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While the city of Mukundgarh in the
Shekhawati region has many havelies, people generally
understand Mukundgarh Haveli to be the ornate Ganeriwal
Haveli, built in the nineteenth century by a rich trading
family.
True to form, the haveli entrance is guarded by an
ornately carved wooden gate. The entrance leads to a small
courtyard that gives way into a larger courtyard, another
peculiarity of Rajasthani architecture. The courtyard in
Rajasthan’s residence was an important place.
It was not cramped like a drawing room or dining room,
thus allowing the entire family and you must remember
that the traditional wealthy joint family in Rajasthan,
indeed in most of India, consisted of generations of
grandparents, parents, children, nephews, nieces, daughter
in laws, and an assorted group of service providers such
as maids, cooks, sweepers, barbers, guards, and cart
drivers) to cooked, played, gossiped, and celebrated
together. |
