A jali or jaali ( jālī, meaning "net") is the term for a perforated stone or latticework Window screen, usually with an ornamental pattern constructed through the use of calligraphy, geometry or natural patterns. This form of architectural decoration is common in Indo-Islamic architecture and more generally in Indian architecture. It is closely related to mashrabiya in Islamic architecture.
According to Yatin Pandya, the jali allows light and air in while minimizing the sun and the rain, as well as providing cooling through passive ventilation.
History
The earliest
Sanctuary in India, dedicated to
Buddhism,
Jainism and
Hinduism, were often dimly lit and confined, resembling natural
. Worshippers gathered in front of the sanctuaries' doorways for prayers and offerings. To control the harsh daylight entering the
, screens known as
jalis were used to filter and soften the light, encouraging devotion and directing attention to the sacred images. The tradition of using jalis persisted in later Indian architecture, including Hindu and Jain temples. Over time, the designs of
jalis evolved, incorporating geometric and naturalistic patterns. With the advent of Islamic architecture in
Gujarat, the use of
jalis expanded and became a prominent feature in
and tombs, following the same symbolic importance of light in
Islam. The adoption of
jalis in Islamic buildings shows a fusion of architectural styles and motifs from Hindu, Jain, and Islamic traditions, largely influenced by the guilds of masons working for patrons across different cultural backgrounds.
Early jali work with multiple geometric shapes was built by carving into stone, in geometric patterns (first appearing in the Alai Darwaza of 1305 at Delhi besides the Qutub Minar); later on, the Mughals used very finely carved plant-based designs (as at the Taj Mahal). They also often added pietra dura inlay to the surrounds using marble and semi-precious stones.
In the Gwalior Fort near the Urwahi gate, there is a 17-line inscription dated Samvat 1553 mentioning names of some craftsmen and their creations. One of them is Khedu, who was an expert in Gwaliyai jhilmili ( jali screens crafted in the Gwalior style).[Hariharnivas Dvidedi, Gwalior ke Tomar, 1976, p. 378-380] The Mughal period tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, built in 1565 AD at Gwalior, is remarkable for its stone jalis.
Museum collections
Some of the
jalis are in major museums in the U.S. and Europe. These include the Indianapolis Museum of Art,
[ JALI PANEL (INDIA), LATE 19TH CENTURY] the Metropolitan Museum of Art
[ Pierced Window Screen (Jali) early 17th century] and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
[ Drawing ca.1882 (made)]
Illustrations
File:Window at Alai Darwaza, Qutb complex.jpg|Window at Alai Darwaza, Qutb complex
File:Sidi Saiyyad Ni Jaali.jpg| Jali in Sidi Saiyyed mosque in Ahmedabad, exhibiting the traditional Indian tree of life motif
File:Salim Chishti Tomb-2.jpg| Jali at Tomb of Salim Chishti in Fatehpur Sikri, showing Islamic geometric patterns developed in Western Asia
File:Taj Inside 1.jpg|Details of marble jali screens around royal , Taj Mahal
File:Bibi-Ka-Maqbara- net.jpg| Jali at Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, with typical Indian motifs
File:Doors Champaner-Pavagadh.jpg| Jali at Champaner, utilizing traditional Indian geometric patterns and Islamic geometry
File:Mohammad Gaus Tomb Gwalior - panoramio.jpg| Jalis in Muhammad Ghawth in Gwalior
File:P 306--Winter India.jpg|19th-century house in Gwalior, using stone jalis
See also
Sources
External links
