HAVELI

Havelis are traditional mansions that were built by wealthy merchants and nobles in Rajasthan, India, during the 19th and early 20th centuries Jaisalmer, a city in Rajasthan, is famous for its havelis, which are characterized by their intricate carvings, frescoes, and stained glass windows. Here are some of the key architectural features of havelis in Jaisalmer:

1 Sandstone construction: Like most buildings in Jaisalmer, havelis are made of local yellow sandstone, which gives them a distinctive golden hue The sandstone is cut into intricate patterns and shapes, and used to decorate the exterior and interior of the haveli.

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Jharokhas: Jharokhas, or projecting balconies, are a characteristic feature of Rajasthani architecture, and are often found in havelis. The jharokhas are decorated with intricate carvings and provide a shaded seating area from which to view the street below.

Courtyards: Most havelis have a central courtyard, which is surrounded by living spaces and provides natural light and ventilation. The courtyards are often decorated with plants, fountains, and other features that create a peaceful and relaxing environment

Frescoes: Havelis in Jaisalmer are famous for their intricate frescoes, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, local folklore, and historical events The frescoes are painted on the walls and ceilings, and are characterized by their vivid colors and fine details.

Water storage: It was common for havelis in Jaisalmer to have stepped levels for water storage Stepped levels were constructed using locally sourced materials such as stone, brick, and lime mortar. The levels were built in a stepped or terraced pattern, with each level slightly lower than the one above it. The capacity of water storage tanks varied depending on the size of the haveli and the needs of its inhabitants Some tanks could hold up to several thousand liters of water.