Objects of clay and stone (perhaps jewelry), found largely in Hohokam burials. In the Southwest the Hohokam are considered the masters of such creations, an art characterized by its style and expressive quality. - Sandstone object in the shape of a horned toad; 8 inches diameter, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Objects of clay and stone (perhaps jewelry), found largely in Hohokam burials. In the Southwest the Hohokam are considered the masters of such creations, an art characterized by its style and expressive quality. - Sandstone bowl with seven frogs (water symbol); 3.76 inches diameter, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Objects of clay and stone (perhaps jewelry), found largely in Hohokam burials. In the Southwest the Hohokam are considered the masters of such creations, an art characterized by its style and expressive quality. - Bowl carved of rhyolite with a "bas" relief of women with joined hands; 3 inches diameter, ASM
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

The historic fort of Jaisalmer (also known as Sonar Qila or the Golden Fort), situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India. It is considered one of the few remaining ‘living forts’ in the world. Around a quarter of the old town’s population still lives and works directly within the fort walls today. It was founded in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom the city also took its name. The entire complex, as well as the surrounding historic merchant houses (havelis), were built from local yellow sandstone. When the sun shines, the fort glows in a honey-gold hue, earning it the nickname ‘Golden City’. The massive stone blocks were joined together at the time using precise dry-stone masonry techniques (interlocking blocks without cement or mortar). Since 2013, Jaisalmer Fort has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. – 1990

The city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert, some 150 kilometres north-west of Jodhpur as the crow flies. It owed its splendour and wealth entirely to the caravans of the Silk and Spice Routes, which travelled here from Central and South Asia towards the Indus Valley in the west. The city is dominated by the mighty citadel, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. Numerous interior rooms are adorned with paintings and mosaics, and the façades also feature interesting ornamentation. In the lower town are 18th-century palaces, the havelis, which were built for wealthy merchants and boast exceptionally beautifully decorated balconies. The most magnificent building, the Patwah-ki-Haveli from the early 19th century, is particularly fascinating for its incredibly varied chiselled window ornaments. – 1990

The majestic Jaisalmer Fort (also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort), situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, was founded in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. It was built from yellow sandstone on Trikuta Hill. The walls shimmer in shades of sand during the day and turn a warm honey gold at sunset. Since 2013, the complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. – 1990

A view of the citadel of Jaisalmer with its imposing, soaring towers, which offer a magnificent panoramic view. French travellers have, quite rightly, called the city the ‘Carcassonne of the Desert’. – 1990

A camel cart, women dressed in traditional colourful saris and a classic car all reflect the lively daily bustle at the foot of the massive defensive walls of the majestic Jaisalmer Fort. The structure is famous above all for its monumental, circular bastions and walls of yellow sandstone, which shimmer like pure gold in the sunlight. It is one of the very few remaining ‘living forts’ in the world, as its interior still houses residential quarters, markets, hotels and centuries-old temples. – 1990

The photograph shows the impressive architecture of Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The entire structure is built from local sandstone, which has been assembled without mortar using precise interlocking joints. One can also see the typical narrow, ascending alleys, which served a defensive purpose, as well as small, ornate window openings (jharokhas) and stone corbels. In the foreground, a person can be seen wearing traditional Rajasthani clothing with a bright orange turban, which emphasises the region’s distinctive character. – 1990

The historic Suraj Pol (also known as the Sun Gate or Surya Gate) is one of the four successive, massive fortified gates of the famous Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The gate was built in 1594 and is deliberately designed in a zigzag curve. This military tactic prevented attackers (particularly those with war elephants) from gaining sufficient momentum to breach the gate with battering rams. Above the archway is a delicately carved, semi-circular stone relief imitating traditional Rajasthani motifs. – 1990

One reaches the citadel of Jaisalmer through the magnificent Surya Pol gateway, with its richly chiselled, harmoniously structured façade. Jaisalmer’s decline began with the development of the major sea routes, before the railway dealt the final blow to the caravan route through the desert. The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 then put a definitive end to trade with the Indus Valley. However, the constantly simmering conflicts between the two neighbours gave the region a new strategic importance, with the result that today the army and tourism are the city’s main sources of income. – 1990

The building depicts the magnificent Tilon Ki Pol gateway leading to the artificial Gadisar Lake in the desert city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Constructed from the region’s characteristic golden-yellow sandstone, this two-storey gateway has one of the most fascinating histories. It was commissioned in the 14th century by a wealthy and famous royal courtesan named Tilon. The then ruler (Maharawal) of Jaisalmer initially rejected the structure. As he used the lake regularly, he felt it was beneath his dignity to pass under a gate financed by a courtesan. He threatened to have the gate demolished. Whilst the king was away on a journey, Tilon had the gate completed without further ado. To permanently prevent the threatened demolition, she placed a statue of the god Vishnu (often described as a Krishna temple) atop the gate. As the building was thus regarded as a sacred site, the king was no longer permitted to destroy it. The gate is notable for its classic Rajput architectural style: the jharokhas are delicate, stone-carved, balcony-like bay windows typical of the architecture in Jaisalmer. Two striking pavilions (chattris) crown the outer corners of the gate. Through the large main arch of the gate, one looks directly out onto the calm waters of Gadisar Lake and the small shrines built within the lake. - 1990

