Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 24 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Vohrawad havelis

Mohalla lined by havelis on either side

Intricate murals on doors

Intricate murals on doors

A Vohrawad haveli

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Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 23 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Vohrawad of Siddhpur

Elaborate windows of the Vohrawad

Intricate entrance to a haveli

Ornate windows with hoods and pilasters

A Vohrawad haveli

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 22 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 21 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Elegant porches of the havelis

Intricate door of havelis

Elaborate windows

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 20 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Arched windows

A Vohrawad haveli

A Vohrawad haveli

A Vohrawad haveli

Intricate details on doors

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 19 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

A Vohrawad haveli with carved wooden panels

One of the grander havelis of the Vohrawad

The porch of Vohrawad haveli

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 18 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Elegant hooded window

Intricately detailed doors of a haveli

A Vohrawad haveli

A mohalla in the Vohrawad

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 17 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

A haveli with intricate iron works

A haveli with intricate iron works

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 16 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Intricate carvings on plaster

A Vohrawad haveli

Elegant doors of the haveli

Vohrawad of Siddhpur – A Confluence of Architectural Styles Part 15 of 24

The Bohra settlements of Siddhpur display a distinctive architectural patois and global character born out of the confluence and influence of various architectural styles worldwide. Founded by the Solanki ruler Siddhraj Jaisinh in the 10th century on the banks of river Saraswati, Siddhpur is essentially a holy place for Hindus. It was only in the 19th century that the Dawoodi Bohras, an affluent Muslim trading community, fanned out and settled in Siddhpur, Kapadvanj and around port Khambhat. These Dawoodi Bohras carried out wealthy trade with European countries and greatly borrowed from the European architectural styles of the time while building their own houses.

The eclectic facades of the houses are characterised by Victorian gable pediments, ornate pilasters and columns, Baroque-style cornices, friezes, arches and hoods richly carved in wood and plaster. It is not uncommon to see Renaissance-inspired vines and arabesques on the facade. Intricate iron railings adorn the entrance to these houses which are raised above the ground by a 4-5 feet. The symmetry and orderliness of the buildings is reminiscent of the Art Deco of Paris. Each of the houses are painted in different shades of pastels lending even more vibrancy to the Vohrawads. However, they are not completely European in construction. Some houses have protruding balconies or ‘jharokas’ of typical Rajasthani havelis. They also have an internal courtyard, about 4 square feet in size, like traditional Indian houses. Almost all houses have the family insignia embedded on its walls. Most of these buildings are a 100 years old and are now dilapidated as the owners have left for better prospects.

In this series, I am bringing to you the intricacies and eccentricities of the Vohrawads of Siddhpur.

Elegant porch of a Vohrawad haveli

Dilapidated havelis