|
| |
|
|
-
-
| |
As a tourist traveling around Shekhawati, there are numerous architectural delights strewn across the region to marvel at. This is a check list of a few such important structures and their significance:
'Haveli' (Mansion): The word 'Haveli', which is of Persian origin, means 'a surrounded or an enclosed place'. The great era of the Shekhawati Havelis was the middle and late 19th century. The finest Havelis enclose two courts, an inner courtyard for the womenfolk and an outer forecourt for the men. Havelis with only a single court have an enclosed compound, combined with a wing extended from the façade which serves as the forecourt. Some Havelis even have four courtyards.
'Chhatri' (Cenotaph): A 'Chhatri' may be isolated or it may be one among many in a cremation ground. Some Chhatris are simple structures with a small dome on four rough pillars standing on a low plinth; while some Chhatris are large ornate piles with a basement and ornate pillars with decorative domes and arches. The size of the monument reflects the wealth and importance of the man who erected it.
'Kuan' (Well): The Shekhawati 'Kuan' is hardly ever just a simple structure. The well head is marked by two or four tall pillars which are usually painted. The well shafts are surrounded by a raised platform wile the well assembly is usually on the raised platform. Sometimes painted chhatris are also erected on corners.
'Bowri': This is a vast, masonry lined chasm reaching down to the water table. The bowri is a very popular feature in these desert towns.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
