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Haveli is derived from arabic word hawali meaning seperate space, popolarised during the Mughal Empire. Today, Haveli have become a commonly used term for classifying different styles of residences in different regions of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Traditional homes in south Asia have been influenced, from ancient times, by the concept of Vastu Shastra, which is a Hindu system of architecture and exactly translates to "Science of Architecture".
Vastu Shastra describes how all spaces appear from single point, which is the pivot of the house.
Some of the characteristics of a Haveli
* Climate: Use of open spaces in Haveli's design to adapt the building to the local climate resulting in natural ventilation due to temperature differences.
* Materials: Some of the commonly used materials in construction of Haveli include sandstone, marble, bricks, wooden beams and gates, plaster. Local tradition and culture have a great influence in decorative features of Haveli's.
* Articulation of Space: Articulation of space refers to the geometry of space and form. It includes changes in depth of the facade using various methods, recessed window bays, horizontal banding, and decorative and ornamental cornices.
* Social-Cultural Aspect: The Haveli's courtyard serve as a centre of different ceremonial rituals and gatherings.
*Privacy and Security: Seperate spaces for men and women, contribute to the privacy aspect. For security of the Haveli and its habitants thick, heavy and huge gates are used and since Haveli's are multistorey buildings higher walls add to the security aspect of its characteristics.
* Divergent Activities at different times: Haveli's are a happening place but still there's different time and space for different activities that happen there.
The above mentioned characteristics and numerous others combine to give Haveli's the architectural distinction.
Some noteworthy haveli's in India
- The haveli's of Mandawa
- Samode Haveli
- Haveli in Phalodi
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haveli
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