Verandahs , were introduced by the Portuguese, though the word itself is of Indian origin as mentioned in dictionaries. In- between spaces, courtyards, verandahs stairways connected the outside world with the inside. The bustle of these spaces was defined by balustrades beautifully crafted in cast iron, embellished with decorative flowers, tassels, medallions or geometric designs and  were knit together in intricate patterns of sheer beauty. Cast in iron this was a skill imported from Europe and adopted as our own. Most old buildings whether colonial or indigenous have these gorgeous structures adorning buildings as a skirting, a joist, a stronger barricade.

Ubiquitous in older homes especially in North Calcutta, one finds it hard to believe that these lacy meshes are in iron. Crochet, tatting make swathes of laces and these iron grills seduce us into imagining they are the same.

Jawhar Sircar traced the beginnings from wrought iron to cast iron and the sheer skill and artistry of these adornments. Made from plaster casts, later the “Bataali” wood workers carved on wood cast in iron. We traipsed across the world and encountered several masterpieces. In Calcutta, the older buildings are replete with these, though they change their character in terms of design elements. These are powder coated and virtually rust proof, are sturdy and have survived the test of time.

Renaissance and Baroque period-inspired window grills and cast-iron railings enhanced the look of the Zamindar palaces in the Bengal region, making the inhabitants feel secure but unconfined. From aesthetics to security, these grilles have evolved over the years and continue to co exist in some homes. These have morphed into prison-like vertical or horizontal bars we see around us today. An assembly line product, more economical perhaps, the same everywhere lacking the distinctive character and style of the days of yore.

Modern living which has made these in- between spaces redundant, with lives closeted in airconditioned rooms with television and internet. Gone are these exotic balustrades maybe due to economic considerations. These are exquisite handcrafted, unique and today these craftspersons are hard to find due to a  lack of opportunity. Let’s bridge this gap to reintroduce beauty, to resurrect the skill of the human beings. Hand-made and sustainable. Lets bring back old times.