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» Havelis in Jaisalmer

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• Salem Singh ki Haveli
  It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (houses of rich merchants) should be seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture, a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh haveli, at the eastern end of the city, is an Arabian Nights structure, which, like a wild flower, blossoms at the top.
• Patwon ki Haveli
  This Haveli is just near the city centre. Built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, this haveli deals in brocade, gold and silver embroidery with business stretching between Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and gold.
• Nathmal ki Haveli
  This haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later day prime minister who gifted it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain it. Built by two brothers in 1885, this haveli has two identical looking portions, which are in fact two different parts united by a commonfacadee. Look for the projected balconies, which seem to emerge from books of poetry. The Muslim silavats (artisans) did a wonderful job here and left a marvellous legacy of craftsmanship excellent in detail and flawless in conception. So ethereal and charming, the carving never looked better. A perfect example of jeweller's art applied to stone carving. If only for viewing these havelis a trip to Jaisalmer is more than amply rewarded.

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» Havelis in Shekhawati

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Shekhawati is a towns famous for its beautifully designed, carved, and painted haveli houses. Most of the havelis in Shekhawati were built from the 18th to the early 1900s. Around the 15th century, several important trading posts were established in this area, and many of the merchants became quite wealthy. The main towns in this area are Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Nawalgarh, and Mandawa. The Painted Towns of Shekhawati by Ilay Cooper, gives a detailed account of the towns, buildings, and history of the area.