Newar window explained

Newār window (ne|नेवार झ्याल; newār jhyāl) refers to the elaborately carved wooden window which is the distinguishing feature of traditional Newa architecture.^[1] The ornate windows have been described as a symbol of Newar culture and artistry.^[2] The level of design and carving of the Newar window reached its peak in the mid-18th century. They are found on palaces, private residences and sacred houses across Nepal Mandala.^[3]

The lintel, sill and jamb are ornamented with figures of deities, mythical beings, dragons, peacocks, auspicious jars and other elements. The window is surmounted by ritual parasols. Traditional Newar houses are usually of four stories and built of brick. Different types of windows are used on each floor according to their function.^[4]

Newar windows and bare-brick facade in the traditional style are making a comeback as an architectural trend due to the tourism industry and growing heritage awareness.^[5]

Types of windows

Among the many window designs, the following are the most common:

• Sanjhyā (Devanagari: सँझ्या:) is a projecting bay window and the classic Newar window. A typical Sanjhyā consists of three units and is located in the center of a facade. The shutter consists of a lattice and opens upwards. It is usually located on the third floor.^{[6] [7]}
• Tikijhya(तिकिझ्या:) is a lattice window and the most common window in traditional architecture. It is located on the second floor. The window allows light and air to enter the room but does not permit a passerby to see inside.
• Gājhyā (गा:झ्या:) is a projecting window located under a roof.
• Pāsukhā Jhyā (पासुखा झ्या:) is a small window with five units symbolizing the Pancha Buddha (Five Buddhas). It is mostly found on the shrine house of monasteries.^[8]

Famous windows

A number of traditional carved windows in the Kathmandu Valley are celebrated for their uniqueness.

• Desay Madu Jhya (देसय मदु झ्या:), set in a house in Kathmandu, means "the only window of its kind in the country".^[9]
• Lunjhyā (लुँझ्याः) at Patan Durbar, Patan is a gilded window. The name means "golden window".
• Mhaykhā Jhyā (म्हयखाझ्याः) at Bhaktapur means "peacock window" and depicts a fan tailed peacock.^[10]

See also

• Newa architecture

Notes and References

1. News: Lieberman. Marcia R.. The Artistry of the Newars. 12 June 2013. The New York Times. 9 April 1995.
2. News: Lehrman. Jonas. The Newar Window. Arts of Asia . July–August 1984. Page 86.
3. News: Lehrman. Jonas. The Newar Window. Arts of Asia . July–August 1984. Page 82.
4. Macdonald, A.W. and Stahl, Anne Vergati (1979) Newar Art: Nepalese Art during the Malla Period. New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House. Page 114.
5. News: Wood Carvings of the Valley: A cut above the others . 7 August 2012 . Nepal Traveller . 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160305035049/http://www.nepal-traveller.com/index.php?action=article&id=206 . 5 March 2016 . dead .
6. News: Lehrman. Jonas. The Newar Window. Arts of Asia . July–August 1984. Page 86.
7. Hutt, Michael et al. (1994) Nepal: A Guide to the Art and Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Kiscadale Publications. . Page 50.
8. Joshi, Chandra Bahadur (1990) Kathmandu Upatyakaka Kalatmak Jhyalharu (Artistic Windows of the Kathmandu Valley). Kathmandu: Royal Nepal Academy. Page 9.
9. News: Poudyal. Anubhuti . Around the corner heritage . 8 July 2012. ECS Nepal . October 2011.
10. News: Rastriya Samachar Samiti. Peacock window in peril. 8 August 2012. The Himalayan Times . 19 June 2012.