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Travel
Rajasthan
Jaisalmer
:
The name Jaisalmer
induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of
the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth
and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main
draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The
beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of
Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert
city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes
while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert
citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert.
Jaisalmer
Fort :
Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand
, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert
ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades
gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions
envelops a whole townships that consist of palace complex
various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants
carved with an incredibly light touch, several temples and the
residential complexes of the armies and traders placed
strategically on the trade route, from where the ancient
caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the
prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom. These
merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble
status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the
state in the 12th century and proceeded further. But the rich
merchant inspired by the classic style of the royals ,
constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in
the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated walls
and ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and interiors.
The colourful art forms and some how side kind the royal
heritage and made it appear more pale in comparison . The
craftsmen were usually muslims who were induced on their
journey to exhibit their skills. The results was architectural
purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli :
Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century.
Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other
concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony
epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction.
Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the
interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand
guard to the haveli.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli :
This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is
still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when
Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his
mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved
brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below
the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden
storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's
palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.
Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli :
This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in
Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high
and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments,
two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families
who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are
remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as
some mirror work.
Next
courtesy - rtdc
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