![Jodhpur Mehrangarh - Palast 4a Jharokha](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Jodhpur_Mehrangarh_-_Palast_4a_Jharokha.jpg)
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
A ''jali'' or jaali (''jālī'', meaning "net") is the term for a perforated stone or latticed screen, usually with an ornamental pattern constructed through the use of calligraphy, geometry or natural patterns. This form of architectural d ...
'' 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, 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.
See also
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Matroneum
A triforium is an interior gallery, opening onto the tall central space of a building at an upper level. In a church, it opens onto the nave from above the side aisles; it may occur at the level of the clerestory windows, or it may be located ...
References
External links
ArchNet Dictionary of Indian Architecture: Jharokha
Rajasthani architecture
Architecture in India
Architectural elements
Islamic architectural elements
Passive cooling
Passive ventilation
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