We all know Rajasthan as the land of royals, dotted with magnificent forts and palaces. But there is another aspect of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage that is often overlooked: the havelis.
These Havelis are grand mansions that were built by wealthy merchants, traders, and nobles in the 18th and 19th centuries. They showcase the exquisite craftsmanship, art, and architecture of the Rajasthani people. Some of the Havelis are adorned with intricate frescoes, mirror work, paintings, and carvings that depict the life and times of their owners, and their interests.
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While visiting Rajasthan, you can come across a lot of these Havelis. You will see some of them have been converted into heritage hotels, museums, or cultural centers, while others remain as private residences.
In this article, you will get to know about a few incredible Havelis that you can visit while in Rajasthan,
- Salim Singh ki Haveli
- Kothari’s Patwa Haveli
- Bagore ki Haveli
- Char Chowk Haveli
- Anandi Lal Podar Haveli
- Nathmal ki Haveli
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
1. Salim Singh ki Haveli
Salim Singh Mahto, the then Prime minister of Jaisalmer, built this magnificent haveli 300 years ago in the late 17th century. It stands at the heart of the city, attracting visitors with its splendid architecture and history.
The haveli boasts a gracefully arched roof and exquisite brackets carved in the form of peacocks. The walls and balconies are decorated with royal paintings, including one that depicts a man in Mughal style wearing a turban.
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At that time, in the Moti Mahal of the Haveli, dances were performed to entertain the royal aristocrats and the courtiers.
Salim Singh ki Haveli is a treasure trove of historical and artistic beauty, and every corner reveals its grandeur.
The best time to visit this place is in the winter months when the weather is pleasant and cool.
2. Kothari’s Patwa Haveli
The Patwa haveli is a cluster of five majestic mansions built by the Patwa family in the early 18th century. The Patwas were wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer who left the city on the advice of a priest to expand their business. Later, the head of the family gifted each of his sons a haveli.
The haveli showcases the splendid architecture, artifacts, and heritage of the rich merchants of Jaisalmer. The yellow sandstone walls are adorned with intricate carvings, and the wooden ceilings and mud floors add to the charm. Spend some time to admire the mirror works, sculptures, and paintings that reflect the artistic skills of the craftsmen. As you go around, you will also get to see various items used by the Patwas, such as handicrafts, carpets, silver jewelry, textile items, and puppets.
The Haveli is now transformed into a cultural museum that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the past. The best time to visit is between September and February when the weather is comfortable and enjoyable.
3. Bagore ki Haveli
Bagore ki Haveli is a stunning 18th-century mansion built by Amar Chand Badwa, the then Prime Minister of Mewar. It is situated at the Gangaur Ghat of Pichola Lake in Udaipur.
This haveli has witnessed many Rajput rulers and events over the centuries. After the death of Amar Chad Badwa, it was occupied by a relative of the then maharana.
At the haveli, you can admire the exquisite craftsmanship of mirror work and colored glass that can be seen in its 138 rooms. The mansion also has numerous archways, jharokhas, cupolas, spacious terraces, and fountains.
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Walking through the haveli, you will get to witness the age-old quarters of the queens and the other royal ladies with their own bathrooms, bedrooms, recreation rooms, make-up rooms, and worship rooms. Many more intriguing items are there to be seen and explored when you go around.
The highlight of the haveli is the Dharohar Dance, a lively performance of traditional folk dances and arts that takes place every evening at 7:00 PM. It is a wonderful way to experience the culture and history of this place.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, as summers can be very hot.
4. Char Chowk Haveli
Char Chowk Haveli is a four-courtyard mansion in Laxmangarh, a town in the Aravalli hills. It was built by Muralidhar Ganeriwala in 1840 and is a splendid example of traditional Rajputana architecture and art.
The rooms on the eastern side have stunning paintings on the walls. The ceilings have beautiful floral motifs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. You can also see various artifacts and objects that belonged to the past inhabitants of the haveli. The essence of the past is still there and can be felt in the air.
The exterior part of the haveli has a unique painting of a bird on an elephant with another elephant in its beak.
The Haveli is a treasure trove of history and culture that you can visit any time of the year.
5. Anandi Lal Podar Haveli
Anandi Lal Podar Haveli is a majestic mansion in Nawalgarh, named after its owner who was a wealthy businessman. It was constructed in the year 1902 and was converted into a museum at the end of that century.
The haveli showcases the lavish lifestyle of the royals, with its spacious courtyard displaying exquisite paintings. The walls and ceilings are dotted with elegant murals and intricate artwork. The colors and floral motifs are vibrant and captivating.
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The gate has impressive frescos and the museum displays various items such as gemstones, musical instruments, jewelry, and kitchen utensils that were used by the residents at the time. There is much more that you will witness while inside the haveli. The visual spectacle is spellbinding.
Anandi Lal Podar Haveli is ideal for anyone who appreciates art and history. The best time to visit is during the winter when the weather is pleasant and you can relish the entire place without getting tired of the sun.
6. Nathmal ki Haveli
This is another haveli in the heart of Jaisalmer. The residence was ordered to be built for the then Prime Minister Diwan Mohata Nathlal. The building dates back to 1885 and flaunts excellent architecture and craftsmanship.
Rajput and Islamic styles of architecture can be seen adorning the haveli along with the confluence of the Rajasthani style. The yellow sandstone makes it shine like gold during the sunrise and sunset.
The exterior wall is covered with carvings and the interior is adorned with paintings from the old era. The main entrance has sculptures of mighty elephants and the front courtyard has many jharokha to allow the entry of cool breeze.
The Haveli has two different styles on each side, as it was built by two different builders. Although it has an irregular shape, it is marvelous to look at.
So, add this place to your itinerary and explore more about the haveli, preferably between the months of November to February for a comfortable trip.
There you go! These are some famous and incredible havelis that you must visit in Rajasthan.
You can see the rich heritage and culture in these places that reflect the bygone days. Go through all the beauty and keep them captured in your memory and camera.
Know about all of it and I’m sure you will be intrigued to drop by almost every city to traverse all the havelis.
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