Searching for stories through the windows of Old Dhaka

Peering through the intricately carved wooden window of an old Dhaka building is like gazing into a time capsule, transporting you to a bygone era where Mughal architecture and Bengali culture fused together in a stunning display of art and craftsmanship. Each window pane tells a story, with its delicate latticework and floral motifs revealing the unique identity and personality of the building it adorns. From the grand Havelis of the wealthy merchant class to the humble abodes of the common folk, every window in old Dhaka has a tale to tell, waiting to be discovered by those with a keen eye and a sense of wonder.

Casement windows
A style of window that has been around for millennia is the casement window. Its origins can be found in medieval Europe, where it was a common option for windows in churches and castles. The earliest prototypes had a single pane of glass hinged to open outward and were constructed of wood.
Casement windows have changed over time to include many panes of glass and increasingly complex opening and closing mechanisms. They were more prevalent in domestic buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in England.
The capacity of casement windows to fully open, allowing for maximum ventilation and natural light, is one of their most remarkable advantages. Since air movement and temperature control were important in tropical climates, this made them a popular choice.

Jalousie
The term 'jalousie' is derived from the French word 'jaloux,' which means jealous or envious. The name was likely given to this type of window because the overlapping slats of the window panes can create a visual effect similar to looking through a screen or a fence as if one were trying to peek through and see what is on the other side.
This may have been perceived as a way to keep out prying eyes, thus giving the window its name. Jalousie windows were first invented in the late 1800s and became popular in the mid-20th century to provide natural ventilation in homes and buildings in warm climates.
The jalousie window, also known as a louvred window, was first patented in 1902 by a man named Joseph W. Walker. The design consisted of multiple horizontal slats or blades of glass, wood, or metal that could be tilted to allow for ventilation and control of light.
In the mid-20th century, jalousie windows became popular in tropical regions where traditional windows were impractical due to high humidity and rain. The design allowed for air circulation while keeping rain and insects out.
One famous example of the use of jalousie windows is found in Curzon Hall at the heart of the University of Dhaka. Other than that, the windows of Ahsan Manzil and many of the old Zamindar's (landlord) houses depict the beauty of Jalousie/louvred windows. Jalousie windows are still used in some buildings today but are often replaced with more modern window designs that offer better energy efficiency and security.

Dormer
The term 'dormer' comes from the French word 'dormir,' which means 'to sleep,' as dormer windows were commonly used in attic bedrooms.
It is a type of window that protrudes vertically from a sloping roof, creating additional space within the roof. Dormer windows are believed to have originated in France during the Renaissance period as a way to add more light and ventilation to the often dark and stuffy attic spaces.
Over time, dormer windows became popular in other parts of Europe and North America, and from the 20th century, these are often seen in the subcontinent too.
A round circle above the Jalousie-looking window underneath the great arch is called a dormer. This is one of the windows of Ahsan Manzil, locally known as The Nawab Bari.

Arched window
Arched windows have been used in architecture for centuries and have become a prominent feature in many styles of buildings. They are characterised by their curved or pointed shape, which gives them a unique appearance and adds elegance to any building.
One of the earliest known uses of arched windows is in ancient Roman architecture. The Romans developed a system of building arches using bricks or stones that allowed them to create large open spaces in their buildings. This technique, known as the Roman arch, created windows with curved tops that let more light enter a room and gave the buildings a sense of grandeur.
Overall, arched windows have a rich history and continue to be a beloved feature in architecture and design, just like the way it is seen in the picture of the Curzon Hatt at the University of Dhaka.

Cathedral window
The Cathedral Window is a beloved and popular quilt pattern that has been around for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval cathedrals of Europe, where stained glass windows depicted intricate scenes from the Bible.
Despite the effort involved, the popularity of the Cathedral Window has never waned. The pattern has been passed down through generations of quilters, and variations on the design have emerged over the years.
In this picture above, an illustration of a cathedral window is the window of the St. Thomas church from the 18th century, located on Johnson Road in the old city of Dhaka.

Sash window
Sash windows are a type of window that consists of one or more movable panels, called sashes, which can be slid vertically within the frame. The use of sash windows can be traced back to the 17th century in England when they were first used in the grand houses of the aristocracy.
Sash windows were popular in Georgian and Victorian architecture and were often used in residential and commercial buildings. Our windows of the restrooms are an example of the sash window.

Stained glass window
Stained glass windows were not commonly used in the Bengal region during the Sultani era (13th-16th century). Instead, intricate stone carvings and terracotta designs were favoured in the architecture of the time.
The use of stained glass in Bengal became more prevalent during the British colonial period in the 19th century, as European architectural styles were introduced and adopted.

Bengali Zamindar House Windows
The windows of the house of zamindars (landlords) in Bengal would have varied depending on the time and architectural style of the house.
During the Mughal period (16th to 18th centuries), the houses of zamindars in Bengal were often built in style influenced by Islamic architecture. These houses would have had jharokha-style windows and protruding balconies with latticed screens, allowing the residents to look out while maintaining privacy.
In the later colonial period (18th to 20th centuries), the houses of zamindars in Bengal were often built in a style that combined traditional Bengali architecture with European influences. Depending on the weather, these houses would have had large, multi-pane windows with wooden shutters or louvres that could be opened or closed.

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