Patwari Exam · Rajasthan GK

Havelis of Rajasthan

This note introduces Rajasthan's major havelis — Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli, Bagore ki Haveli and the Shekhawati frescoes.

Key Facts

Patwon ki Haveli (Jaisalmer): Comprises 5 separate havelis; built by Gopa Chand Patwa between 1800–1860; has the most elaborate latticed carving.
Nathmal ki Haveli (Jaisalmer): Built in 1885 for Diwan Mohta Nathmal; features elephant statues and Hindu-Muslim architecture.
Salim Singh ki Haveli (Jaisalmer): Dates to the 18th century; has a peacock-shaped roof (Mor-Mahal).
Bagore ki Haveli (Udaipur): Built by Amir Chand Badwa in the 18th century; located on the banks of Lake Pichola.
Sethon ki Haveli (Shekhawati): Found in Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu and Nagaur; built by merchants in the 18th–19th centuries; famous for their frescoes.
Sunehri Kothi (Tonk): Dates to the Nawabi era, 19th century; famous for its gold-leaf carving.
Shekhawati frescoes: Found in over 700 havelis; a sign of the prosperity of Marwari merchants.
Amarkot Haveli (Jodhpur): Reflects the architecture of the Blue City.
Common haveli features: Latticed jharokha windows, large courtyards, mirror-work and clay tiles.
Havelis today: Many havelis are now being converted into tourist attractions and hotels; the state government promotes them as "heritage hotels."

Who built Patwon ki Haveli?+

Jaisalmer's Patwon ki Haveli was built by Gopa Chand Patwa between 1800–1860; it comprises 5 separate havelis.

What are the havelis of Shekhawati famous for?+

The 700-plus havelis of Shekhawati (Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu, Nagaur) are famous for their frescoes, built by merchants in the 18th–19th centuries.

What is distinctive about Salim Singh ki Haveli?+

Jaisalmer's Salim Singh ki Haveli (18th century) has a peacock-shaped roof, also called the Mor-Mahal.