Chhajja

[1] Its function is similar to that of overhangs or eaves; it adorns and protects entrances, arches, and windows from the outside elements, and provides shade from radiation.

[1] Although there is no conclusive agreement on when the chhajja emerged as an architectural element, it can be traced back to before the rise of the Mughal Empire in India.

[3] The original inspiration of the chhajja and much of the other Indian architectural elements with which it is commonly not seen can be traced back to building design from older periods, such as that of bamboo and thatch village huts that can still be found today.

[7] Despite the usual aesthetically eloquent chhajja constructions seen in Indian architecture, a more practical utilitarian version is used in forts as found in the remains at Bahadurgarh.

This features a chhajja formed with multi-foliated arches resting on four baluster columns, creating an extravagant appearance.

[9] The common usage of chhajja is portrayed in the first two stanzas of Ashwini Magotra's 2004 poem "Lohri": Here comes Lohri, festival of youngsters moving with arms around each other dancing Bhangra, going around asking Lohri-gifts Oh, here's a group dressed as Haran There's another, with decorated Chhajja cavorting to steps of Dandaras[10]