Havelis in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is named after the Rajputs who were kings as well as brave soldiers. They have created many spectacular building where they used to stay popularly known as havelis, which helped as a resident for the royal family. These monuments are the 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.
Talking about the exquisite Patwon ki haveli, this enduring mansion is beautified with amazing mirror work and exquisite paintings. It is believed to be constructed between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. The exquisite building of Alsisar Haveli is a well illustration of architectural brilliance and displays the traditional Rajput artistic flavor. At present the haveli is converted into a heritage hotel. Nathmalji Ki Haveli was built in late 19th century. The Muslims artisans whose excellent craftsmanship has made this mansion a live example of exclusive architecture and the art deserve to be praised. The left and right wings are beautifully carved which leaves the tourist mesmerized.
The Samode haveli consists of 43 lavishly made rooms including 3 Royal Suites, 15 deluxe suites and 25 Deluxe Rooms. All the rooms are furnished with modern set-up and facilities. The interiors of the Palace are decorated with delicate marble craft, colorful patterns, strong colored walls, traditional art objects. The major attraction of the palace is the Durbar Hall, which is exclusively made up of mirror work and enamel work which is known as Minakari.

Alsisar Haveli
The Alsisar Haveli in located in the heart of the Jaipur city. The history of this haveli dates back to the 18th century. It highlights the splendor of old Rajput days and the regal of rajasthani experience for the guests. This beautiful Haveli was built in the year 1862 and has a large elevated platform that dominates the central area of the ground floor, which was once used for get-together by the gentlemen of the house and now used for hosting puppet shows and folk dances for guests. Alsisar Haveli, one of the rich heritage of shekhawati region, is als known as Asisar Mahal.

Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli is an old building build in front of the Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. It has more than 100 rooms with well-arranged balconies, terraces, courtyards and corridors. Among the many precious and unmatched articles, Bagore Ki Haveli contains the costumes of the royal king, premium mural paintings of Rajasthan designed in Mewar, exclusive stuff of Rajputs like jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items of the erstwhile rulers.

Castle Mandawa
The Mandawa Fort, also known as the Castle Mandawa was built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh with a medieval theme.This is a colossal fort that has a painted arched gateway with pictures of Lord Krishna and his cows. Paintings of Lord Krishna, exquisite carvings and amazing mirror works are fundamental to the rooms of this fort.
A number of antiques and paintings enhance the beauty of the darbar halls of this fort. The Castle Mandawa has now been converted into a heritage hotel with all modern facilities and is managed by the royal family of Mandawa, highly attracted by tourists.

Mandawa Haveli
The Mandawa Haveli Jaipur was built in the year 1896 by Thakur Bhagwat Singhji, the 15th ruler of Mandawa. This Haveli is situated in the shekhawati region of Jaipur and was ruled by the clan of Kachhawa Rajputs. The Haveli , built in Jaipur style of architecture has numerous pillars and arches and is richly curved. It is adorned with the interesting and beautiful paintings of Lord Krishna and his cowsheds.
The beautiful Mandawa Haveli possess different theme for its different wings. The spacious rooms are adorned with intricate wall paintings and mirror work. It has an open terrace, proving panoramic view of the entire Shekhawati. The ‘darwar’, now an exotic lounge is adorned with richly paintings and preserved antiques.All the valuable belongings of the royal family are still preserved in the showcase of a museum especially the ceremonial costumes and the precious arms with the handle of jade, brought by the British as a gift. The royal ambiances of those years still linger the room.

Nathmalji ki Haveli
Nathmalji Ki Haveli was the residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal, and it was built in yellow sandstone in Jaisalmer. The most interesting fact about it is that all its artefacts are done by a jeweler and not a stone carver.

Patwon ki Haveli
The Patwon ki Haveli is the most important and the largest haveli, and this haveli is in Jaisalmer. It is not a single haveli but a group of five small havelis. The first in the row is also the most popular, and is also known as Kothari's Patwa Haveli. The first among these was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, then a rich trader of jewelry and fine brocades, and is the biggest and the most grandiose. Patwa was a rich man and a well-known trader of his time and he could afford and thus order the construction of separate stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century.

Salim Singh ki Haveli
Salim Ji ki Haveli is located at the heart of the Jaisalmer city, near the Jaisalmer railway station. This 300 years old Haveli is named after its owner Salim Singh Mahto and was built on the remains of an older haveli, built in the late 17th century. Salim Singh Mahto was the then prime minister of the princely state with Jaisalmer as its capital. Presently a part of the Haveli is still occupied by the descendent of Salim Singh Mahto. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort and has a distinct architecture.

Samode Haveli
The Samode Haveli is one of the ancient building of the 'Pink city', Jaipur. This Haveli is about 150 years old and was built by Rawal Sheo Singhji. He was the prime minister of those time in the Jaipur court and belonged to the Samode family. This majestic old mansion is adorned with beautiful courtyard, gardens and terraces. The inner courtyard of the haveli was built and used as the manor house of the royal family of Samode.
The Samode Haveli is one of the major attractions of Jaipur. This haveli is north facing, thus avoiding the harsh sun and remains cool. The airy verandahs of Samode haveli provide a best refreshing location to the tourists.