Jharokha

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, 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 residents 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 balcony in Jodhpur (Mehrangarh) Jharokha
A jharokha in Maheshwar Fort, Madhya Pradesh
Jharoka written in Samrup Rachna Calligraphy
Several jharokha can be seen jutting out from the facade of this typical haveli at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jharokha Darshan
Main article: 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

References

    Media related to Jharokhas at Wikimedia Commons


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