Nathmal Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

 Nathmal Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer 

Nathmal ki Haveli is an ornate architecture in the heart of the city of Jaisalmer, also known as the Land of the Golden Fort. 

It was commissioned to serve as the residence of the then Prime Minister Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The extraordinary exterior, dripping with carvings, and the virtuoso work of the haveli (similar but not identical on both sides) with two limestone elephants guarding the entrance, is a sight any visitor will love to see. As the name suggests, the architecture and carvings that adorn the Jaisalmer Fort are mainly built of yellow sandstone. 

Hence, when the sun's rays fall on these structures, they shine like gold. Apart from the extraordinary paintings, for which 1.5 kg of gold leaf was used, and the carvings on the walls, this meeting of the Islamic and Rajput architectural styles has an exciting history. It is said that two architects, Hathi and Lulu, began construction of two different facets of the building. Since there were no instruments to monitor continuity at that time, the building emerged in an irregular shape. Surprisingly, the paintings inside the building are representations of modern conveniences such as cars and fans, painted by the two architects from descriptions given to them by people who have seen the building, although they have never seen it themselves in real life.