Jharokhas

Jharokha, plural jharokhas, is a projecting enclosed window or balcony found in traditional Indian architecture, most notably in Rajasthan and in Mughal-era buildings. A jharokha typically protrudes from the facade of a palace or haveli and is framed by arches, supported by brackets, and enclosed by lattice screens (jali) or ornately carved panels. The overhanging canopy or chhajja above the opening is a common decorative and functional feature.

The jharokha serves multiple purposes: it provides light and ventilation to upper-floor rooms while allowing occupancy to observe the street or courtyard from a private, screened space. In Mughal practice, the jharokha also carried ceremonial significance, with rulers appearing to the public from a jharokha window in a display known as jharokha darshan. The design blends Hindu and Islamic architectural elements, and the screens range from delicate stone latticework to carved wooden panels.

Regional prominence is strongest in Rajput palaces and havelis, where jharokhas contribute to the ornate silhouette of cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. In these contexts, jharokhas are often arranged in rows on upper façades, showcasing intricate jaali work, floral or geometric motifs, and bright plaster or paint. In Mughal architecture, jharokhas appear in palaces and forts, reflecting a fusion of aesthetic tastes and practical needs.

Materials and craft vary by region and period, including stone, marble, and worked wood. The lattice screens, arches, and brackets demonstrate skilled ornamentation and structural integration with the building’s overall design. Today, many jharokhas are preserved as heritage features in historic sites, illustrating a distinctive facet of Indian architectural identity.