Nathmal Ki Haveli

Nathmal Ki Haveli is a 19th-century mansion in the old lanes of Jaisalmer, completed in 1885. Maharawal Beri Sal ordered it as the home of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, then prime minister of the Jaisalmer state. Its design combines Rajput, Islamic and wider Rajasthani elements.

Two brothers, Hathi and Lulu, are said to have split the site and each built one half on his own. The two sides roughly mirror each other but differ in many small details. Two life-size elephants of yellow sandstone stand at the entrance, and the facade is carved with horses, cattle and plants. Painted pillars, murals and carved ceilings fill the inside, and latticed jharokhas let air in while allowing residents to look down on the street. Shaded courtyards were used for gatherings, around private rooms and stores.