The Gadi Sagar Temple, situated in the middle of the historic Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer. The pavilion was built from the region’s characteristic golden-yellow sandstone and features ornate arches and a traditional dome (chhatri). The lake was artificially created in the 12th century by King Rawal Jaisal. For centuries, it served as a vital drinking water reservoir for the entire fortified city of Jaisalmer. – 1990

The picture shows an ornately decorated chhatri pavilion on Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The artificial lake was built in 1367 by Maharawal Gadsi Singh. For centuries, it served as the vital and primary source of water for the desert city of Jaisalmer. The striking, dome-like pavilions, which stand in or at the edge of the water, are typical features of Rajput architecture. They were constructed from the region’s characteristic golden-yellow sandstone and served as royal cenotaphs, monuments or shaded resting places. – 1990

The intricately carved torana (ornate gateway) of the historic Lodhurva Jain Temple near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. It is an outstanding example of Maru-Gurjara architecture (also known as the Solanki style). The entire structure is built from the characteristic golden-yellow Jaisalmer sandstone. In Indian temple architecture, a torana symbolises the solemn transition from the secular outside world into the sacred, spiritual realm of the temple. The original temple complex was built as early as the 9th century, when Lodhurva was still the capital of the Bhati Rajputs. Following severe destruction caused by invasions, this magnificent gateway was faithfully reconstructed in 1615 AD. – 1990

These buildings in the desert town of Jaisalmer are constructed from the characteristic golden-yellow sandstone of the Thar region. These historic mansions (havelis) dominate the streetscape of the old town. Of particular note are the intricately carved stone balconies with their delicate patterns. – 1990

This intricately carved stone façade is located in Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan. The fort is world-renowned for its yellow sandstone architecture, which is why it is also known as the ‘Golden City’. The walls are made of local yellow sandstone, which has been assembled without mortar using traditional construction methods. The door on the left has a magnificently carved frame featuring floral patterns and reliefs depicting peacocks and a central wheel (chakra). The ornate, metal-studded wooden doors reflect the region’s classical craftsmanship. – 1990

The impressive façade of Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, one of the most significant architectural monuments of the ‘Golden City’. The entire residence was built from the local yellow-gold sandstone for which the desert region around Jaisalmer is famous. The façade captivates with its numerous richly decorated, projecting balconies (known as jharokhas) featuring the finest stone carving, reminiscent of lace or lace borders. The delicate stone lattices (jalis) serve not only as decoration but also allow for constant air circulation, keeping the interior of the building cool even in the extreme desert heat. – 1990

The impressive façade of Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, one of the most significant architectural monuments of the ‘Golden City’. The complex was commissioned in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, an extremely wealthy merchant dealing in brocade, gold and silver thread, and opium. It is not a single building, but a connected complex of five separate havelis, built over a period of around 50 to 60 years for his five sons. Parts of the complex are now managed by the state heritage authority, whilst another part serves as a private museum (Kothari’s Patwa Haveli Museum), offering an insight into the luxurious lifestyle of the merchant class in the 19th century. – 1990

In the historic desert town of Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan, a woman dressed in traditional clothing walks along an alleyway within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort. The buildings are constructed entirely from the region’s characteristic golden sandstone, which is why Jaisalmer is also known as the ‘Golden City’. In the background and to the sides, one can see the intricately decorated stone façades, bay windows and balconies of traditional Indian mansions, known as havelis. – 1990

A tailor sits engrossed in his work at his mechanical sewing machine in the historic desert town of Jaisalmer. The window frame is a typical example of the delicate jharokhas (artfully carved sandstone balconies) for which Rajasthani architecture is famous. – 1990

The famous Salim Singh ki Haveli (also known as Moti Mahal) in the desert city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The building was commissioned in 1815 by Salim Singh, the then extremely powerful and equally feared Prime Minister (Diwan) of the Kingdom of Jaisalmer. The upper storey features a striking, sweeping structure modelled on a peacock and is surrounded by a total of 38 elegant balconies, each adorned with unique ornamentation. Due to its ship-like shape, the building is also popularly known as Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace). The entire façade is constructed from the golden sandstone typical of Jaisalmer. It captivates with its masterfully crafted balconies (known as jharokhas), delicate lattice windows and curved Bengali roofs. – 1990

This relief is located on the outer wall of the historic Lodurva Jain Temple near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. This ancient temple complex was once the capital of the Bhatti Rajputs before Jaisalmer was founded. It is renowned for its intricate stonework and delicate carvings in yellow sandstone. - Seated on the back of the richly decorated elephant is a figure in a traditional posture, likely holding a weapon or an elephant goad (ankusha) to guide the animal. – 1990 Latticed windows and curved Bengali roofs. – 1990

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