Salim ji ki Haveli Jaisalmer

Location: In the heart of Jaisalmer near Railway station
How to reach: Take a rickshaw ride to avoid traffic jam
Attraction: Architecture, chiefly balconies
Timings: Early morning till 5 P.M.

Salim ji ki Haveli Jaisalmer has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital.

The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. People claim that Salim Singh made two additional floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough evidence to corroborate the story.

Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.

Architectural Importance
Salim Singh Ki Haveli is of versatile architectural works. It was built on a 300 years old palace; the mansion which was completely built on it was very attractive to see. It follows the strict Rajput pattern of architecture. It is made of yellow and red sand stones. It has one of the splendid marble works. There are large and small rooms with beautiful fresco and well carved pillars, doors and windows. It has unique balconies, which are more than 40 in numbers. Each and every balcony is very different from others. The most wonderful to look is the top most balconies which projects in a classical style. It has two full size gain tuskers on its entrance. This Haveli is well known for its natural cooling effects. It is through architectural dynamics of those crafts man at that period only knows how to make this cooling affects naturally. In summer you can find the cool breeze inside the Haveli. Over all it is a royal mansion.

Historical Importance
Salim Singh Ki Haveli was built in 1805 on an old palace. It is also said that it was a modified structure of the old palace. It also has a nick name called 'Ship Mansion'. The master mind behind the palace is Salim Singh who was the prime minister of Jaisalmer at that time. He built this for residing here. Later this mansion was lodged in by the Mehta family. It is also said that the heights of the building was raised to the height of Maharajs palace by Salim Singh ji and the Maharaja ordered to destroy the heightened floors. This palace is known for its distinguished balconies.