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Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital.
The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. People claim that Salim Singh made two additional floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough evidence to corroborate the story.
Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.
History of Salim Singh ki Haveli
The splendid 300 years old Salim Singh ki Haveli was built by the erstwhile Prime Minister of Jaisalmer- Salim Singh Mehta. Constructed in 1815, the haveli was built on the land of the older haveli standing on the same grounds which was occupied by the Mehtas themselves. Unlike the usual buildings constructed with cement and mortar, this one was constructed by joining stones with the help of strong rods.
Architecture of Salim Singh ki Haveli
Boasting of marvellous architectural patterns and designs, Salim Singh ki haveli is adorned by a beautiful blue cupola roof in the central segment. The central axis of the building is shaped like a giant ship; it is also believed that the structure of the haveli was inspired by a dancing peacock. For the same reason, the monument is also known as ‘Jahazmahal’ by the locals. The structure is tapering for the first two floors and then gradually branches out to pave way for the balconies. Dotted with a number of rooms, frescoes, pillars and courtyards, the USP of the Haveli is its 38 ‘jharokas’ i.e. balconies which are all different from each other. Flanking the magnificent entrance are two life sized replicas of mighty elephants which is also considered a symbol of high rank in Rajasthan.
In addition to that, the Haveli boasts of chiselled window screen, bracketed walls- all replete with beautiful elaborate carvings. Other than wide stone inlays and charming paintings adorning the panels, there are also shelved walls which are not just unique in nature but are also an example of excellent craftsmanship of the time. The latticed murals, wall paintings and half- timbered paintings are all reminders of the flamboyant ancient time and stand strong as a true testimony to the bygone era. It is also believed that originally the Haveli was built upto five storeys but the magnificent structure invited the envy of the king and so on his orders, two floors were demolished. The monuments still continues to have five floors and is one of the architectural wonders of Jaisalmer.
The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. People claim that Salim Singh made two additional floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough evidence to corroborate the story.
Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.
History of Salim Singh ki Haveli
The splendid 300 years old Salim Singh ki Haveli was built by the erstwhile Prime Minister of Jaisalmer- Salim Singh Mehta. Constructed in 1815, the haveli was built on the land of the older haveli standing on the same grounds which was occupied by the Mehtas themselves. Unlike the usual buildings constructed with cement and mortar, this one was constructed by joining stones with the help of strong rods.
Architecture of Salim Singh ki Haveli
Boasting of marvellous architectural patterns and designs, Salim Singh ki haveli is adorned by a beautiful blue cupola roof in the central segment. The central axis of the building is shaped like a giant ship; it is also believed that the structure of the haveli was inspired by a dancing peacock. For the same reason, the monument is also known as ‘Jahazmahal’ by the locals. The structure is tapering for the first two floors and then gradually branches out to pave way for the balconies. Dotted with a number of rooms, frescoes, pillars and courtyards, the USP of the Haveli is its 38 ‘jharokas’ i.e. balconies which are all different from each other. Flanking the magnificent entrance are two life sized replicas of mighty elephants which is also considered a symbol of high rank in Rajasthan.
In addition to that, the Haveli boasts of chiselled window screen, bracketed walls- all replete with beautiful elaborate carvings. Other than wide stone inlays and charming paintings adorning the panels, there are also shelved walls which are not just unique in nature but are also an example of excellent craftsmanship of the time. The latticed murals, wall paintings and half- timbered paintings are all reminders of the flamboyant ancient time and stand strong as a true testimony to the bygone era. It is also believed that originally the Haveli was built upto five storeys but the magnificent structure invited the envy of the king and so on his orders, two floors were demolished. The monuments still continues to have five floors and is one of the architectural wonders of Jaisalmer.