We are an ancient and iconic feature of Indian architecture with early examples dating back to rock-cut and stone, as seen at the Kailasa temple (Ellora) and in Pattadakal respectively.

Our perforated form, also called jaalis, provide light, ventilation and privacy, sometimes as latticed partitions or as chiseled structures imitating the porosity of fabric.

Our use as semi-permanent demarcators within the interior space for segregating genders and social classes was also not uncommon. Depending on the climate, we found manifestation through insulating carpet, sheer cloth, velvet or cane blinds.

Reaching the zenith of craftsmanship and stylistic expression under Mughal patronage, following Islamic tradition, designs from this period were predominantly geometrical. Even when the motifs were naturalistic, they revealed a strong mathematical undertone.Symmetrical patternswere developed by creatively arranging and repeating simple shapes such as the polygon and multi-pointed stars. Such seemingly endless repetition suggested the infinite nature of the universe. As our name suggests – (jaaliin Urdu means ‘net’) we imitated the porosity of fabric. For instance, at the Red Fort ‘woven’ marble closely resembles popular carpet designs of the time.

Today, at the hands of modern architects, we are finding resurgence. While our form is cast to newer material such as stainless steel, wood, bamboo, concrete, limestone and exposed brick, we continue to contribute to the interior of a home through enhanced practical benefits, like windbreakers in high-storied towers.