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.