Newār window (; ''newār jhyāl'') refers to the elaborately carved wooden window which is the distinguishing feature of traditional

Newa architecture Newar architecture or Newa architecture is an indigenous style of architecture used by the Newari people in the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. Newar architecture consists of the pagoda, stupa, shikhara, chaitya and other styles. It is also known for i ...

. The ornate windows have been described as a symbol of

Newar Newar (; , endonym: Newa; , Pracalit script: ), or Nepami, are primarily inhabitants in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and its surrounding areas, and the creators of its historic heritage and civilisation. Page 15. Newars are a distinct linguisti ...

culture and artistry. The level of design and carving of the Newar window reached its peak in the mid-18th century. They are found on palaces, private residences and sacred houses across

Nepal Mandala Nepal Mandala () is the ancient geographic division of Nepal into different regions. It was characterized by three major divisions: “ Purwanchal” (Eastern Region), “ Madhyamanchal” (Central Region), and “ Pashchimanchal” (Western Re ...

. The lintel, sill and jamb are ornamented with figures of deities, mythical beings, dragons, peacocks, auspicious jars and other elements. The window is surmounted by ritual parasols. Traditional Newar houses are usually of four stories and built of brick. Different types of windows are used on each floor according to their function. Newar windows and bare-brick facade in the traditional style are making a comeback as an architectural trend due to the tourism industry and growing heritage awareness.

Types of windows

Among the many window designs, the following are the most common: * Sanjhyā (

Devanagari Devanagari ( ; in script: , , ) is an Indic script used in the Indian subcontinent. It is a left-to-right abugida (a type of segmental Writing systems#Segmental systems: alphabets, writing system), based on the ancient ''Brāhmī script, Brā ...

: सँझ्या:) is a projecting

bay window A bay window is a window space projecting outward from the main walls of a building and forming a bay in a room. A bow window is a form of bay with a curve rather than angular facets; an oriel window is a bay window that does not touch the g ...

and the classic Newar window. A typical Sanjhyā consists of three units and is located in the center of a facade. The shutter consists of a lattice and opens upwards. It is usually located on the third floor. * Tikijhya(तिकिझ्या:) is a lattice window and the most common window in traditional architecture. It is located on the second floor. The window allows light and air to enter the room but does not permit a passerby to see inside. * Gājhyā (गा:झ्या:) is a projecting window located under a roof. * Pāsukhā Jhyā (पासुखा झ्या:) is a small window with five units symbolizing the Pancha Buddha (Five Buddhas). It is mostly found on the shrine house of monasteries. File:Sanjhya kindo.jpg, Sanjhyā, Kindo Baha, Kathmandu File:2009-03 Kathmandu 15.jpg, Tikijhyā, Patan Durbar File:Gajhya at Dhalasikwa Baha, Kathmandu..jpg,

Gājhyā, Dhalasikwa Baha, Kathmandu

File:Pasukha jhya krt.jpg, Pāsukhā Jhyā, Yatkha Baha, Kathmandu

Famous windows

A number of traditional carved windows in the

Kathmandu Valley The Kathmandu Valley (), also known as the Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley (, Newar language, Nepal Bhasa: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑑅 𑐐𑐵𑑅, नेपाः गाः), National Capital Area, is a bowl-shaped valley located in the Himalayas, Hima ...

are celebrated for their uniqueness. * Desay Madu Jhya (देसय मदु झ्या:), set in a house in

Kathmandu Kathmandu () is the capital and largest city of Nepal, situated in the central part of the country within the Kathmandu Valley. As per the 2021 Nepal census, it has a population of 845,767 residing in 105,649 households, with approximately 4 mi ...

, means "the only window of its kind in the country". * Lunjhyā (लुँझ्याः) at Patan Durbar, Patan is a gilded window. The name means "golden window". * Mhaykhā Jhyā (म्हयखाझ्याः) at

Bhaktapur Bhaktapur (Nepali language, Nepali and Sanskrit: भक्तपुर, ; "City of Devotees"), known locally as Khwopa (Nepal Bhasa: , ) and historically called Bhadgaon, is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal located abou ...

means "peacock window" and depicts a fan tailed peacock.

Gallery

Kathmandu Darbar0607 KumariGhar.JPG, Courtyard of Kumari House, Kathmandu File:Desay madu jhya.jpg,

Desay Maru Jhyā, Kathmandu

File:Golden window, Patan Museum, Patan Durbar Square.jpg,

Golden Window, Patan Durbar Square

File:Shivas Kinder - 0219.jpg,

Peacock Window, Bhaktapur

File:Bhaktapur-22-Pfauenfenster-1976-gje.jpg,

Another Peacock Window on the same building

File:Sanjhya window.jpg,

Sacred house, Kathmandu

File:Kathmandu Darbar0503.JPG,

Kathmandu Durbar Square

File:Dhulikhel0838.JPG,

Temple square,

Dhulikhel Dhulikhel is a List of cities in Nepal, municipality in Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal. Two major highways, the B.P. Koirala Highway, B.P. Highway and the Araniko Highway pass through Dhulikhel. Araniko Highway connects Kathmandu, Nepal's capi ...

File:Chaughara.jpg,

Ancient palace, Dolakha

References

{{Newar Windows Newa architecture Architectural elements Kathmandu Woodcarving Woodworking Newar Cultural history of Nepal

Types of windows

Famous windows

Gallery

See also

References