1727-1840 Life in the Havelis of Jaipur

‘Haveli’, the very word conjures up images of spatial complexity and social intrigue, often e expressed through various media. Despite its fairly old existence as a part of feudal social construct, it continues to show a large presence in Indian ethos. This monograph is an effort to understand the way of life allowed by the creation of the new city of Jaipur, as manifested in the evolution of the ‘Haveli’ architecture of Rajasthan during the 18th century – from traditional Rajput domestic architecture to its emergence as an amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This emergence is presented through a study of three independent havelis belonging to a Rajput, a Brahmin, and a Marwari or Bania family – the three distinctive communities of the social order prevalent at that time. The book is generously illustrated with fascinating photographs.