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Bachelors of Architecture: Jali: A Study of Islamic Geometric Patterns, Aesthetics and Its Function
Bachelors of Architecture: Jali: A Study of Islamic Geometric Patterns, Aesthetics and Its Function
Dissertation Submitted
By
G. PAVAN KALYAN
Reg. No. 1160100576
Guide
Mr. Kranti Kumar Myneni
Associate Professor
Department of Planning/Architecture
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
January 2021
Appendix-2
UNDERTAKING
I, Mr. G PAVAN KALYAN, hereby declare that the Dissertation titled “Jali: A study of
Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function” is a record of original
research work undertaken by me towards partial fulfilment of the requirements for
submission of Dissertation in the Department of Architecture, School of Planning and
Architecture, Vijayawada. The work has not been submitted to any other
organization/ institution.
I hereby confirm the originality of the work and that there is no plagiarism in any part
of the Dissertation.
______________________________
Name: G. Pavan Kalyan
Reg. No. 1160100576
2020-21
Bachelors in Architecture
Department of Architecture
Date: 12-01-2021
Appendix-3
(To be on Printed on SPAV Letterhead)
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the dissertation titled “Jali: A study of Islamic geometric
patterns, aesthetics and its function” has been submitted by G Pavan Kalyan (Reg.
No. 1160100576) at the Department of Architecture, towards partial fulfilment of the
submission for Bachelors of Architecture. This is a bonafide work of the student.
RECOMMENDED
_________________________
Signature of the Supervisor 1
Name and Designation
Department
ACCEPTED
_______________________________
Signature of the Head, Department of Planning/ Architecture
Appendix-4
DISCLAIMER
The content produced in the dissertation report is an original piece of work and takes
due acknowledgement of referred content, wherever applicable. The thoughts
expressed herein remain the responsibility of the undersigned author and have no
bearing on or does not represent those of School of Planning and Architecture,
Vijayawada.
______________________________
2020-21
Bachelors in Architecture
Department of Architecture
Date: 12-01-2021
TABLE OF CONTENT
3.1 Introduction 16
3.2 Geometric Patterns of Carvings 17
3.3 Geometric Patterns of Jalis 17
3.4 Analysis of Jali Formations 19
...............................................................................................................................
Conclusion 24
...............................................................................................................................
References 25-26
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is a good fortune for me to have the esteemed guidance of Professor Mr. Kranti
Kumar Myneni, who encouraged me to tackle this project of " Jali: A study of Islamic
geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function " I owe him immensely more than I
can express inwardly for his unfailing encouragement above all sympathy and
benevolence in attitude.
Finally, I express my infinite gratitude to my parents, for their love, affection, and
giving me passionate encouragement at every stage of my life, without their love,
blessings and sacrifices, I would Probably have never succeeded in carrying through
this and every work.
G PAVAN KALYAN
ABSTRACT
Jali a traditional perforated screen had been widely used in the Indian history offering
thermal comfort, ventilation and daylighting in built environment. This paper studies
the evolution and formation of geometric patterns of Mughal jalis over the period of
time, region, materials and gather some factors to its modern explanations and
variations by modern architects through literature studies and case studies in the
sustainable architecture of India.
In this paper, jalis of Paigah tombs, a heritage structure which has Mughal influence
is studied and analyzed. One of the main outcomes of this study is to help architects
to understand the Islamic geometric patterns and designing better buildings with this
traditional element jali in the context of Hyderabad.
1 Significance of Circle 5
2 Islamic Geometric patterns Classification 6
....................................................................................................................................
LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Jali formed an identity in the traditional architecture of Hot climates across the
world in different systems and materials catering to different requirements. It
offers indoor thermal comfort without depending on mechanized systems and
also gives privacy due to variance in light levels from outdoor to indoor. It also
saves the energy in buildings. [CITATION Pav15 \l 1033 ]
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The domination of glass has taken away the traditional perforated screens from
the context and became as commemoration. Jali is one of the significant
solutions offered by the history of hot climates to beat the heat and keep the
spaces comfortable. The geometric design of each jali depended on the local
climatic and functional requirements with available resources and materials.
Therefore, wide range of geometrical patterns of jali are found throughout the
world. [CITATION Pav15 \l 1033 ]
1.3 Introduction:
From the ancient times, the noteworthy architectural element is jalis which means
latticed screens or fine net or perforated screens. In the past, these ornate
perforated screens, are not only an aesthetic element in but also played a
prominent role to tackle the environment of building’s ventilation and lighting.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Different techniques, designs, materials have been used for these passive
cooling and lighting. This study mainly focuses on the importance of jalis, as
aesthetic elements as well as its functional significance. Understanding the
principles of geometric patterns helps architects to design the jalis by
incorporating those principles in Hot climates.
