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| Jharokha in Jodhpur, rjasthan. en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Jharokha balcony in Jodhpur (Mehrangarh), Rajasthan.........
Commonly known as the ‘oriel’ or ‘bay’ window, it has been used for many years and continues to be seen in old homes particularly in big Indian cities today. The jharokha which may be tagged as Indian version is richly decorative mostly seen in the states of Rajasthan, Eastern UP, etc., and are rare in South India. A distinctive feature of medieval Indian architecture even to day you can see Jharokha in temples, palaces, and havelis. A blend of Indo-Islamic architectural element, its style is varied across the regions based on design technique, nature of stones mined near-by, prevailing culture and climate.
The Jharokha distinctive design style of the past era, it like European an oriel window projecting from upper floor wall face of the building overlooking a street, market or any other open space. The 3rd century BC balconies in Mauriyan Empire may have influenced the design of windows and balcony in the later centuries. Their adoption of this window through and space was dependent on the needs and aesthetics.
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| stone balcony (jharokha) with brackets, Palace in Jaisalmer Getty image.in |
This common classical architectural feature Jharokha, a stone projection window is set on the front part of the structure on two or more sturdy brackets or corbelling (this allows for more even spreading of the load of the structure above). It has has two pillars or pilasters, balustrade and a cupola or pyramidal roof. Front open space is mostly closed by lattice window or jaali. The advantage is it allows the inmates to look out on the street without being seen from outside. In the old palaces in the women's quarters, one can see jharokhas. It is also open partially, for the inmates to peep out to see passing processions, etc. Several jharokhas can be seen jutting out from the façade of a typical haveli at Jaisalmer town, Rajasthan
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| Chhatris,balconies & Octagonal tower,City palace,Udaipur agefotostock.com |
Unlike English or French oriel windows which are actually bay windows from the main wall of the building, jharkhas are not only formal, but also ornamental to give a better look to the façade of the building. Construction of jharkhas was prevalent in the 19th century particularly in North Indian states .Opulent rulers and people with exalted status gave more importance to aesthetic, hence they preferred richly ornamental jharkhas with striking canopy to enhance the grandeur of their buildings. Many palaces and havelis in the north have ornate jharkhas and they are quite awe-inspiring. The builders and artesian were richly talented and imaginative and it is a time-consuming work to successfully finish such architectural elements. These features take care of light décor and ventilation indoors and at the same time adding a distinct look to the structure.
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Ranthambore fort, Rajasthan. dreamstime.com |
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| Nathmal-ki-haveli, Jaisalmar, Rajasthan mapio.net |
Above image: jharokha in a Jaisalmar Haveli(Nathmal-ki-haveli)...
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| jharokha, Maheshwar fort. Rajasthan wikiwand.com |
Above image: A projecting balcony; jharokha in Maheshwar Fort, Madhya Pradesh
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| Oriel widows, Poland |
https://www.jaipurfabric.com/blog/origin-of-the-jharokha-and-its-implication-on-todays-home-decor
https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/homes-and-gardens/how-the-balcony-has-developed-across-regions/article29529436.ece
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329570769_TRACING_THE_ORIGIN_OF_JHAROKHA_WINDOW_USED_IN_INDIAN_SUBCONTINENT
