Photo Gallery

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is renowned for its ornate jharokhas (covered balcony recesses). These sandstone balconies, often featuring delicate jalis (latticework windows), provided cooling, privacy and sweeping views over the ‘Blue City’. The structure is entirely crafted from the red or brown sandstone characteristic of Jodhpur, masterfully carved by hand. – 1990

The impressive façade of Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, one of the most significant architectural monuments of the ‘Golden City’. The entire residence was built from the local yellow-gold sandstone for which the desert region around Jaisalmer is famous. The façade captivates with its numerous richly decorated, projecting balconies (known as jharokhas) featuring the finest stone carving, reminiscent of lace or lace borders. The delicate stone lattices (jalis) serve not only as decoration but also allow for constant air circulation, keeping the interior of the building cool even in the extreme desert heat. – 1990

The impressive façade of Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, one of the most significant architectural monuments of the ‘Golden City’. The complex was commissioned in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, an extremely wealthy merchant dealing in brocade, gold and silver thread, and opium. It is not a single building, but a connected complex of five separate havelis, built over a period of around 50 to 60 years for his five sons. Parts of the complex are now managed by the state heritage authority, whilst another part serves as a private museum (Kothari’s Patwa Haveli Museum), offering an insight into the luxurious lifestyle of the merchant class in the 19th century. – 1990

The famous Salim Singh ki Haveli (also known as Moti Mahal) in the desert city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The building was commissioned in 1815 by Salim Singh, the then extremely powerful and equally feared Prime Minister (Diwan) of the Kingdom of Jaisalmer. The upper storey features a striking, sweeping structure modelled on a peacock and is surrounded by a total of 38 elegant balconies, each adorned with unique ornamentation. Due to its ship-like shape, the building is also popularly known as Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace). The entire façade is constructed from the golden sandstone typical of Jaisalmer. It captivates with its masterfully crafted balconies (known as jharokhas), delicate lattice windows and curved Bengali roofs. – 1990