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Nathmalji ki Haveli Jaisalmer
This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape.
Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things. But the most interesting aspect of this haveli is the drawing of modern amenities such as cars, fans etc. It is said and believed that the Architect brothers dint see these things ever in their life and engraved it with mere help of their descriptions given by people who had seen it.
Thus the architecture present in this haveli is quite different from the one popular in other parts of Jaisalmer. The workmanship of Jaisalmer havelis is an amalgam of both Rajput architecture as well as Islamic art that was imported via the traders' caravan through the desert.
Architectural Importance
Nathmalji Ki Haveli is a replica of Arabic and Rajput architectural pattern. The overall construction was supervised by two Islamic brothers named 'Lulu and Hathi'. The Arabic art and crafts form are visible since these brothers took advices from the Middle East travelers in those times. It is the only structure which was not planned and built. These brothers started the work from here and there and on completions it was odd looking but splendid too. The building materials were red sand stone, yellow sand stone and marbles. One of the finest paintings is here. Few paintings are as such, that it foresees few modern material of today which craftsman's have not seen yet. A giant two full size Elephants structure with large tusks are placed in the front of the mansion. It has remarkable art works on pillars, windows and on its small and large doors. The entire structures are found with tiny carvings which are amazing to look.
Historical Importance
Nathmalji Ki Haveli was his residing place. This mansion was famous for its royal acclamation. This mansion has the record for not built on pre planned design in the Rajputs history of building great structures. This entire structure looks like a maverick, but a splendid work of craftsman's ship is observed inch by inch throughout the structure. This magnificent structure is an imported work of Islamic arts and crafts. This is the rarest of rare kind in its craftsmanship of the entire Jaisalmer monuments. The two giant elephant structure in the entrance depicts the strengths of the Rajputs, some historians do say its guards the mansion according to the Hindu beliefs. It is also said that the elephants are placed here as per dynamics of placid towards the entrance. And few Hindus pray them as it was auspicious a stone to be worshiped. Altogether it shows the royal richness in the history of Jaisalmer.
Haveli in Rajasthan
Rajasthan Havelis is named after the Rajputs who were kings as well as brave soldiers. They have created a much spectacular building where they used to stay popularly known as Havelis, which helped as a resident for the royal family.
These monuments are evidence of the remaining example of the state rich architectural heritage. The much-talked Havelis of Rajasthan are Samode haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmalji Ki Haveli, Shekhavati Haveli, Mandawa haveli and many others.
History of Havelis in Rajasthan
From 1830s Haveli became an important building in Rajasthani regions of Shekhawati and Marwar. The marwaris used to commission artists to paint the havelis. These were a status symbol for the merchants and traders. These were also the dwelling places of the joint families that offered comfort away from the day-to-day tensions of the world. There would be one large gate at the entrance and the mansion would be closed from the other sides. These were spacious abodes that were richly decorated.
Features of Havelis in Rajasthan
The main features of these havelis were chhajjas (sunshades), jharokhas (balcony windows) and jalis (screen windows). These huge mansions were usually built around a courtyard with darwazas done in beautiful architectural elements. The marwari havelis of the Shekhawati region have murals with remarkable colours. The motifs on the walls are varied from everyday scenes and subjects inspired by the west. An amazing feature of these havelis was the intricately carved wooden doors.
Architecture of Havelis in Rajasthan
The havelis of Shekhawati consist of 2 courtyards - an outer one and an inner one. The outer courtyard is for men. The inner courtyard (aangan) is exclusively for women. A large Haveli with two or three stores can have three to four courtyards. The towns and villages of Shekhawati are renowned for the frescos on the walls. One of the most well known Haveli in this regard is the Patwa havelis of Jaisalmer. The stone carved jharokhas are a major tourist attraction here.
Other places where one can come across grandiose havelis are Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar. The havelis were mainly painted in blue, yellow, green, indigo and maroon. With the advent of the 19th century the motifs on the walls underwent a change. New themes of telephones, trains, cars, balloons, British hunters, gramophones, the paintings of the Haveli owners became popular.
Famous Havelis in Rajasthan
From Jaipur to Jaisalmer and from Bikaner to Jodhpur, the colourful Havelis in Rajasthan tell again the magnificence and splendour of the former times. Tourists often plan their tour to Rajasthan to get a sight of these Havelis in Rajasthan. Following are the famous Havelis in Rajasthan:
