The gorgeous sandstone mansions of Jaisalmer's prosperous merchants are known as 'havelis'. Their complex homes are a poem etched out in sandstone with endless details and pains, carved and pieced together in dissimilar patterns, and though they are plentiful and loud in nature, there is a wonderful harmony that characterizes them and they are a deal for the eyes of the beholder.
Nathmal ki Haveli
Nathmal ki Haveli late 19 th century was also the home of a prime minister and two brothers cut their left and right wings, which are similar in appearance. Created by two brothers in 1885, this haveli has two identical parts, which are actually two different parts united by a common facade. So ethereal and charming, the sculpture was never better.
An ideal example of jeweller's art employed to stone carving. The Muslim silavats (artisans) did a magnificent job here and left a tremendous legacy of craftsmanship outstanding in detail and unblemished in conception. If only for viewing these havelis a journey to Jaisalmer is more than amply honored.
Its foregrounds are yellow sandstone elephants that stand royally at its doorway and the elaborately carved front door. It appears that the jewelers alternatively of the stone-carvers did the so-minute carvings of the building.
Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is the most complicated and distribution of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It is located in a narrow street in the center of the city and one of their apartments are painted with murals spectacular. Created by renowned dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery of his time in Afghanistan to China, Guman Chand Patwa and his five children, five suites in the building dating from 1800 to 1860 and was designed to show the beauty of working in stone carving of his mansion.
Also known as Salim Singh Ki Haveli of Jaisalmer, this haveli is adorned with beautiful vaulted ceiling with delicately carved brackets in the form of peacock. Salim Singh, the being to whom this haveli is called, was the first minister of the princely state. The haveli (mansion) just below the hill. It is believed that at one point in time, the haveli had two additional wooden floors, so it is as high as the king's palace. However, the Maharaja of Jaisalmer has demolished the upper floors.
The Patwon ki haveli of Rajasthan is five stories high. Divided into six apartments, the haveli is richly carved. A portion of the haveli is still lived in. Some of the inner walls of the haveli house paintings and mirror work amazing. Apart from the carved wooden pillars, the haveli also has large corridors and chambers. One of the apartments has magnificent haveli painted murals on their walls.
If you desire to witness the continuity in design, you will have to visit Nathmal Ji ki Haveli. Take a close look at the delicate union of Rajasthani and Islamic school of architecture. It is a Haveli built by two brothers. There are interesting stories connected to its structure. They give a perceptiveness to the then prevailing forms of Architecture.
