Chhajja
A chhajja is an overhanging
Its function is similar to that of
History
Although there is no conclusive agreement on when the chhajja emerged as an architectural element, it can be traced back to before the rise of the Mughal Empire in India. However, much of its popular use seems to be during this time.[3]
The original inspiration of the chhajja and much of the other Indian architectural elements with which it is commonly not seen can be traced back to building design from older periods, such as that of
Curved chhajja became popular in Mughal architecture particularly during and after the reign of Shah Jahan.[4]
By the time that buildings like the
Later in the Mughal rule, buildings like the Zafar Mahal also illustrated a use for the chhajja for both practical and ornamental means.[5]
Usage
Although chhajja are generally constructed in a manner which can be seen as aesthetically artistic, they have many usage cases in many different types of buildings.
Usage in Mughal Architecture
Despite initial Mughal built mosques not featuring chhajja, the Baburi (
Although Mughal architecture is the dominant user of chhajja, lesser known constructions undertaken by the
What appears to be chhajja also appears on fortifications in Mughal
Mahals and
Chhajja and other architectural elements that supplement it appear mostly in buildings such as residential, administrative and formal buildings and pavilions. Much like on other ways of life, imperial builders possibly wished to represent a sincere desire to find emotional rapport with the local people through identifying with local architectural elements. This suggests chhajja have been used for longer than current standing structures would represent.[1]
Modern Usage
Chhajja are seen in contemporary architecture where there have been attempts to replicate a traditional middle eastern or Indian subcontinent architectural style.[9]
The common usage of chhajja is portrayed in the first two stanzas of Ashwini Magotra's 2004 poem "Lohri":
Here comes Lohri, festival of youngsters
moving with arms around each other
dancing Bhangra, going around asking Lohri-gifts
Oh, here's a group dressed as Haran
There's another, with decorated Chhajja
cavorting to steps of Dandaras[10]
References
- ^ JSTOR 20111173. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ ISBN 9781315026923.
- ^ JSTOR 44145570. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ JSTOR 23076085. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ JSTOR 44158495. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- JSTOR 20837363. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ Akhtar, Munazzah (1 January 2012). "Heart Pleasing and Praiseworthy Buildings: Reviewing Mughal Architecture in the light of Primary Sources". Pak. J. Eng. Appl. Sci. 10.
- JSTOR 29756822. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ "INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER PRAGATI JAIN: WHEN CULTURE MEETS DESIGN". Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- JSTOR 23341541. Retrieved 11 September 2020.