BIKERS CLUB MAY 2019 ISSUE | Page 58

NATHMAL KI HAVELI SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI Was built by two Muslim jeweller brothers not stone carvers on the order of the then prime minister. The brothers started working on the opposite sides of the building which lead to a similar but not identical left and right side. Is known for its distinctive and eye catching architecture. It was built by the then minister, Salim Singh who wanted to make as high as the Fort but was prohibited by the King. It has 38 balconies with their own distinctive style of architecture and a peacock shaped roof. This haveli provides a good glimpse in the past and the photographs taken here would be awe inspiring. Apart from its extraordinary outer carvings, this haveli is known for its beautiful interiors filled with paintings and equipped with modern facilities. An amalgamation of Islamic and Rajputana architecture, Nathmal Ki Haveli is well justified as being one of the most beautiful haveli in Jaisalmer. JAIN TEMPLES Located inside Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples are a series of temples dedicated to jain Tirthankaras and can be traced back to the 12th century. The temples are known for their distinctive architectural style modelled after the Dilwara temple of Mt. Abu.  Beautifully carved and well interconnected, these temples are a vision to behold and are completely made up of yellow sandstone. KULDHARA An abandoned ghost town, Kuldhara was once a prosperous town occupied by Paliwal Brahmins. The reasons for why a whole city was abandoned within a night is not clear but the popular belief holds the then state minister Salim Singh responsible for the same. The minister wanted to marry the village chief's daughter and therefore delivered an ultimatum to the village chief to accept his demands or let the whole community face dire consequences. Rather than giving in to the minister's demands, the whole village decided to move away. Before leaving, they cursed this place to never have any kind of human settlement and this has been proven true to this date. Visit Kuldhara to get a glimpse of the past and get spooked by its tales.