Havelis in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the place that gives a feeling of prosperity, of royal and refined
culture and a grand style of living. The cities and towns of the state were once
small kingdoms ruled by several clans of Rajput rulers. The royal families possessed
great wealth and used to live a very luxurious life. Much of it is reflected in
the popular palaces constructed in many of the cities.
The construction of Haveli is more or less like a palace. Some typical features
of the havelis found at large in the state of Rajasthan are - havelis are built
as grand mansions featuring courtyards. The numbers of courtyards vary according
to the wealth of the person who built it.
These havelis are intricately carved and frescoes are one important feature. Colored
in various shades, the havelis look beautiful and quite conspicuous. Mirror work
further adds to the charm of these places. Large corridors, pavilions and ceiling
very much resemble that of the palaces. Multiple courtyards and fountains are typical
of important ones.
Some popular havelis of Rajasthan have been listed and given below:
Alsisar Haveli | Nathmal Ki Haveli |
Patwon Ki Haveli | Salem Singh Ki
Haveli | Samode Haveli |
The Piramal Haveli
Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur
Alsisar Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of the 'Pink City, Jaipur. It brings
back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthani experience
for the guests. Built in 1892, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional
Rajput architecture and is a sight to behold.
Grandson of Mahraja Udaikaran of Amer, Rao Shekhaji, founded the sub-clan popularly
known as Shekhawat. Alsisar Haveli is owned by this branch of the Kachhawa clan
of Rajputs. The descendants of the family have restructured and refurbished their
old mansion (Haveli) into a modern day Heritage Hotel to give the guests a feel
of the Raj days.
Havelis of Jaisalmer
Nathmal Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
This haveli was originally built by two brothers and feature two distinct compounds.
The boundary however, has been dissolved by a common facade at the front.
As most of the construction was done by Muslim artisans, it reflects the popular
architecture and in certain aspects resemble the popular buildings made by the erstwhile
Muslim rulers.
Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
This grand mansion is one of its kind in the Jaisalmer city. The haveli was built
by the family of a rich merchant - Guman Chand Patwa. Putwa and his sons started
the construction work in the year1800 A.D., and after six decades the mansion was
all ready to stand high in glory.
This mega structure features five suites and a number of balconies projecting from
different storeys. Its intricately carved facade with pillars and balconies is one
picture worth capturing. It is an open air museum and has preserved for centuries
the heritage of the rich merchant class and the architecture of Rajasthan.
Salem Singh Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
The haveli is located towards the eastern end of the city. This magnificent building
has a rich blue roof and carved brackets designed in peacock shapes. The haveli
is built with yellow stone and its exteriors are delicately carved. There is a balcony
projecting from the top storey. The haveli was built by the erstwhile Prime Minister
of Jaisalmer - Salim Singh.
Samode Haveli, Jaipur
The Samode Haveli was built over 150 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singhji, a Prime Minister
in the Jaipur court, who belonged to the family of Samode, tracing their relation
to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the Kacchawala
Rajputs.
Today it stands as a reminder of a halcyonic past offering moments of subtle luxury.
The property was constructed facing North away from the burning Rajasthan sun and
features a spectacular painted dining room, an airy verandah and an elephant ramp
at the entrance which was specially constructed in the 1940’s for the marriage ceremony
of the late Rawal Sahib’s aunt.
The Piramal Haveli, Shekhawati
Piramal Haveli haveli is built like a palace and has several courtyards, pillared
walls and corridors. Frescoes and paintings decorate the walls. The haveli was home
to Seth Piramal Chaturbhuj Makharia, a rich merchant from Bombay.
Frescoes of flying angels and gods in motor cars adorn the walls.