This study aims to create affordable, non-engineered building solutions for the general population and construction specialists in rural India, which is particularly susceptible to earthquakes. Although the country’s regulations for earthquake-resistant buildings have advanced, their acceptance at the local level has been limited. In rural areas, people often construct dwellings using local resources and traditional construction techniques without considering engineering considerations. Therefore, it is crucial to establish the physical nature of rural houses, analyze hazard related issues, and apply simple, user-friendly, non-engineered building methods for local use. Existing rural houses can be strengthened to make them earthquake-resistant, and new residences can be developed using earthquake-resistant building technology. The study analyzed the impact of seismic forces and structural component behavior during earthquakes, investigated earthquake-resistant technologies and methodologies, interviewed academics and industry professionals, and visited websites of national and international institutions that aid earthquake-resistant design and construction. The findings demonstrate that well-designed structures with proper materials, workmanship, and construction procedures can significantly resist earthquakes. The study’s findings may be valuable for developing low-cost earthquake-resistant buildings in rural India, improving building protection and potentially saving lives. However, the research is limited to understanding the underlying necessity for earthquake-resistant construction and the basic design ideas for low-cost building structures in seismically active locations.