The Jharokha is a stone window projecting from the wall face of a building, in an upper story, overlooking a street, market, court or any other open space. A common feature in classical

Indian architecture Indian architecture is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Among a number of architectural styles and traditions, the best-known include the many varieties of Hindu temple architecture, Indo-Islamic architecture, especially Mughal ...

, most prominent in Rajasthan. It is supported on two or more brackets or corbelling, has two pillars or pilasters, balustrade and a cupola or pyramidal roof; technically closed by '' jali'' but generally partly open for the inmates to peep out to see passing processions. The ''jharokha'' is more formal and ornamental than English or French

oriel window An oriel window is a form of bay window which protrudes from the main wall of a building but does not reach to the ground. Supported by corbels, brackets, or similar cantilevers, an oriel window is most commonly found projecting from an upper f ...

, and is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the façade in medieval Indian architecture until the 19th century.

''Jharokha Darshan''

The ''jharokha darshan'' of rulers was a structure for displaying the ruler to his court or people rather than allowing inhabitants of the palace to look out unseen. It was therefore more open, and not necessarily built projecting out from its wall.

References

External links

ArchNet Dictionary of Indian Architecture: Jharokha
Rajasthani architecture Architecture in India Architectural elements Islamic architectural elements Passive cooling Passive ventilation {{India-struct-stub

''Jharokha Darshan''

See also

References

External links