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Havelis
The Merchants of Rajasthan built sumptuously decorated
mansions as residences known as havelis. The merchants
had commissioned artisans to ensure that they construct
and decorate the havelis in a manner that befits the
prosperity of the owner. Havelis are common everywhere
in Rajasthan but havelis at Shekhawati and
Jaisalmer are worth visiting.
Shekhawati as a region is known for its beautifully
painted Havelis, that spreads over Jhunjhunu, Sikar and
Churu districts in north-western Rajasthan. Built by
rich Marwari merchants of the region, Shekhawati's
magnificent mansions display a unique architectural
style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure
safety and privacy of the womenfolk and protection from
the heat of the long and harsh summers.
Painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and
indigo, the Havelis of Shekhawati have beautiful
frescoes that adorn their walls. Earlier wall paintings
were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting
gods, heroes, epics and local legends; animals,
portraits of hunting and wrestling scenes and glimpses
of every day life.
The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new
motifs, an outcome of the British Raj's influence upon
the Indian Culture. The paintings continued with the
mythological themes, but the new entries included
European oleographs, lithographs and photographs.
Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English
men in hunting attires and portraits of Haveli owners
primly dressed were painted profusely. |
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Jaisalmer
Havelis
 Patwon
ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all
the Jaisalmer havelis. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built
about 300 years ago and is still partially lived in.
Salim Singh was the prime minister of the princely state
and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with
superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The
mansion is just below the hill and, it is said that it
once had two additional wooden storey, in an attempt to
make it as high as the Maharaja's Palace. The Maharaja
of Jaisalmer had the upper storey torn 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.
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