Chhajjas
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Chhajja, a traditional form of Indian (Mughal) Architecture, it is a term used for projecting eaves or cover usually supported on large carved brackets. They are stone slabs which are fixed below the roof of a building and are designed for the purposes of preventing the sunrays from falling on the windows and protecting the walls from the rains in the monsoon.
It is an integral part of the architecture of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. In Rajasthan it is particularly essential and is larger in dimension. More than providing shade they also act as heat sinks for the buildings in the hot region of Rajasthan. This is why this device is many times found on plane walls which apparently do not require shading devices.
A classic example of the use of Chhajjas in enhancing the beauty of a building is at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, India. Some of the designs of these Chhajjas have been blended with European styles to further enhance aesthetics and utility.
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