Haweli

Haweli Haveli, haveli urdu: حویلی, hindi: हवेली) - type of residence of Rajputs aristocracy and merchants, especially in Rajasthan, Northern India. Some of the most famous haweli, often decorated with frescoes, are now open to the public. Haveli in Pakistan and northern India are mostly built in the Muslim style, with an internal patio, sometimes also with a fountain. Many of the halls in the Mogholic style are also preserved in the old part of Lahore and Delhi. Typical haweli in Jaisalmer.

The term "hawela" is of Persian origin, literally meaning "closed place", originally meant the type of Vaisnava temple in Gujarat. Some of these cult buildings are famous for their magnificent frescoes depicting gods, goddesses, animals or mythological and historical scenes, also from colonial times.

Later, the rich marbled merchants had based their designs on buildings of this type, which also signified their prosperity and significance.

The area with a high artistic value is Shekhawati, in North Rajasthan,

Typical haveli in the Shekhawati area have two inner courtyards - men's and women's inner courtyards. The biggest haweli had three or even four courtyards. At present most haveli are deserted and neglected.

In addition to the frescoes, another common decorative item is jharokha, a kind of richly sculptured balcony. One of the functions of these balconies was to allow women to observe street life without being seen.

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