 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.
Havelis
of Shekhawati
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.
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.
Forts & Palaces
Temples
Havelis |
