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Salem
Singh Haveli
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli at the eastern end of the city, is an
‘Arabian Nights’ structure and worth seeing. This 300 year
old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal
Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with
superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This
extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with
intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony
on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of
the array of havelis.
Patwon ki Haveli
Near the city was built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five
sons, who were dealers in brocade, gold and silver
embroidery with businesses stretching between Afghanistan
and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are
the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth.
The stone carving here far surpasses in beauty the work on
brocade and gold. The balconies are also delicately
chiselled and worth some respect. It is the grandest mansion
in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
Nathmal Haveli Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
This haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later day prime minister
who gifted it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain it.
Built by two brothers in 1885, the haveli has two identical
looking portions, which are in fact two different parts
united by a common facade. The Muslim silavats (artisans)
did a wonderful job here and left a marvellous legacy of
craftsmanship excellent in detail and flawless in
conception. |