1.4 Aim:
1.5 Objectives:
1.6 Methodology:
The study is formed on descriptive methods, for which the aim is to collect
information and principles applied to form a geometric pattern from surviving
Mughal buildings. This paper provides answer to question that when were the
geometric patterns evolved in the Mughal architecture and how these patterns got
evolved over the time with selected surviving buildings. Then the study focuses on
significance of geometric patterns on jali designs of Mughal buildings and talks
about the characteristics, climatic aspects and the usage in the present context.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Finally, jalis of Paigah tombs, a heritage structure which has Mughal influence is
studied and analyzed.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
In the past, the only tools used to create polygons and required angles are
compass and ruler. All Islamic geometric patterns originate from the harmonious
subdivisions of circles which are based on templates of circle grids. Some
researchers stated that the use of the circle is a way of expressing the unity of
Islam [CITATION Akk05 \l 1033 ]. The patterns are created from circles, squares,
polygons and star patterns. Typically, the complex patterns which have number
of polygons repeated many times are formed by overlapping, repeating and
interlocking.
Table 1: Significance of Circle
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Most of the constructive polygons – hexagon, octagon and decagon are the base
for many geometric patterns. Star polygons are fundamental elements, which are
created by connecting the vertices of constructive polygons. [CITATION Bro08 \l
1033 ] This circumstance forms the base for the classification of the patterns, for
example the patterns created from a hexagon, converts into a 6 – point
geometrical pattern called as 6 – point star, in which two adjacent sides are
parallel, represented as 6 – fold rosette leaves. The table-2 shows the derivation
of 6, 8, & 10-fold complex shapes from single polygons.” [CITATION Emb12 \l 1033 ]
Table 2: Islamic Geometric patterns Classification
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The pattern (15th century) from Yazd in Iran is derived from 6 regular divisions of
the circle. From this a regular grid of triangles is established, on top of which the
design is elaborated. Note how the complex tracery of pattern interweaves with
the basic design which appears in white outline. [CITATION Hen07 \l 1033 ]
To understand the patterns of jali, first we have to know the evolution of Islamic
geometric patterns. Due to different time periods, kingdoms and regions, the
geometric patterns have evolved over the time. These patterns are decorative
During the 8th and 9th century Islam scientific and technological knowledge had
grown in Middle East, Central Asia, Iran on the basis of that the expansion of
geometry in Islamic art and architecture is also observed. Muslims original
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The evolution of Islamic geometric patterns has been considered and understood
by the living Mughal buildings. The Mughal response to European art was not
slavish imitation but creative reinvention. (Sorensen, 2009). Mughals governed as
a multi-cultural empire and depict inspirations from all countless works of art and
architecture (early Islamic, Hindu and Persian styles) stating their multi-cultural
perception. This enhanced their esthetics, training them the worth of geometry in
architecture as a common language of oneness. [CITATION Dad99 \l 1033 ]
Early enduring buildings of Mughals includes the Sher-Shah Tomb (1545 CE) is
decorated with paintings and tiles of floral motifs. 6- and 8- point patterns are
some of the striking examples which can be seen on the windows, marble
flooring, grills and balcony railings of the Humayun Tomb, Delhi (1566 CE).
Foremost 6- and 8- point patterns are also repetitive in the Red Fort of Agra
Figure 2: Geometric pattern of Humayun Tomb in Delhi and Red Fort in Agra.
(1580 CE). Moreover, some 12-point and few simple 10-point patterns are there
in this compound.
By the end of the 16th century, mostly 10-point geometrical patterns were used by
Mughal architects frequently. The Friday Mosque of Fatehpur-Sikri (1596 CE) is a
characteristic structure of this era. Besides the various elegant types of 6-, 8-, 10-
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
point patterns, 14-point geometrical patterns embellish the piers of its main dome,
which were fewest of their kind.
Throughout the next eras, geometrical ornaments turn out to be a vital decorative
element in Mughal architecture, where vegetable motifs were used as secondary
and filler decorative in some cases.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
“Red sandstone, white marble and polychromatic tiles are the main cladding and
decorative materials in Mughal architecture.” (Asher, 1992). Islamic geometric
patterns are one of the crucial decorative elements of both secular and sacred
buildings. As an alternative, they applied great effort to produce precise and
perfect proportions of pattern angles and shapes. However, the scarcest 14-point
geometrical patterns also can be seen in some Mughal buildings. Another distinct
feature is that the geometrical patterns are used in floor finishing designs and
carved window railings more than any other Islamic architectural styles.
