Newār window ( ne, नेवार झ्याल) refers to the elaborately carved wooden window which is the distinguishing feature of traditional

Nepalese architecture Nepali architecture or Nepalese architecture is a unique blend of artistic and practical considerations. Situated between the trade routes of India, Tibet and China, Nepali architecture reflects influences from these cultural strongholds. The pa ...

. The ornate windows have been described as a symbol of Newar 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 ( ne, नेपाल मण्डल) is an ancient confederation on the Indian subcontinent, marked by cultural, religious and political boundaries which lies in present-day central Nepal. It consists of the Kathmandu Valley and ...

. 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: 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 * Sanjhyā (

Devanagari Devanagari ( ; , , Sanskrit pronunciation: ), also called Nagari (),Kathleen Kuiper (2010), The Culture of India, New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, , page 83 is a left-to-right abugida (a type of segmental writing system), based on the ...

: 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. Types Bay window is a generic term for all protruding window constructions, regardless of whether they are curved or angular, or ...

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.

Famous windows

A number of traditional carved windows in the Kathmandu Valley are celebrated for their uniqueness. *

Desay Madu Jhya Desay Maru Jhyā ( ne, देशय् मरू झ्या) is a traditional wooden window in Kathmandu, which is celebrated for its uniqueness. The name means "window without equal in the country" in Nepal Bhasa. The window is set into the fac ...

(देसय मदु झ्या:), set in a house in

Kathmandu , pushpin_map = Nepal Bagmati Province#Nepal#Asia , coordinates = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = , subdivision_type1 = Province , subdivision_name1 = Bagmati Prov ...

, 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 , motto = ne, पुर्खले सिर्जेको सम्पत्ती, हाम्रो कला र संस्कृति , lit=Creation of our ancestors, our heritage and culture , image_map ...

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

Gallery

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 municipality in Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal. Two major highway B.P. Highway and Arniko Highway passes through Dhulikhel. Araniko Highway connects Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city with Tibet's border town of Kodari. Dhulikhel ...

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