significance is given to common and shared areas.
> There is often poor ventilation.
This is also untrue. This might be something you have observed in poorly maintained houses that have been expanded with poor and unplanned construction, but traditionally Indian houses like havelis etc. are extremely well ventilated. You have to remember these were originally developed in a hot country before the advent of air conditioning. The windows and openings are often designed with ventilation in mind with jalis (intricate meshes) that adorn the openings to block sunlight and allow airflow.