Haveli are mansions known for beautifully crafted and designed intricate artwork. A haveli is a traditional townhouse, mansion, manor house, palace or fort with historical and architectural significance. The word haveli is derived from Arabic hawali, meaning “partition” or “private space”, popularised under during Mughal era. Later, haveli came to be used as a generic term for palatial mansions, manor houses, and townhouses.
Rajasthan is home to some of the grandest and beautiful havelis. Colorful, magnificent and grand Rajasthani havelis bring the charm and grandeur of the bygone Rajput era. Spread over several acres of land these grand havelis in Rajasthan were once owned by erstwhile rulers, wealthy merchants and jagirdars.
Depicting the art and cultural heritage of the royal state. these colorful Havelis can be seen from Jaipur to Jaisalmer and from Bikaner to Jodhpur. Tourists often plan their tour to Rajasthan to get a glimpse of these royal mansions. From the Mughals to the Hindus from the Shekhawati to the wealthy Goenkas, each Haveli explicitly reflects the class and grandeur of its owner.
These are palatial mansions make Rajasthan one of the most interesting destinations for the tourists. Adorned by murals, intricate artwork, paintings, these havelis are the storehouse of antique objects and memorabilia used during the medieval period. Today many of the Havels have been refurbished into the heritage hotels in Rajasthan where tourist can enjoy a royal retreat.
These Havelis in Rajasthan have maintained their vintage charm and décor and recreates the medieval ambiance everywhere. Some of the most famous and sought after havelis by tourist are listed below.
1. Bagore ki Haveli
This 18th century haveli was built by Amir Chand Badwa, the then prime minister of Mewar in Udaipur. This haveli located at Gangori Ghat near bank of Lake Pichola is quite huge with more than 130 rooms, and even more intricately-designed balconies and walls with murals indicative of the royal times; overlooking the lake and city. The rooms are filled with mural paintings, art works, and artifacts. The haveli also holds a small but informative museum holding artifacts like glassworks, jewellery boxes, costumes, vessels, hukkas, and other artifacts of yesteryears. Following death of Amarchand, it came under the domain of Mewar royal family and Bagore-ki-Haveli was occupied by Nath Singh, a relative of then maharana. In 1878, the natural father of Sajjan Singh, Maharaj Shakti Singh of Bagore extended the haveli and built the triple-arched gateway, and the property remained in the possession of Mewar State until 1947. After Independence, the Government of Rajasthan used it for housing its employees, but as with other nationalised properties, the haveli’s condition deteriorated to a deplorable extent. The Government was eventually persuaded to relinquish their hold on the haveli and in 1986; it was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre. The interiors of Haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. There are private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms. The Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style and there are glorious coloured-glass windows in some of the rooms as well as two peacocks made with coloured glass mosaics that display finest craftsmanship. Unique symbols of Rajput clan, such as jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items are also on display here.
2. Hotel Mandawa Haveli
This haveli of Thakur Bhagwant Singhji was built in the end of 19th century. This was once the residence of Mandawa’s ruler and now it is open for tourists for sightseeing and accommodations. This haveli is located in Shekhawati region and is famous for art works and perfect architectural features. The frescos, lavishing pillars and other elements of the structure stand out. The ceiling of the haveli has beautiful paintings decorated with jewels. The haveli still holds the ancient upholstery along with the traditional leather Mojadi footwear. The havelis of the Shekhawati region have set a benchmark for excellence in traditional art and architecture in Rajasthan. The Mandawa Haveli was built in 1896 by the 15th ruler of Mandawa, Thakur Bhagwant Singhji. The rich interiors with painted frescos, jewel-adorned pillars and ceiling are indicative of the prosperity of this business clan with ancestral havelis located in this trade route between Delhi-Bikaner.
3. Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli
Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli is located in Dundlod town of Jhunjhunu district. The haveli was built in 1875 and was once the residence of wealthy merchants of the region. Today, it is a living example of the lifestyle of merchants of the region. The haveli holds artifacts, clay models, and other elements which describe the prosperity of these merchants during yesteryear. This haveli is divided into two quarters; one for male and one for female. The female quarters called zenana is located in the inner side of the haveli. Today, the zenana part is a museum to find collection of lifestyle articles of the land. The haveli is an architectural marvel showcasing the life of the merchant clans of the region. The old artifacts, clay figures of merchants and traders depict olden times when the region was flourishing with trading communities that settled here. The haveli is separated into two different quarters, the mardana or male quarter and zenana or the inner female quarters and is one of the oldest havelis in Rajasthan. The haveli also serves as a museum giving a sneak peek into the lifestyle of the merchant community of Dundlod.
4. Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is a 18th century haveli and one of the main tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. This haveli is technically a collection of five similar havelis built side by side and occupied by five brothers, in the past. This haveli belonged to one of the famous and wealthy textile merchants of the century, Gyman Chand Patwa. This haveli is famous for unique architectural elements like wooden ceilings, mud floors for controlling temperature inside the haveli, yellow sandstone carvings, and others. This haveli is today an important cultural museum, which holds collection of handicrafts, textile items, silver jewelry, carpets, puppets and others. The collection of attires with extensive mirror works is the most explored part of this museum, by tourists. The complex was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa, a famous trader of textile and precious metals. The ingeniously designed wooden ceilings and mud floors of the haveli still serve as a great means of temperature control inside the magnificent structure. The mansion with brown gateway, has walls adorned with exquisite mirror works and beautiful paintings. The ornate paintings on yellow sandstone add to the grandeur of this cluster of havelis. Due to its brocade trading reputation, Patwon Ki Haveli is also known as ‘Mansion of Brocade Merchants’, based on its fervent trading characteristics. Locals say silver and golden thread dealers of Patwon Ki Haveli, made most their money through opium smuggling. At present, there is one haveli where guests are put up, while two others are under the authority of Archeological Survey of India.
5. Nathmal Ji ki Haveli
Nathmal Ji ki Haveli is an important tourist destination in Rajasthan. This haveli was built by the king of Jaisalmer Maharawal Bairisal in the end of 1885. However, his prime minister, Diwan Mohata Nathmal resided in this haveli, and thus the name. This haveli is famous for carvings, lattice works, floral patterns, and other royal Rajasthani styled architectural elements. Today, this haveli has a collection of elements and every-day articles, which describe the lifestyle of the ancient wealthy class people. The intricately-carved floral patterns and lattices represent the life and times of the 18th century royals in Jaisalmer. An expert eye will identify that the haveli is built in two different styles on either side. This is due to the fact that the two main architects, who were muslims and brothers, had a conflict on how the structure has to be built and the architects split their work. As a result of clash between the two the architectural differences in the two sides of the haveli, which are constructed differently. Apart from its extraordinary outer carvings, this haveli is known for its beautiful interiors filled with paintings and equipped with modern facilities. An amalgamation of Islamic and Rajputana architecture, Nathmal Ki Haveli is well justified as being one of the most beautiful havelis in Jaisalmer.
6. Alsisar Mahal Haveli
A heritage hotel this interesting haveli belonged to the Kachawa clan of Rajput. Built in 1862, this haveli is considered as a reminder of the culture of the land. Tourists can find many cultural programs taking place in this structure like traditional dance shows, puppet shows, and others. One of the many haveli’s converted into boutique heritage hotels in Jaipur it has preserved the splendour of the past. This boutique hotel allows occupants to be closer to the culture of the region. Some of the must try food items during your stay here include the Rajasthani dal, baati, churma, ghewar and mawa kachori. The boutique heritage hotel located in the modest arid village of Alsisar, 23 kms from Jhunjhunu, is an oasis sitting luminously among the battle-hardened desert surroundings. Built in 1737 by the ancestors of current heir Thakur Gaj Singhji, the brilliant Alsisar Mahal is the most recent addition to the Alsisar Group of Hotels. The magnificent architecture and the mesmerizing interiors, including antique furniture, intricately carved poster beds, and delicate Rajasthani motifs, create a luxurious ambiance fit for royalty. Alsisar Mahal boasts of beautifully appointed suites, a durbar hall converted into a modern fine-dining establishment, and enchanting lawns and pool.
7. Salim Singh ki Haveli
Salim Singh, the then-prime minister of Jaisalmer rebuilt this haveli in 1815, hence the name. This haveli was built with stones held together with iron rods. This unique strategy gives the structure massive strength to stand the passage of time. This haveli is said to be inspired by the structure and beauty of a dancing peacock. According to history, Salim Singh built this massively beautiful haveli to envy the king, which ended up being his demise. However, the beauty of this structure, the captivating carvings, and the fact that not even a drop of water, cement or mortar was used was used for construction of this structure, instead iron rods were used to hold the stones together. An interesting structure to visit, Salim Singh ki haveli is one of the most beautiful edifices situated in the heart of the Jaisalmer city. It happens to be one of the main tourist attractions in the city. The haveli is also popularly known as Jahaz Mahal as the front facet of the monument has close resemblance with a ship stern. Known for its architectural marvel and elegance the haveli has 38 balconies designed with pale blue cupolas and each of the balconies have got their distinct shape. At the entrance of the Haveli, tourist are welcomed by two elephants which are carved out of stones and the walls covered with countless imperial paintings. There is one more Mahal inside the Haveli, which is known as Moti Mahal. It was once upon a time a place for aristocratic and royal courtiers. It is one of the must-visit places in Jaisalmer. A must visit place in tourist travel itinerary.
