page_title: Haveli
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Haveli / History
caption_attribution_description: Detail on Sanchi stupa
context_page_description: A haveli is a traditional townhouse or mansion in the Indian subcontinent, usually one with historical and architectural significance. The word haveli is derived from Arabic hawali, meaning "partition" or "private space", popularised under the Mughal Empire, and was devoid of any architectural affiliations. Later, the word haveli came to be used as a generic term for various styles of regional mansions, townhouse and temples found in the Indian subcontinent.
context_section_description: Courtyards are a common feature of houses in the Indian subcontinent, whether they are mansions or farmhouses.  
  The term Haveli originates from Arabic. Early Haveli's served Muslim rulers of the Indian Subcontinent and became an important architectural component of urban environments under the Mughals. Although, Havelis originate from Indo-Islamic architecture, the existence of multistory homes in the region is claimed to have been as early as 3300 BCE. These, however, employ very different architectural styles from traditional Havelis that were developed under Muslim rule. Traditional homes in the Indian subcontinent are built around a courtyard, and all family activities revolved around this chowk or courtyard. Additionally, the courtyard serves as a lightwell and helps ventilate the house in the hot and dry climates of the region. 
  During the medieval period, the term Haveli was also applied in Rajputana by the Vaishnava sect to refer to their temples in Gujarat under the Mughal Empire and Rajputana kingdoms. The generic term haveli eventually came to be identified with townhouses and mansions of the merchant class.
caption: Multistorey structures and balconies during Mauryan Empire, 3rd century BCE
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