Jargab Haveli
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Jargab Haveli in a recent photograph in July, 2007. Even though the structure is clearly in neglect, visitors passing by are still awed by the breathtaking beauty of its façade. In many ways, this building is a perfect example of how the skyline of Jaipur was lost to surreptitious ravaging by its residents. The original windows on the building are seen to be intricately carved meshes from stone. To the far right, one can see that some of those open jharoka have been replaced by crude, planked windows to allow residents to close and lock them. Likewise, arched doorways have been replaced by wooden doors. A window at a time, history itself is disappearing. (click image to open large version) |
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Artist Shri Hamlet uses masterly strokes with his paint brush and pencil to restore the Jargab Haveli to its former glory (click image to open large version) |
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Artist Shri Hamlet uses masterly strokes with his paint brush and pencil to restore the Jargab Haveli to its former glory (click image to open large version) |
| SOURCE: Interviews with Shri Vinod Joshi and the temple priest. |
The Jargab Haveli or Pahari House is located in Johari Bazzar, almost directly opposite from the LMB hotel. It is a typical example of the old Jaipur architecture and was painted in the pink color made out of sand stone (garu). Built by a feudal lord in the 1700’s, it was a large estate that included three separate courtyards and dozens of rooms. The courtyards were used for music and dance performances as also for holding court and conducting business. These courtyards still survive today but lie locked up and in neglect. The last feudal lord to live in this house was Mohan Singh, who owned the building until 1948. After that the building was sold multiple times. The majority of its owners were farmers who ran shops from the haveli. At the present time, the ownership of the haveli is in dispute. On one hand this is the reason for its decay, but on the other it may also be the reason for survival. Had it been sold, the haveli’s new owners would have been free to tear it down and replace it with lucrative commercial structures, as so many others have done.
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