Gulam Rasool, an acclaimed jali carver (with a handful of awards to prove it), learned the skill from his father. Now he has taught his son. The art form, passed down through generations of his family, traces back to the 16th century. While openwork jali may be most recognizable in the architecture of the Taj Mahal, its origins are humble — and functional. The elaborate perforations that adorn balconies, windows, and screens provided an early (and environmental) form of climate control. Air cools as it compresses to pass through the small holes. It also ensures privacy, allowing those inside to see out, but not the other way around.
Today, jali preserves the rich heritage of the Indian Mughals, but also centuries of artisans who carved the elegant contents of their imaginations in marble, soapstone and wood.
Pictured above, Gulam outside his workshop with his granddaughter, alongside some of his jali creations. |
