RamonTietjen8 at 18:40, 17 April 2026

2026-04-17T18:40:11Z

New page

{{short description|Traditional type of house in the Indian subcontinent}}
{{Italic title}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2022}}
[[File:Patwon ki haveli 18.jpg|200px|thumb|''Patwon Ji Ki Haveli'', [[Jaisalmer]], [[Rajasthan|Rajasthan, India]].]]

A '''''haveli''''' is a traditional [[townhouse]], [[mansion]], or [[manor house]], in the [[Indian subcontinent]], usually one with historical and architectural significance, and located in a town or city. The word ''haveli'' is derived from Arabic ''hawali'',<ref name="diction">{{cite web |title=haveli - definition of haveli in English from the Oxford dictionary |url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/haveli |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928070004/http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/haveli |archive-date=28 September 2013 |access-date=2016-01-19 |website=Oxforddictionaries.com}}</ref> meaning "partition" or "private space", popularised under the [[Mughal Empire]], and was devoid of any architectural connotation.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sarah |first1=Tillotson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7t-rQrSEK-0C |title=Indian Mansions: A Social History of the Haveli |date=1998 |publisher=Orient longman |isbn=0-900891-91-2 |page=72}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=January 2026}} Later, the word ''haveli'' came to be used as a generic term for various styles of regional [[mansions]], [[manor houses]], and [[townhouses]] found in the Indian subcontinent.<ref name="Bahl">{{cite news|last=Bahl |first=Vani |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Haveli-%E2%80%94-A-Symphony-of-Art-and-Architecture/2014/10/27/article2494669.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216145715/http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Haveli-%E2%80%94-A-Symphony-of-Art-and-Architecture/2014/10/27/article2494669.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2014 |title=Haveli — A Symphony of Art and Architecture |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=2016-01-19}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Sanchi stupa fort.jpg|thumb|200px|Multistorey structures and balconies during [[Mauryan Empire]], 3rd century BCE]]

The term ''haveli'' originates from [[Arabic]] word ''hawali'', meaning "partition" or "private space", term which was popularized under [[Mughal Empire]].<ref name="diction"/> Early havelis served [[Muslim]] rulers of the [[Indian subcontinent]] and became an important architectural component of urban environments under the [[Mughals]]. Although the term ''havelis'' originated from [[Indo-Islamic architecture]], the existence of multi-story homes and courtyards in the region is claimed as early as 3300 BCE.<ref name=Lal>{{cite book |first=B. B. |last=Lal |author-link=B. B. Lal (archaeologist) |year=1997 |title=The Earliest Civilisation of South Asia (Rise, Maturity and Decline)}}</ref><ref name=MorrieAEJ>{{cite book |last1=Morris |first1=A.E.J. |title=History of Urban Form: Before the Industrial Revolutions |date=1994 |publisher=Routledge |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-0-582-30154-2 |page=31 |edition=Third |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whBEAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31 |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>

During the medieval period, the term ''haveli'' was also applied by some [[Vaishnava]] sects to refer to their temples in [[Gujarat]] under the [[Mughal Empire]] and [[Rajputana]] kingdoms. The generic term ''haveli'' eventually came to be identified with townhouses and mansions of the [[merchant]] class.<ref name="Bahl"/>

==Characteristics==
[[File:Patwa Haveli, Jaisalmer.jpg|thumb|200px|Townhouse Haveli with ''Jharokha'' windows.]]

===Architecture===

Courtyards are a common feature of traditional houses found on the Indian subcontinent, with early examples dating back to the Neolithic period, whether mansions or farmhouses.<ref>Herbert J. M. Ypma (1994) "India modern: traditional forms and contemporary design", p.24</ref> However, the architecture of these structures was very different from the traditional havelis developed under Muslim rule, which blended local and Islamic traditions. Traditional homes on the Indian subcontinent are built around a courtyard, and all family activities revolved around this ''chowk'' or courtyard. Additionally, the courtyard serves as a [[lightwell]] and helps [[Ventilation (architecture)|ventilate]] the house in the hot and dry climates of the region.

All these elements join to form an enclosure and give the ''chowk'' a composed, secured feel. The [[architectural form]] of ''havelis'' has evolved in response to the climate, lifestyle, and availability of material. In hot climates where cooling is a necessity, buildings with internal courtyards for airflow and cooling were considered the most appropriate; in rainy places the houses were built to be kept dry from humid air. It provided shade while also allowing light inside. The arcade along the court, or the high wall around it, kept the interiors cool.

