Photos

This is a photo of an old Haveli (a haveli is derived from persian origin meaning an enclosed self-contained house) in northern India. In this region the local architecture and art flourished to such an extent, around a hundred years ago, that thousands of such Havelis were built exquisitely painted and delicately made. The layout of such Havelis is also beautiful with the various areas divided into internal and external courtyards and separate spaces for meeting, playing and recreation. The most fabulous aspect is that each and every square inch of the walls, both internal and external, is covered by delicately made frescos and engravings and one can find amazing aspects of the artist's imagination--gods playing in swimming pools, and plathora of Indian and even western gods like Christ and Virgin mary--depicted in vibrant colours. The havis are numerous and many lie vacant and derelict with priceless art displayed for no one else but stray wild animals and desert winds.