To summarize, marking out the evolution of the geometric patterns over the time
depicts the solid influence of Mughals with respective to different regions of India.
The artists and craftsmen tried to make the pattern unique, representative and
complicated. The usage of materials and experimentation of different practices
displays that they learned this art of composition and repetition in any possible
area over the time. The dome walls, floors, minarets, mihrabs, windows and
balconies, all elements have become as the artisans’ canvas for decoration.
2.2.1. Jali
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Jali is a fine web or latticed screen, which is an ornate perforated screen can be
seen in Islamic, Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture. As a shading device it is an
egg crate, a blend of horizontal and vertical shading device at a minute scale. It
looks like 2-dimensional, but it is 3-dimensioned with the thickness in addition to
the interlinked balusters forms many small devices equal to a large projection or
a vertical fin. [CITATION Lak16 \l 1033 ]
Jalis have been a noteworthy architectural feature from the ancient times. In
former times these structures play appealing role in a building design and also
played key role in tackling the environment of building ventilation and lighting.
Different techniques, designs, materials have been used for these passive
cooling and lighting. The hot climatic regions have been using the screens
proficiently and has been a part of their building practices for years. [CITATION
Lak16 \l 1033 ]
Source: Jaalis: A study on aesthetics and functional aspects in built environment (2016)
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The other best adorned patterns are found in the Fatehpur Sikri. Geometry has
been important in planning along with designing. While designing the patterns,
the Mughal artisans gave more importance on proportions and angles. Best
examples of this period which show the designs with 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-point
patterns over sandstone and marble inlay work.
Source: Geometrical pattern designs used in Mughal Architecture in India during 1526-1737.
(2018)
Most of the Mughal jalis have low sill or sometimes no sill so that the air flows
near the floor. Mostly the lattice screens are constructed with wood, which
absorbs the extra humidity from the air if it presents in it, if sometime humidity is
lesser and air is dry then wood from this lattice humidify the air.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
2.2.3. Aesthetics:
Source: Jaalis: A study on aesthetics and functional aspects in built environment (2016)
Repetition: The jalis are mostly in geometric form which means the module is
repeated. Complex patterns are usually made on grids. The composition of the
modules usually consists of squares, triangles or hexagons. Since the patterns
are constantly repeating itself, they create the illusion of continuousness beyond
the frame’s physical boundary, thus making it challenging to identify the overall
patterns initial and final points.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Visibility: It provides privacy due to light variance. Along with this, a visual
continuousness at the ground level and clearstory is kept between the
peripheries and interiors.
Quality of light: The first formations of nature is light which is a significant element
in Mughal architecture. As light arrives in and sun’s glare is cut down, the space
gets controlled light. Jalis also weave a delicate play of light and shadow
providing the subtle peaceable value of the space indoors as the shadow
transforms throughout the day and also in varied climatic seasons also gives
privacy due to variance in light levels from outdoor to indoor.
The velocity of air increases, when it passes through the apertures similar to the
function of a funnel, improving the slight wind exteriors and permits for
profounder infiltration. The wind also gets cool and even functions similar to an
air conditioner compressor. Therefore, enhancing the thermal comfort of the
inhabitants as jali follows both Venturi effect and Bernoulli’s principle due to
which the building breathe.
Approximately, the size of the holes is identical or lesser than the width of the
baluster, implying that each gap has its deepness equal to its height and they are
regularly in the ratio of 0.8-1.2 [CITATION Gan15 \l 1033 ]. The effectiveness of jali as
a shading device is mainly depends on the thickness.
As jalis regulate the light incoming, reflects some amount of light back from the
exterior facade, the heat and unwanted glare are also get decreased with
regulated lighting. The contrast between darkness of opaque baluster and glare
entering in gets soften by the curved baluster. The swollen balusters create a
silhouette which transmits the eyes straight up and horizontally across the
apertures. [CITATION Pan04 \l 1033 ]
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The new architectural style of Indian buildings has been great influence of west,
to break away from reminiscent of the British which has no respect to its context,
rather than evolving the traditional vernacular which aided its purpose on a social
basis as well as climatically.
The use of jalis got restricted in the urban areas because of closeness of houses,
worries on safety due to livelihood pattern. With the expanding of middle class,
Air conditioners have become identity of status and also replaced traditional jalis.
