Havelis & Sculptures of Rajasthan: These Havelis in Rajasthan, India have maintained their vintage charm and decor and recreates the medieval ambiance everywhere. The colorful paintings and the graceful sculptures of Rajasthan are manifestations of the people’s love for color and celebration. The state has contributed a lot to the richness of the Indian Art. The people of Rajasthan love to add a beautiful aura to their homes through their own fascinating creations—paintings and sculptures. This trend of decoration dates back to the days when Rajasthan was ruled by royal families. The erstwhile Maharajas patronized these art forms and as a result many great artists flourished in those days. The paintings and sculptures of Rajasthan are famous all over the world for their distinctive style and beauty.
Why is havelis famous?
Havelis are famous for exotic artwork, intensive designs, and royal décor. Havelies were once the residences of many eminent royal court members or wealthy merchants. In vague terms, havelis are royal mansions.
Ancient, Medieval and Modern History of Rajasthan
Art, Culture and Heritage of Rajasthan
Polity and Administration of Rajasthan
Havelis & Sculptures of Rajasthan
Rampuria Group of Havelis, Bikaner
Bikaner has several havelis (aristocratic homes), the most famous cluster being the Rampuria Group of Havelis. The havelis are built of dulmera (red) stone, include – jharaokha (casements), entrances, latticed windows, divankhanas, gumaharias or basements. These massive havelis are decorated with golden work of the highest quality and Jharokhas are decorated with designs of flowers & leaves. There is Victorian influence in the design and also include exquisite wood carvings.
Kothari and Surana Haveli, Churu
Oswal Jain merchant families constructed these beautiful painted havelis. Malji’s Haveli made by Malaji Kothari is the most popular haveli. Another famous haveli is the Surana Double Haveli.
Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
One of the most exquisite buildings in the walled city, which truly exemplifies the architectural style typical of erstwhile Rajputana. It is five storeys high and the extensive corridors and chambers are supported by intricately carved pillars.While the haveli has lost some of its early glory, a few paintings and mirror work art can still be seen on the inside walls.
Nathmal ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Carved by Lalu and Hathi, two brothers for the Prime Minister of State, Nathmalji in 19th century. The most interesting fact is that the brothers worked separately, one on the right side and other on the left side, the result is a absolute symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction. The haveli is richly carved and the inner chambers are decorated with miniature paintings.
Salim Singh ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
This haveli was built in the first half of the 18th century by Salim Singh, a powerful Chief Minister of Jaisalmer and a part of it is still occupied by descendants of the original residents. The high arched roof is supported by carved brackets designed in the shape of peacocks.The five stroryed structure dominates the skyline of the walled city due to its form. The haveli begins with a narrow dimension below with an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. It is distinguished by the blue cupola roof.
Haveli’s of Laxmangarh, Sikar
There are numerous havelis in the town, namely the Sawant Ram Chokhani Haveli, Bansidhar Rathi Haveli, Sanganeria Haveli, Mirijamal Kyala Haveli, Char Chowk Haveli and Kedia Haveli, adorned with fresco paintings in the Shekhawati style.
- The Radhi Murlimanohar temple, constructed in 1845, is popular for the beautiful sculptures of deities on the wall.
Haveli’s & Bawdi’s of Fatehpur, Sikar
Fatehpur is a town in the Sikar which is part of the Shekhawati region. Located on midway between Jaipur and Bikaner (NH-11), Fatehpur is famous for grand havelis with frescos and a number of bawdis.
Main attraction of Fatehpur is:-
- Sitaram Kedia Ki Haveli
- Jagannath Singhania Haveli
- Saraf Haveli
- The Nadine Le Prince Cultural Centre
- The Dwarkadheesh Temple
- Qureshi Farms
Rani ji Baori, Bundi
Bundi has more than 50 stepwell and rightly known as city of stepwalls. Raniji ki Baori, also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’, is a famous stepwell built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji, the younger queen of the ruling king Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi. This multi-storied stepwell displays excellent carvings of Gajraj with his trunk turned inwards, giving the impression of having drunk from the baori on its pillars. Its high arched gate gives it an inviting appearance.
Abhaneri, Dausa
Abhaneri is famous for its Post-gupta or early medieval monuments. The Chand Baori (Step Well) and Harshat Mata Temple are prominent monuments. The temple is an excellent example of intricate carving on stone whereas the Baori has stairs with unparallel artistic and architectural beauty. It is situated at about 33 Kms from the district headquarter towards Bandikui.
Alanpur Baori, Sawai Madhopur
A four line Persian inscription on a rectangular stone slab, fixed in the Ghori Baori in Alanpur village, belongs to Alauddin Fidan Shah, son of Mahmud Shah Khalji I, Sultan of Malwa. It is dated A.H. 874 (A.D. 1469-70) and records construction of the step-well by Khwaja Jahan son of Bir Ali Turk Khurasani. The slab now broken into four pieces has been taken to the Ranthambhore Fort collection of antiquities.
Hadi Rani Baori, Todrai Singh, Tonk
The step-tank is rectangular on plan with double-storeyed corridors on the western side, each having arched doorway. Below the lower storey, there are images of Brahma, Ganesa and Mahishasuramardini which are enshrined in niches. On all the three sides, steps are arranged in sets of thirteen each at higher level and five each at lower level, going up to the water level. It is datable to circa twelfth-thirteenth century A.D.
Vijaya Stambh, Chittorgarh
Vijaya Stambh is a huge nine storey tower which was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440, the tower signifies the victorious spirit of the Rajput Kingdom after securing a victory over the intruder Mohammed Khilji. The towers stands at a height of 37 meters and compromises of 9 floors offer a great view of the city of Chittorgarh and the Chittorgarh Fort.
Kirti Stambh, Chittorgarh
Kirti Stambh or the tower of fame is part of the two popular stumbhs or pillars inside the Chittorgarh Palace. Kriti Stambh is a 12th-century tower situated at Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan, India. Dedicated to the first Jain teethankar Adinath, the stambh is a 22 meter high seven storied tower having a sculpture of Adinath in the second floor.Kirti Stambh is older than another tower in the same fort, known as the Vijaya Stambh (Tower of Victory). The topmost floor of the pillar offers a panoramic view of the whole Chittorgarh city and attracts a large number of travelers, historians and photography enthusiasts.
Famous Stambhas of Rajasthan:
| Vijay Stambh | Chittorgarh |
| Kirti Stambh | Chittorgarh |
| Minar of Nehar Khan | Kota |
| Gooler ka Ludan | Jodhpur |
| Gamtaji | Jodhpur |
| Safdarjung | Alwar |
| Sargasooli(Isarlaat) | Jaipur |