Jharokha

As Jharokha (Hindi: झरेखा jharokha, Germanized also Jaroka ) covered balconies or balcony bay are called in Indian architecture. These may be made from both wood (dwellings ) and stone ( temples, palaces, gatehouses ); in residential and palaces, the actual balcony opening to protect from prying eyes is often barred by jalis or Maschrabiyyas.

History

Buddhism

Already at the - often increased lying and the facade is open towards - lobbies ( mandapas ) earlier Buddhist cave shrines dive stone parapets ( vedikas ) on; these porches were often of rock outcroppings covered ( Kanheri Caves in Mumbai, Maharashtra ).

Hinduism

Early Indian wooden structures are not obtained, and thus experience the oldest jharokhas to stone built Hindu temples in appearance, the early free-standing - of only one cella ( garbhagriha ) and a vestibule existing - Indian temple ( Gupta temple; Amrol ) such architectural elements still do not know. These occur only with the emergence of a temple built in the handling ( pradakshinapatha ). Among the earliest temples with balcony railings are the Kalika Mata Temple in the Fort of Chittaur, Rajasthan or the Lad Khan Temple in Aihole, Karnataka - both come about from around 700 AD to the late Pratihara. temples (eg at Maladevi temple in Gyraspur, Madhya Pradesh ), from the period around 875, this architectural element already become full bloom. It continues at the Temples of Khajuraho ( Lakshmana Temple at 950; Vishvanata Temple 1000; Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in 1030 ). Also on the largely open and airy Jain temples of the Late Period in appearance occurs ( Adinath Temple in Ranakpur, Rajasthan, 1450 ).

Noteworthy is the fact that further develop the initially vertical balustrades to slightly tapered types, with little stilted Steinsäulchen are used, which can not deny their origins of wooden models.

Islam

After the extensive conquest of northern India by Islam, Hindu and Jain temples came to a virtual standstill. On the other hand, took over the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal emperor jharokhas for their gates and palaces (such as Fatehpur Sikri ). In later times, the Hindu, but mogul loyal Maharajas imitated the architectural style of their masters - in this way was one of the most magnificent buildings jharokha India: the Palace of the Winds ' ( Hawa Mahal ) in Jaipur. But also in many houses of wealthy merchants ( havelis ) occur jharokhas - especially in Rajasthan - the dominant element of the façade design in appearance.

Pictures

Khajuraho - Lakshmana Temple ( 950 )

Ranakpur - Adinath Temple ( 1450 )

Fatehpur Sikri - Haremstor ( 1580 )

Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (1799 )

Jaisalmer - Patwon ki Haveli ( 1850 )

Jaisalmer - Salim Singh ki Haveli ( 1850 )

Mandawa - Shekhawat Haveli ( 1850 )