![]() Architecturally, the city has a wonderful legacy of old buildings, united by the common use of local yellow-brown stone and beautifully preserved because of the isolated location. Stylistically, they are a blend of Rajput and Islamic influences, untouched by any European nuances. The monuments at Jaisalmer represent the rich artistic skill and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the region. The various palaces, forts and religious monuments of Jaisalmer are beautifully ornamented with intricately carved works. Exquisite lattice work can be seen on the pillars, walls and ceilings of the various monuments. The traditional forts here display brilliant wood work carvings made by the indigenous craftsmen. The grandeur and artwork of the ancient artisans are a remarkable sight to behold, and make the monuments of Rajasthan a major tourist attraction. ![]() The group of Jain temples found within the fort date back to the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. The oldest is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha. ![]() The Havelis of Jaisalmer, or mansions of the Rajput nobles are some extremely fine monumental constructions. They are beautiful town houses built of honey-coloured sandstone and enriched with delicately carved facades. They have balconies of the finest jail work overlooking the narrow streets. Behind these intricate stone screens the women withdrew in Purdah. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built in 1815, possibly on the core of an earlier building of the late seventeenth century. It was the residence of the influential Mohta family. It has a beautifully carved roof and exquisite details in the carvings with brackets in the form of peacocks. The entrance is guarded by a large stone elephant. The Haveli is often called the Jahazmahal because the upper portion of the house oversails boldly like a ship's prow. The top two stories -the Kanchanmahal and Rangamahal- were once adorned with glass mosaics and bright colours. The Haveli is currently still occupied. ![]() The largest and most elaborate of all the Havelis is the Patwon ki Haveli. It was built in 1805 as one of a group of five built for the Patua brothers. The entire front is carved with elaborate detail. It stands in a narrow alley and has beautiful murals. Yet another haveli, the Simla Haveli is a 500 year old building in the Jaisalmer fort. The Haveli of the Prime minister of Jaisalmer is the Haveli Shreenath. It is a beautiful 450 year old Haveli which was once occupied by the Prime Minister under the Maharajah. The haveli has gorgeous archways, alcoves and spacious rooms. The Mehra Haveli was built by the Mayor of Jaisalmer city, Gopikishen Mehra. It was named after his grandmother Parwati Devi as Parwati Sadan. On the other hand, the Jawahar Niwas lies outside the town. It is an opulent palace built as a guest-house for private visitors. On the banks of the Amar Sagar, a few miles west of Jaisalmer, is the pleasure palace of Amar Singh, built around a courtyard with an extensive formal garden. There has been increasingly seen a resurgence of the town due to the military presence here. Jaisalmer is a popular site for tourists as it still tells the tale of the glorious Rajputs through its various monuments. |
More Articles in Monuments of Rajasthan (72) | |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||