Whereas, in a region where there is lack of energy also dependent on ACs which
have to be decreased.
In this contemporary world, jalis are constructed with materials like bricks, fly ash,
concrete precast blocks, mud blocks, mdf, wood, etc.
In the current times, many architects have been revived this jali with different
materials. Laurie Baker created jalis with bricks leading to a rat trap bond. The jali
is also a crucial element in Sanjay Puri’s office building. The structure is
enveloped by jalis made of concrete supported on a steel framework, to function
properly.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Source – Roof and Façade Asia: Sustainable and Traditional Design, 2009
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
3.1. Introduction
The case study focuses on Paigah tombs which belongs to the Paigah family who
were foremost nobles after Nizams. This is heritage structure is selected because
it has all the characteristic of jali in which the patterns are repetitive, infinity,
symmetry and also enhance the visibility. With respective to its function, it
improves thermal comfort interiors. But some parts of this structure along with the
jalis are damaged due to improper maintenance. Paigahs were more fascinated
of arts who have prolonged their unrivaled elegance even to their tombs. This
heritage structure holds a great significance due the intricate mosaic and lattice
work.
Source: Author
Hyderabad city holds a prominent historical and cultural significance. The city
was under many dynasties of which the city was ruled by Mughal Empire (1687-
1724) and Asaf Jahi dynasty (1724-1948). Nawab Taig Jung Bahadur
constructed these tombs in 1787 by and later his son Amir E Kabir refurbished
this structure. This structure represents Mughal, Asaf Jahi, Deccani, Persian and
Rajasthani style of architecture.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The tombs are constructed with marble and the mosaic works are made of
stucco. There is also a mosque beside these tombs. But now the mosaic and
lattice works are in damage due to improper maintenance.
Paigah tombs have many lattice screens which are used for ornamentation as
well as for its functional aspects. There many types of Jali patterns which
includes Hexagonal, Octagonal, 6-, 8- point star, floral, curvilinear patterns, etc.,
made of stucco on exterior walls of tombs.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Source: Author
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
This pattern formed by interlocking the hexagons from which a 6- point star is
formed in the center and again a hexagon is formed.
Source: Author
Jali Pattern – 2:
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
This pattern formed by repeating the 8-point stars from which 5-point stars are
formed.
Source: Author
Jali Pattern – 3:
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
This pattern formed by repeating the 6- point star patterns from which a hexagon
is formed
Source: Author
Jali Pattern – 4:
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
This pattern formed by repeating hexagons with some extensions from which
again a hexagon is formed.
Source: Author
Jali Pattern – 5:
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
This pattern formed by interlocking the hexagons from which again a hexagon is
formed in which a 6-point star is formed.
Source: Author
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
The size of the jali opening is large without a sill similar to Mughal buildings which
were constructed with stucco. Stucco is a construction material made of
aggregates, binder and water. When it applied wet it hardens to a condensed solid
which are sculptured and used as creative material in the architecture which is
found rarely in India. The composition of stucco contains of lime, sand and fibers
for strength. This absorbs humidity from air and stabilizes interior thermal comfort.
The stucco is hard-wearing, appealing and weather resistant work for wall
coverings, sculptures and Jali designs which empowered creative designs.
[ CITATION Anu14 \l 1033 ]
CONCLUSION:
After many years of evolution, the Paigah tombs depicts geometric patterns in
lattice and mosaic work made of stucco. The lattice work differs on all orientations
and some of the patterns are examined with the geometric principles.
References
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Givoni, B., 1998. Climatic Considerations in Building and Urban Design. John
Wiley & Sons.
Goyal, A., 2014. Creative Jali Patterns at Paigah Tombs, Hyderabad. [Online]
Available at: https://www.inditales.com/jali-patterns-paigah-tombs-hyderabad/
Henry, R., 2007. Pattern, Cognition and Contemplation. The Journal of the Iran
society.
Lakshmi Kamath, S. D., 2016. Jaalis: A study on aesthetics and functional aspects
in built environment. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Applied
Science.
Mahina Reki, S. A. S., 2018. Evolution of Geometric Patterns in Islamic World and
Case on the Jalis of Naulakha Pavilion in the Lahore Fort. Gazi University
Journalof Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning, pp. 83-97.
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Jali: A study of Islamic geometric patterns, aesthetics and its function
Soni Azmat, A. H., 2018. Geometrical pattern designs used in Mughal Architecture
in India during 1526-1737.
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