Many of the ''havelis'' of India and Pakistan were influenced by [[Architecture of Rajasthan|Rajasthani architecture]]. They usually contain a courtyard, often with a fountain in the center. The old cities of [[Agra]], [[Lucknow]], [[Jaisalmer]] and [[Delhi]] in [[India]] and [[Lahore]], [[Multan]], [[Peshawar]], [[Hyderabad, Sindh|Hyderabad]] in [[Pakistan]] have many fine examples of [[Architecture of Rajasthan|Rajasthani-style]] ''havelis''.

===Usage===

; Sociocultural aspects: The ''chowk'' or courtyard served as the centre for various ceremonies and rituals. The sacred [[tulsi]] plant was placed here and worshipped daily to bring prosperity to the house.

; Security and privacy: The ''chowk'', at times, separated areas for men and women, and provided them with privacy.

; Climate: Using open space in the building design to respond to the local climate, air movement caused by temperature differences assists in the natural ventilation of the building.

; Different activities at different times: In the daytime, the court was used mostly by women to carry out their work and interact with other women in a private open space. Mansions of the merchant class often had more than one courtyard.

; Articulation of space: In Mor chowk, part of the [[City Palace, Udaipur|City Palace complex]] in [[Udaipur]], there is the concept of the courtyard as a dancing hall. Similarly, in ''havelis'', a courtyard has several functions, commonly used for weddings and festive occasions.

; Materials: Bricks, sandstone, marble, wood, plaster, and granite are commonly used materials. Decorative aspects are influenced by various local cultures and traditions.

== Notable havelis by country ==
{{anchor | Notable havelis | Notable havelis }}

=== India ===
{{anchor | India | Notable havelis of India }}

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
In Welcome of Buddha - ACCN 34-2542 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-24 5941.JPG|Relief depicting early form of Jharokha windows, 1st century CE
Haveli in Phalodi, Rajasthan.jpg|A ''haveli'' in [[Phalodi]], Rajputana
Shahpura Haveli (Shekhawati).jpg|Badal Mahal at Shahpura Haveli, Shahpura, Rajputana

</gallery>
In the northern part of India, ''havelis'' for Lord Krishna with huge mansion-like constructions are prevalent. These ''havelis'' are noted for their [[fresco]]es depicting images of [[god]]s, [[goddess]]es, animals, scenes from the [[Colonial India|British colonization]], and the life stories of Lords [[Rama]] and [[Krishna]]. The music here was known as [[Haveli Sangeet]].

Later on, these temple architectures and frescoes were imitated while building huge individual mansions and now the word is popularly associated with the mansions themselves. Between 1830 and 1930, Marwaris erected<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rajasthaninfoline.com/rinfo/marwarih.htm |title=> History > Chittorgarh |publisher=Rajasthan Infoline |access-date=2016-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107180939/http://www.rajasthaninfoline.com/rinfo/marwarih.htm |archive-date=2016-01-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> buildings in their homeland [[Shekhawati]] and [[Marwar]]. These buildings were called ''havelis''. The Marwaris commissioned artists to paint those buildings, which were heavily influenced by the [[Mughal architecture]]. [[Nangal Sirohi#Havelis and architecture|Nangal Sirohi]] in [[Mahendragarh district]], 130 km from Delhi, is popular for its ''havelis'' and architecture within [[National Capital Region (India)|NCR]].<ref name=tribh1>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020622/windows/main2.htm Magnificent havelis of Nangal-Sirohi], [[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]], 22 June 2002.</ref>

====Ahirwati====
[[File:Solah Rahi at Rewari.jpg|thumb|Frescoes developed during Raos Kings of Rewari.]]

The [[Ahirwati]] area of [[Haryana]] state also has big Havelis, such as the Rewari Rao Tej Singh Haveli, Rao Sawai Singh Haveli etc. The towns and villages of [[Ahirwal]] are as well famous for the embellished frescoes on the walls of their grandiose havelis depicting the Lord [[Krishna]] which was developed in late 17 Century to the point of still it will take time to becoming popular tourist attractions. In [[Rewari]], the frescoes on [[Rewari#Solahrahi Talab|Solahrahi]] and [[Rewari#Tej Sarovar(Bada Talab)|Tej Sarovar]] are very different from Shekhawati Frescoes.

====Shekhawati====

The typical ''havelis'' in Shekhawati in [[Rajasthan]] state incorporated two courtyards — an outer one for the men which served as an extended threshold, and the inner one, the domain of the women. The largest ''havelis'' could have up to three or four courtyards and were two to three stories high. Most of the ''havelis'' are empty nowadays or are maintained by a watchman, while others have been converted into hotels and tourist attractions. The towns and villages of Shekhawati are famous for the embellished frescoes on the walls of their grandiose ''havelis'', to the point of becoming popular tourist attractions.

