Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is located in the western part of the state of Rajasthan, approximately 600 kilometers away from the capital city of Jaipur. It sits at an average height of 229 metres and is near the India – Pakistan border. Jaisalmer makes for an enchanting landscape in the heart of the Thar Desert as the city sits upon yellowish sandstone ridge, adorned by an impressive fort and many opulent havelis.

Havelis in general are a popular tourist attraction across Rajasthan; their architecture and adornment changing from place to place in the state. In Jaisalmer, Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli is particularly worthy of a mention. Known for its distinct architectural prowess, this Haveli has an interesting history as well. Built upon the remains of an older Haveli which can be dated to the late 17th century, this new and impressive 19th century structure of stately architecture is a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer. It was commissioned by the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh who hailed from an extremely powerful family in the city.

Salim Singh’s father, Prime Minister Swarup Singh Mehta was beheaded by the heir apparent from the Bhati family in dispute over a maiden and a debt. At the young age of 11, Salim Singh swore revenge and eventually, he eliminated many rivals. He ensured that many members of the ruling family were in his debt and therefore wielded a significant control over the kingdom. The Haveli was his home and has 6 stories and is interestingly narrow at the base and grows wider with each level. It has 38 impressive balconies and carved peacocks adorn the four corners of the top floor of this truly magnificent structure. A walk through these balconies will show that each has been built and adorned in a different style with exquisitely carved brackets and arched roofs. In fact, the front facade of the Haveli is cleverly designed to resemble a ship. Thus the Haveli is also sometimes called Jahaz Mahal.

The grandeur of this Haveli is such that it has its own folklore. It is said that Salim Singh had originally built a total of 8 stories in his house in order to make is as high as the Fort. However, the Maharaja did not appreciate such ambitions and ordered for the extra floors to be torn down. There is however no historical evidence to substantiate this story.