Figure 20 Royal square

Figure 20 Royal square Source- https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/Jaisalmer/jaisalmermain.htm

4.4 Dwelling units

The houses in the city are based on the principal of “privacy” with help of specific elements and expression in the house. The common features that can be observed in every house are:

• A small semi-covered space called “otla” is made in front of majority of houses. • As we go above the ground floor the no of openings increase in the house towards the street.

• Courtyard in the house is the main source of natural light and ventilation.

There are three type of houses in Jaisalmer1. Small house-

There are various types of small houses found in the city of Jaisalmer but they have some common features like –i. Courtyards a t the center of the house

ii. Private rooms at the back portion of the city.

iii. Kitchen near the courtyard.

iv. No opening toward the streets on the ground floor.

v. These are made by undressed yellow sandstone with mud mortar and mud plaster at the interior.

vi. Mostly these are of single story.

vii. These are the common feature which we can find in almost every house of Jaisalmer city.

• The ground floor has no openings towards the streets except the entrance door only which is approached by some step from the house plinth.