Shekhawati has one of the highest numbers of Havelis with 3 districts, Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu, alone having over 662 havelis. For the conservation, the [[Government of Rajasthan]], has prepared the "Rajasthan Heritage Conservation Bill, 2025" and the [[Government of India]] also had undertaken projects costing Rs 124.13 crore.<ref name=prhv1>[https://theprint.in/feature/around-town/shekhawati-pravasi-roundtable-heritage-havelis-in-rajasthan/2729952/ Shekhawati Pravasi Roundtable spotlights ], ThePrint, 27 AUg 2025.</ref>

Statistics on havelis of Shekhawati (c. 2025):<ref name=prhv1/>

* Total: 662 havelis including 228 owned by non-resident Rajasthanis and the rest owner-occupied by the locals. 361 in good condition, 172 average, 29 dilapidated, and 64 in disputed ownership.<ref name=prhv1/>
* Jhunjhunu: 278 havelis including 50 owned by non-resident Rajasthanis and the rest owner-occupied by the locals. 109 in good condition, 102 in average condition, 13 dilapidated condition, 54 disputed in ownership.<ref name=prhv1/>
* Sikar, there are 272 havelis including 143 owned by non-resident Rajasthanis. 201 in good condition, 15 average, 46 in dilapidated condition, and 10 disputed.<ref name=prhv1/>
* Churu: 112 havelis in the Churu district including 35 owned by non-resident Rajasthanis. 51 in good condition, 55 average, and 6 dilapidated.<ref name=prhv1/>

====Marwar====

The ''havelis'' served as status symbols for the Marwaris of Rajasthan state as well as homes for their extended families, providing security and comfort in seclusion from the outside world. The ''havelis'' were designed to be closed from all sides with one large main gate.

The ''havelis'' in and around [[Jaisalmer Fort]] (also known as the Golden Fort), situated in [[Jaisalmer]], [[Rajasthan]], of which the three most impressive are Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and Nathmal-Ki Haveli, deserve special mention. These were the elaborate homes of Jaisalmer's rich merchants. The ostentatious carvings, etched in sandstone with great detail and then painstakingly pieced together in lavish patterns, were commissioned to put on show the owner's status and wealth. Around Jaisalmer, they are typically carved from yellow [[sandstone]]. They are often characterized by wall paintings, [[fresco]]es, ''[[jharokha]]s'' (balconies) and archways.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthan-tourism.org/prime-attractions/havelis-of-jaisalmer.html |title=Havelis of Jaisalmer - Havelis in Jaisalmer Rajasthan - Jaisalmer India Havelis |website=Rajasthan-tourism.org |access-date=2016-01-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shubhyatra.com/rajasthan/havelis.html |title=Jaisalmer Havelis, Famous Haveli in Rajasthan India, Heritage Haveli Tours in Rajasthan India |website=Shubhyatra.com |access-date=2016-01-19}}</ref>

The ''Patwon Ji ki Haveli'' was the first erected in Jaisalmer. It is not a single ''haveli'' but a cluster of five small ''havelis''. The first in the row is the most popular, and is also known as Kothari's Patwa Haveli. Commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, then a rich trader of jewellery and fine brocades, it is the biggest and the most ostentatious of the five. Patwa was a rich man and a renowned trader of his time and he could afford and thus order the construction of separate stories for each of his five sons. These were completed in a span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaisalmer.org.uk/tourist-attractions/havelis/patwon-ki-haveli.html |title=Patwon Ki Haveli - Patwonji Ki Haveli Jaisalmer - Patwon Ki Haveli In Jaisalmer Rajasthan |website=Jaisalmer.org.uk |access-date=2016-01-19}}</ref>
Patwon Ji Ki is renowned for its ornate wall paintings, intricate yellow sandstone-carved ''[[jharokha]]s'' (balconies), gateways and archways. Although the building itself is made from yellow [[sandstone]], the main gateway is brown. Another notable ''haveli'' is Seth ji ri Haveli in [[Udaipur]] city; now known as ''Shree Jagdish Mahal'', it is 250 years old.

