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Havelis of Jaisalmer
Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Tale of Havelis
Since time immemorial, the desert land of Rajasthan is considered as a land of amazing variety. From natural wonders to man-made wonders, Rajasthan offers a vast range of attractions to its visitors. By the way, have you ever thought of highly decorated havelis and palaces or ever have they appeared in your dream? Whether your answer is yes or no, it doesn't matter, right now I am taking you to the havelis of Jaisalmer.
Luckily, last month I got a chance to visit the Jaisalmer city of Rajasthan. Besides Jaisalmer Fort, the havelis of Jaisalmer enchanted me lot. Still the memories of my trip to Jaisalmer city is fresh in mind, which I am sharing with you all here. Jaisalmer, popularly known as the ' Golden City' is home to three popular havelis namely Salin Singh ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli and Patwon ki Haveli. Built in the 18th century, the the Jaisalmer Havelis still carry the memories of the Rajput glory as well as their architectural grandeur.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
A popular haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli was constructed around 1815 AD by the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh, a person famous for his Machiavellian character. At the entrance of the haveli, an imposing stone elephant greets you. In this eight storeyed magnificent palace, Salim Singh lived along with his seven wives and two concubines. You will be bedazzled by the designs of every structure carved with elaborate detailing. Salim Singh ki Haveli has 38 balconies, each holds a unique designing pattern. The Upper floors of the building look like a ship’s prow, that's why the haveli is also known as the Jahazmahal or Ship’s Palace. Bedecked with beautifully arched roof, topped with blue cupolas and having the presence of peacock styled brackets, this mammoth mansion rejuvenates your mind with an artistic essence.
Nathmal ki Haveli
Nathmal ki Haveli was built in 1885 by Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Here, at the entrance, you receive a warm welcome from stone elephants. On the frontal part of the haveli you will see images of horses, elephants, soldiers, flowers, birds and many more. While you enter inside, you find that the interiors of the havelis are beautifully decorated with conspicuous miniatures. The left and right wings of the building were carved by two Muslim brothers – Hathi and Lulu, which are almost identical. After visiting this picturesque haveli you will certainly start to think about the artisan who have created it.
Patwon-ki-Haveli
Patwon-ki-haveli is actually a congregation of five Patwa havelis. Among of them, the first one was constructed in 1805 AD by a merchant named Guman Chand Patwa and is regarded as the biggest and the most pompous. As Patwa was believed to be a person of considerable qualities, for his five sons he built these elaborate five-storeyed complex. The havelis are also known as the ‘mansion of brocade merchants’ as the family apparently had the business of gold and silver threads, used mainly for embroidering dresses. You will just get astonished while you observe the latticed friezes that provide ventilation to the interiors as well as offering privacy to the women to look out without exposing themselves to Peeping Tombs. Entirely built of yellow sandstones with a different design on every window and arch, this haveli will certainly amaze you. Besides, the supercilious arched gateway and delicately carved yellow-brown frontage with as many as 60 balconies, enhance the beauty of the haveli many fold.
Moreover, I am quite sure that after going through my personal experience, your mind now tells you to move to those havelis. So, just plan a trip to Jaisalmer next vacation to praise the marvellous beauty of Jaisalmer havelis on your own.
Posted by Sameer Dutta at 6:09 AM 6 comments Links to this post
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Other Attractions of Jaisalmer :-
Desert Festival of Jaisalmer
Jain Temples of Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer Fort

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