The
havelis of Jaisalmer are stunning impressions of past glory and nobility
of Rajasthan, India. Discover the splendid Jaisalmer havelis and enjoy
the aesthetic architectural brilliance that greets you during your
Jaisalmer tours.
Salim Singh was the prime minister when
Jaisalmer was the capital of a princely state and his mansion has a
beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets inn the form of
peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and, it is said, once had
two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the
Maharaja's Palace. The Maharaja of Jaisalmer had the upper storeys
turned down! The late 19th century Nathmal ki Haveli was also a prime
minister's house. The left and right wings of the building were carved
by brothers and are very similar but not identical. Yellow sandstone
elephants guard the building and the front door alone is a work of art.
Along
the cobbled stone pathways of Jaisalmer, arise the havelis, the mansions
of the Jain merchants who were as powerful in the court of the time, as
they were adept in business. Their homes are poetry of sandstone, carved
and pierced incredibly into different patterns, and though they are
opulent and effusive, the result is in perfect harmony, and never
offending the eye. Some of these havelis are more than 300 years old and
are steeped in an enigmatic and musty old world charm. Indian Horizons
helps you discover a storehouse of ancient relics and historical bonanza
during your tours to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
Havelis
of Jaisalmer
- Nathmal ki Haveli
The havelis of Jaisalmer stand as
proud reminders of the exalted Rajasthan past that glitters with
tales of war, passion and love intrigues. The grandiose lifestyle of
royal Rajasthan was not just limited to those who reigned but was
imitated in proportions by the nobles, merchants and the rich. The
Nathmalji Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan was constructed by two
architect brothers for the then prime minister in the royal court.
Two life size yellow sandstone elephants greet you at the very
entrance of the Nathmalji Ki Haveli. The two architects worked
independently on two different wings of this exquisite haveli. The
craftsmanship on both the wings are completely
different though there is perfect symmetry in height. The
architectural splendor of Nathmalji Ki Haveli lies in the fact that
the places where the two wings meet seem to blend in effortlessly.
- Patwon ki Haveli
Near the city centre is the Patwon
ki Haveli, built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, dealers in
brocade, gold and silver embroidery with business stretching between
Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860
are virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural
wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on
brocade and gold.
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Rajasthan Jaisalmer tours must
definitely entail tours to Salim Singh Ki haveli that stands in mute
testimony to the splendorous Jaisalmer past towards the eastern end
of Jaisalmer city. This stately Jaisalmer haveli with its stunning
blue cupola roof is resplendent with exquisite stone carvings,
screen windows and exotic murals. The intricately chiseled brackets
on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli speak volumes about the love
for detail and beauty among the artisans of those days.
The
sheer lavishness of extensive corridors, massive rooms and hallways
weaves a bewitching spell on you. Vibrant, graceful and stylish
murals on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli add an extra opulent
charm to this lovely medieval mansion that was named after Salim
Singhji, who was the prime minister in the Jaisalmer royal court.
Salim Singh ki Haveli served as residence to the members of the
Mohta family for decades. Most of the ministers in the Jaisalmer
royal court were descendants of the Mohta family. The haveli draws
its name from Salim Singh, who was an important minister in the
Jaisalmer royal court and a shrewd statesman who was later murdered
for conspiring against the royal throne.
