Jali screen

‘Claudius Buchanan told his cousin that ‘‘As I set off, she called me to come back. When I turned round, she pushed her hands through the jali. I took them and looked into her eyes for the first time. It was apparent that we were deeply in love. I would have kissed her. The jali made it impossible. She said she would love me forever. I could say nothing.”’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024).

More about jali screens

The jali is an intricate lattice work panel often used in architecture. Its origin stems from a blend of influences found in both Hindu and Muslim cultures before their interaction. In Hindu temples, they appeared as perforated stone windows and balcony railings. Early Islamic architecture similarly utilised pierced brickwork screens for ventilation and decoration. Beyond aesthetics, jali screens served practical purposes. They allowed air circulation while providing shade and privacy.They created diffused, ambient light within interior spaces.They added beauty and visual interest to architectural facades and interiors.