Havelis
of Jaisalmer are a beautiful imagination
on stone. Patwon ki Haveli is songs carved
in sandstone. Haveli has been carved and
pierced incredibly into variant patterns;
as a result everything is in perfect synergy,
never bitter to the eye. The havelis are
also known as the ‘mansion of brocade
merchants’ as the family apparently
dealt in threads of gold and silver used
in embroidering dresses.
Another prominenthaveli of Jaisalmer
is the Nokhatmal haveli, which is a quite
recent addition, havingbeen constructed only
a few years ago. Salim Singh Ki Haveli is
one of the most striking features. The mansions
with pavilion seem to float on top of the
building and a delightfully arched roof with
superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks.
Wander ontothe balcony, glance
up at the wall, and you will find a man scowling
back from under his turban. In some areas
of the Nathmal haveli you won’t be allowed
to go beyond the ground floor shop, but you
can still fix your eyes on at the building's
exquisite facade, taking in minutely carved
jharokhas and jaalis as delicate as filigree.
