Common Nouns Lexicon

The Janissaries were an elite military unit of the Ottoman Empire, composed primarily of young Christian boys who were captured and converted to Islam. They played a crucial role in the Empire's military campaigns and were known for their rigorous discipline and loyalty to the sultan.

Janna refers to paradise in Islamic belief, envisioned as a garden of eternal bliss for the righteous.

The Jataka tales are stories that recount the previous lives of the Buddha, illustrating his virtues and teachings through various rebirths.

Jharokhas are overhanging balconies or windows, often richly decorated, characteristic of Indo-Islamic architecture, mainly used in palaces and havelis in Rajasthan.

The jizya is a tax historically levied on non-Muslims living under Islamic rule.

The kalasa is an architectural element often placed atop Hindu temples, symbolizing a sacred pot representing abundance and fertility.

Karana is a term used in classical Indian dance to denote symbolic body movements or postures that form the basic elements of choreographies.

The karang is a traditional Balinese family compound, consisting of multiple buildings organized around a central courtyard, reflecting the communal and spiritual values of Balinese culture.

Karma is a central concept in Indian religions, representing the law of cause and effect where an individual's actions influence their future.

The Khanda is a central symbol of Sikhism, composed of several elements representing the faith and principles of Sikhs.