8. Char Chowk Haveli
Char Chowk Haveli, Laxmangarh is a traditonal Rajsthani styled haveli of Four Courtyards built in 1840 by Muralidhar Ganeriwala. This haveli is famous for its four courtyards. This structure is located in Laxmangarh region and is an important tourist attraction famous for its aesthetic feature and cultural value. This is the only haveli which uses traditional Rajputana styled architectural features. Nowadays the haveli holds the Rajathani art gallery. Tourists can find artifacts, which shed light on the daily life and culture of wealthy class people of the land. The one main element that makes Char Chowk Haveli, an important tourist attraction is the carvings and paintings that decorate the walls of this haveli. One of the most beautiful and unique Havelis in Rajasthan. Nestled in the rugged and green Aravallis, the Char Chowk Haveli, recalls the glory and splendor of yesteryears. The Char Chowk Haveli is known for large paintings to latticed windows. The grand haveli has a beautiful painting of a bird standing on an elephant with another elephant in its peak. The uniqueness of the painting surely makes it memorable in the visitor’s eye. The walls and ceilings of the rooms on the eastern side of the Char Chowk Haveli, are completely covered with paintings. The paintings in the Char Chowk Haveli, are mostly covered by a blue wash. From exotic images to beautiful and unique silhouettes the paintings are simply a class apart. One of the oldest Havelis in Laxmangarh, the Char Chowk Haveli proves to be an art gallery for the tourists.
9. Piramal’s Haveli
The Piramal Haveli was built in 1924 by Seth Piramal Chaturbhuj Makhanja. This haveli stands out different from other havelies of this list because of its contemporary style of architecture rather than the traditional one. This haveli is built in a mixture of Indian and Italian style. This haveli is located in Bagar region of Rajasthan and attracts numerous sightseers every year. The haveli is quite small with just eight rooms interlinking with one large courtyard. The entire haveli is now a boutique hotel open for tourists. The haveli’s pillars are the most intricate piece of architectural beauty. The best time to visit this haveli is during the Gangaur festival, which takes place in March or April. During this festival, the Rajput families throw a traditional celebration at this haveli. Piramal Haveli, built in 1924 was turned into boutique hotel and showcases a more modern approach to traditional architecture. Seth Piramal was a trader of silver, cotton and opium and his haveli in Bagar is a Rajasthani-Italianate structure with gigantic European-style pillars connecting the eight rooms around a centrally-constructed courtyard. The murals on the walls are indicative of the British influence on the lifestyle of the wealthy local merchants and the craft they promoted through architecture.
10. Samode Haveli
Samode Haveli in Jaipur, is one of the luxury haveli. The haveli is more than 175 years old and part of Samode Palace still holds its charm. This huge mansion is today a thriving heritage hotel since 1988. This haveli is famous for artworks in almost all surfaces of the structure. The best of all are the courtyard and the dining room. The haveli has an elephant ramp in the entrance, which shows the royalty of the structure. The haveli was built by Jaipur’s then-prime minister Rawal Sheo Singh, as his primary residence. The haveli also holds numerous art beauties like printed textile, blue pottery items, and others. This ancestral mansion was turned into a boutique hotel and opened for guests to explore the luxurious artwork showcased in every corner of the haveli. The intricately-painted dining room, airy inner courtyards and the elephant ramp at the entrance serve as symbols of the grand lifestyle of the Maharajas who walked down these courtyards. Tourist visiting the Samode haveli can check out the local crafts market for the famous blue pottery and hand-block printed textiles. The hotel also has a spectacular courtyard swimming pool, with comfortable traditional day beds for luxurious relaxation, and guests can enjoy traditional puppet shows and Rajasthani music and dance performances in the evenings. The hotel’s staff can also organise tailor-made sightseeing trips and excursions to suit all guests’ needs. Highlight is the Sheesh Mahal suit. It is 200 years old and is decorated with original Samode mirror work. The walls are frescoed with traditional Rajasthani paintings. Each of the 39 rooms and suites are individually designed and furnished with genuine antiques and fixtures. Old family portraits adorn the walls and the ambience and experience is further enhanced due to the presence of state-of-the-art in room amenities. Most of the rooms have a separate dressing area. A must visit for tourist.
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