Goan Arched Windows

 

In the pair of window leaves seen in the photograph above are small square clear glass openings set in the vertical middle panel of each leaf. These openings are in fact at an average human standing eye level on the inside of the house. They are meant to serve a clever purpose for the folks to look outside, but  hinder the vision  of anyone looking in due to the higher plinth level. These windows are hinged to the main frame and fitted with latches and metal hooks on the inside to keep them open and at the same time prevent them from slamming shut due to a sudden gust of breeze. A typical window has an arched top inset with various triangular patterns of coloured glass. There are solid wooden hinged doors on the inside with steel flat bar latches fitted to the side frames that firmly secure them horizontally when closed, but remain suspended and unseen when open.