===Pakistan===
{{anchor | Pakistan | Notable havelis of Pakistan }}

<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Omar Hayat Mahal.jpg|The [[Omar Hayat Mahal]] in [[Chiniot]], [[Pakistan]]
File:Nau Nihal Singh's haveli, now Victoria Girls High School, Lahore.jpg|The [[Haveli of Nau Nihal Singh]] is a Sikh-era ''haveli'' in [[Lahore]].
</gallery>
A number of historically and architecturally significant ''havelis'' survive in Pakistan, most of which are situated in the [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] province. The most significant in [[Lahore]], the [[Haveli of Nau Nihal Singh]], dates from the [[Sikh]] era of the mid-19th century, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Sikh architecture in Lahore.<ref name="Hash">{{cite web|last1=Hashid|title=Haveli Nau Nihal Singh: Searching for Vernacular in Lahore|url=https://www.gounesco.com/looking-for-vernacular-in-lahore-haveli-nau-nihal-singh/|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=8 October 2017|date=3 September 2016|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225101339/https://www.gounesco.com/looking-for-vernacular-in-lahore-haveli-nau-nihal-singh/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the only Sikh-era ''haveli'' that preserves its original ornamentation and architecture.<ref name=hindu>The Free Library. "S.v. Hindu symbolism in Sikh art brickwork in Haveli Naunihal Singh.." Retrieved Oct 08 2017 from https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hindu+symbolism+in+sikh+art+brickwork+in+Haveli+Naunihal+Singh.-a0389937207</ref>

Some historically and architecturally significant ''havelis'' in Pakistan include:
* ''[[Kapoor Haveli]]'' in [[Peshawar]]
* [[Umar Hayat Mahal|''Umar Hayat Haveli'']] in [[Chiniot]]
* ''[[Sethi Haveli]]'' in Peshawar
* [[Haveli Dina Nath|''Dina Nath Haveli'']] in [[Lahore]]
* [[Bedi Mahal|''Bedi Haveli'']] in [[Rawalpindi]]
* ''[[Fakir Khana|Fakir Khana Haveli]]'' in Lahore
* [[Rang Mahal School|''Rang Mahal Haveli'']] in Lahore
* ''[[Haveli Barood Khana|Barood Khana Haveli]]'' in Lahore
* ''[[Lal Haveli]]'' in Rawalpindi
* ''[[Nau Nihal Singh Haveli]]'' in Lahore
* [[Haveli Sujan Singh|''Sujan Singh Haveli'']] in Rawalpindi
* ''[[Government Fatima Jinnah College for Women|Asif Jah Haveli]]'' in Lahore
* ''[[Rohtas Fort#Palace|Man Singh Haveli]]'' in [[Jhelum]]
* [[Katas Raj Temples#Hari Singh Nalwa Fort and Haveli|''Hari Singh Nalwa Haveli'']] in [[Chakwal]]
* ''Choona Mandi Haveli'' in Lahore
* ''Haveli Awais Meer'' in Walled city Lahore
* ''Haveli Rani Jindan'' at the [[Lahore Fort]] in Lahore
* ''Haveli Wajid Ali Shah'' in Lahore
* ''Kharak Singh Haveli'' at the Lahore Fort in Lahore
* ''Mubarak Haveli'' in Lahore
* ''Saad Manzil'' in [[Kamalia Tehsil|Kamalia]]
* ''Janjua Haveli'' in [[Malowal]], [[Gujrat District|Gujrat]]
* ''Gakhri Haveli'' in Gujrat
* ''Haveli Mubashar Ali [[Janjua]]'' in [[Matore]], [[Kahuta]], [[Rawalpindi]]
* ''Datar Kaur Haveli'' at the [[Sheikhupura Fort]] in Sheikhupura
* ''Havelis of the Mann Sardars of [[Mananwala|Mughalchak]]'' in [[Mananwala]], Sheikhupura<ref name="PunjabiLehar2017">{{cite web |title=Mananwala History |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26v109cj5R0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/26v109cj5R0 |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|publisher=Punjabi Lehar |access-date=6 April 2021 |language=pa|date=11 July 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Yaadan1947Diyan2019">{{cite web |title=Mananwala Haveli Sahib Singh |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3gFuRvD2s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/9K3gFuRvD2s |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|publisher=Yaadan 1947 Diyan |access-date=6 April 2021 |language=pa|date=18 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Yaadan1947Diyan2019b">{{cite web |title=Mananwala Havelis |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haCAHjqKTiY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/haCAHjqKTiY |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|publisher=Yaadan 1947 Diyan |access-date=6 April 2021 |language=pa|date=19 October 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Havelis}}
* [[Walled City of Lahore]]
* [[Old Delhi]]
* [[Sethi Mohallah]]
* [[Jharokha]]
* [[Stucco]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:House types]]
[[Category:Havelis| ]]
[[Category:Mughal architecture elements]]
[[Category:Architecture of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Tourism in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Architecture in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Indian architectural history]]

[[he:הוואלי]]

Haveli - Revision history

RamonTietjen8 at 18:40, 17 April 2026