The Raas Haveli, Jodhpur

Situated in the prestigious north-eastern quarter of the Walled City, in the very shade of Mehrangarh's Victory Palace and Gate, and a stone's throw from the Clock Tower; RAAS comprised, in fact, of four charismatic buildings in Jodhpur's very own 'rose-red' sandstone. The oldest, the Haveli proper as it were, was built towards the end of the 18th Century and with its delicately carved stone panels - the hall-mark of Rajput Architecture - served as the exclusive and intimate residence of the family. The newest, the Baradari, a multi-pillared, multi-purpose open Pavilion built probably in the 1850s, was really the centre of activity; it was where the Thakur spent his days, and no doubt many a night, entertaining and being entertained. An impressive entrance Pol with its staff quarters and guard-house; the Dari-Khana - literally the Chamber of Carpets, which served as a Guest-House; a small Temple; and, of course, the Stables, complete the complex.