Friday, March 28, 2008

Jaisalmer Havelis

Patwon Ki Haveli








Salim Singh Ki Haveli









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.

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