# Jharokha > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Jharokha > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Jharokha.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharokha > Source revision: 1353271756 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Indian architectural element *Jharokha* balcony in Jodhpur (Mehrangarh) Jharokha A *jharokha* in [Maheshwar](/source/Maheshwar) Fort, Madhya Pradesh Several *jharokha* can be seen jutting out from the facade of this typical *[haveli](/source/Haveli)* at [Jaisalmer](/source/Jaisalmer), [Rajasthan](/source/Rajasthan) The ***jharoka*** is a stone window projecting from the outer wall of an upper story building. It usually overlooks a street, market, court or any other space. It is a common feature in classical [Indian architecture](/source/Indian_architecture), most prominently seen in [Rajput architecture](/source/Rajput_architecture). It is supported by two or more brackets or [corbelling](/source/Corbel), and includes two pillars, [balustrade](/source/Balustrade) and a [cupola](/source/Cupola) or pyramidal roof. Although it is technically closed by a *[jali](/source/Jali)*, it is generally partly open for people to view public events. The *jharokha* is more formal and ornamental than English or French [oriel window](/source/Oriel_window), and is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the [façade](/source/Fa%C3%A7ade) in medieval [Rajput architecture](/source/Rajput_architecture) until the 19th century. ## Background Early examples of jharokhas appear in pre‑Rajput buildings as primitive oriel windows for light and air. During the 16th-18th centuries, under [Rajput](/source/Rajput_architecture) and [Mughal](/source/Mughal_architecture) architectural influence, they became elaborate architectural trademarks. Initially serving purely utilitarian functions, jharokhas gradually adopted decorative carvings, latticework and [chhatri](/source/Chhatri) style domes, and were used for royal audiences ([jharokha dārshana](/source/Jharokha_Darshan)) and discreet observation under purdah.[1] 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.[2] ## Architectural features Jharokhas typically protrude from the main wall on ornately carved corbels or brackets, creating a small chamber or balcony. Their three‑sided enclosures are filled with delicate [jaali](/source/Jali) lattice screens of stone, wood or alabaster; bearing geometric, floral and religious motifs.[3] Many terminate in small domes or chhatris and feature scalloped or [cusped arches](/source/Multifoil_arch) borrowed from Mughal designs. Deep overhanging *chhajjas* (eyebrow sun‑shades) and continuous horizontal "speedlines" accentuate their profile while providing shade.[4] Materials range from locally quarried sandstone and [Makrana marble](/source/Makrana_marble) in royal structures to wood in smaller dwellings, and their placement on facades facing courts or processional routes optimizes views and natural ventilation.[1][5] Creating a *jharokha* involved selecting suitable materials, conceptualizing designs rich in local symbolism, and executing intricate carvings by traditional artisans ([suthars](/source/Suthar)). After carving, the prefabricated elements were assembled on site, adjusted for stability, and finished often with polishing or gilding to enhance their visual impact.[1] ## Cultural significance Beyond their functional roles, jharokhas symbolized princely power and prestige, acting as stages where rulers addressed subjects and as secluded vantage points for royal women. Their carved motifs lotus, peacock, [swastika](/source/Swastika) and epic scenes reinforced religious and social values, while the latticework moderated interior climate, adapting buildings to Rajasthan’s hot environment. Notable examples of jharokhas abound across Rajasthan’s architectural heritage.[1] In Jaipur, the [Hawa Mahal](/source/Hawa_Mahal) or "Palace of Winds" features 953 small jharokhas arranged in a honeycomb pattern to cool the interior and allow royal women to observe street festivals unobstructed. [Udaipur's](/source/Udaipur) [City Palace](/source/City_Palace%2C_Udaipur) boasts a series of richly carved sandstone balconies that overlook the serene waters of [Lake Pichola](/source/Lake_Pichola). Jaisalmer’s *Patwon Ki Haveli* displays a profusion of geometric and figurative latticework on its projecting windows, while [Bikaner’s](/source/Bikaner) [Junagarh Fort](/source/Junagarh_Fort) incorporates red sandstone jharokhas that extend over its inner courtyards. At [Chittorgarh Fort](/source/Chittor_Fort), strategically placed jharokhas served as surveillance points, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains.[6] ## See also - [Matroneum](/source/Matroneum) - [Bay window](/source/Bay_window) - [Mashrabiya](/source/Mashrabiya) ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Caleido_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Caleido_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Caleido_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Caleido_1-3) Shiksha (4 November 2024). ["Significance of Jharokhas in Rajasthan Architecture"](https://www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/jharokhas). *Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage*. Retrieved 7 July 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Swapna, Liddle (2011). [*Delhi 14 : Historic walks*](http://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Delhi_14_Historic_walks/NtvCswEACAAJ). Tranquebar Press. p. 289. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-93-81626-24-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-93-81626-24-5). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Saberval, Vandana. [*Social Science Made Simple – 7*](https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Social_Science_Made_Simple_7/UQBjDwAAQBAJ). Vikas Publishing House. p. 17. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-93-259-9462-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-93-259-9462-1). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Jigyasu, Niyati; Sharma, Anjali Krishan (9 January 2025). [*Sustainable Management of Historic Settlements in Asia: Role of Intangible Cultural Heritage*](https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Sustainable_Management_of_Historic_Settl/V5I9EQAAQBAJ). Springer Nature. p. 97. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-981-97-6736-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-981-97-6736-6). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Kaur, Gurmeet; Singh, Sakoon; Ahuja, Anuvinder; Singh, Noor (24 May 2020). [*Natural Stone and World Heritage: Delhi-Agra, India*](https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Natural_Stone_and_World_Heritage_Delhi_A/r3rnDwAAQBAJ). CRC Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-000-04069-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-000-04069-2). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Guide to Luxury India Tour of Rajasthan's Forts and Palaces - 88618"](https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/guide-to-luxury-india-tour-of-rajasthans-forts-and-palaces). *www.luxurytravelmagazine.com*. Retrieved 7 July 2025. ## External links Media related to [Jharokhas](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Jharokhas) at Wikimedia Commons - [ArchNet Dictionary of Indian Architecture: Jharokha](https://web.archive.org/web/20070313000527/http://archnet.org/library/dictionary/entry.tcl?entry_id=DIA0402) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Jharokha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharokha) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharokha?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). 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