Jaisalmer Havelis
About
the Havelis:
Jaisalmer is known to its visitors for its proximity to Thar desert.
But the city has much more to offer to its tourists. Among all, Havelis
of Jaisalmer finds a special mention. The beautiful mansions built by
the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are known as 'Havelis'. Most of these
finely erected sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition.
Jaisalmer used to be a strategic point in the trade across the desert.
The wealthy Jain community of Jaisalmer held strong posotions in the
court of the rulers and were also leading merchants of the town. They
spent enormous wealth on building intricately carved palaces and temples
in golden-yellow sandstone.
Architecture:
The havelis of Jaisalmer are nothing less than a treat for the eyes. A
poem etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and
pieced together in different patterns, and though they are lavish and
loud in nature, there is a perfect harmony that characterizes them.
These fortresses of Jaisalmer are like a mirage from the barren Thar
desert. It feels as if you had travelled back in time-straight into the
fairy tale of Arabian nights. On either side of the narrow lanes are the
sandstone havelis with stone carvings, screen windows, delicate
pavilions and balconies.
Major Havelis:
Patwon Ji Ki Haveli
This one is largest of all the Havelis in Jaisalmer. The haveli is said
be the most beautifully designed structure in the town. The construction
was started in 1805 and it took 50 years to complete this building. The
five-storeyed complex is built in yellow sandstone with a different
design on every window and arch. There are extensive corridors and
chambers all supported by exquisitely carved pillars.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
The two winged building was constructed by two brothers- Lalu and
Hathi, in 1885. Each brother concentrated on one side. The result is a
perfect left-right balanced structure. The building looks like a garden
carved out of stones.
Salem Singh Ki Haveli
The 300 years old building belonged to Salem Singh, the then Prime
Minister of the state. The mansion has a beautifully arched roof with
superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. It is said that once it
had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as
the King's palace, but the King had the upper storey torn down.
Other major havelis of Jaisalmer are Tazia Tower and Nokahtmal Ki
Haveli.
How to Reach
Air
The Jodhpur Airport, Jodhpur is 285 Km and is the nearest one to
Jaisalmer.
Rail
Jaisalmer is well connected to the major cities of Rajasthan and India.
Road
The roadways network ensures good connectivity of Jaisalmer to all over
Rajasthan.
