Nimbu Mirchi and the Evil Eye, a photo from Rajasthan, West

Photographer's Note

Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is among the major tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It is marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climate conditions. The Sonar Quila fort, made of yellow sand stone is the prime attraction here. But Jaisalmer is not ONLY about the Fort, it is also known for its old mansions, better known as Havelis. Among many of them Nathmal ji ki Haveli is one of the most striking.

This haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli.

There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. This haveli was originally built by two brothers Lallu and Hathi working on the haveli from different ends but could arrive at such harmonious symphony in stone. One working on the right side and the other on the left. Though the motif used by one is not similar to the other, yet they are in harmony. One has to look closely to spot any dissimilarities. The boundary however, has been dissolved by a common facade at the front. Exquisite carvings on the 19th century haveli will fascinate the viewer. As most of the construction was done by Muslim artisans, it reflects the popular architecture and in certain aspects resemble the popular buildings made by the erstwhile Muslim rulers.

Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things. But the most interesting aspect of this haveli is the drawing of modern amenities such as cars, fans etc. It is said and believed that the Architect brothers did not see these things ever in their life and engraved it with mere help of their descriptions given by people who had seen it.

I concentrated on the 7 chillies and lime (Nimbu Mirchi) hanging from the balcony. You can find the "chilli-lime contraption" all over India. It is used to ward off evil spirits, much like the "blue evil-eye device" in Turkey. The Evil spirits/spirits of adversity are attracted to the "offering" and enter the food. As they (the chillies and lime) dry out, this is seen as a sign that the spirits are being drawn into them. This practise is also similar to the placing of horseshoes by Romans above doorways to ward off Faeries (the Celtic kind).

I also made a different version, the partially desaturated version , which I liked, but decided to post the honey gold colour version as the main post.

pierrefonds, Gerrit, bukitgolfb301, lucasgalodoido, subhendu_bagchi, Graal, siolaw, papagolf21, Longroute, dip, emjleclercq, Didi, pablominto, Waylim, pajaran, josepmarin, Bluejeans, kordinator has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

chandrapranil (1087) 2010-04-10 7:26

Hi Angshuman,

This is a beautiful shot - the sharpness is amazing you have used the lighting really well the nibu mirchi stands out perfectly.

Thank you for sharing

Regards,
Pranil

yquem46 (38752) 2010-04-10 7:38

namaskar Angshu
Nice architectural shot of this fort which looks like lace and that I do not know, as well as this chili pepper tradition
TFS Angshu
have a nice WE
patrick

PixelTerror (0) 2010-04-10 8:53

Namaste Angshu
Great light and a good close framing to enjoy the elaborated artworks on that entrance. I was not too impressed by the Jaisalmer havelis, they all seem to be a construction area these days.
Have a nice day JY

pierrefonds (114608) 2010-04-10 12:00

Hi Angshuman,

The subject is well framed. The point of view is showing with precision the details and colors of the artwork of this section of the building. The late afternoon light is bringing out the beauty of the colors. have a nice day.

Pierre

gervaso (28177) 2010-04-10 18:33

Hello, Angshuman!

Wonderful architectural detail shown, especially with these golden colors under an excellent lighting! Very beautiful details! Excellent job!

samratrayc (438) 2010-04-10 20:18

Hi Angshu

Its wonderful how well u have captured the lighting here. The subject stands out perfectly well and the intricacies of the architecture are well elaborated too. At first I thought it was too tight a crop but then i understood that any wider and the main focus would have been less stressed upon. Very well done, keep posting and TFS
Samrat

Gerrit (62042) 2010-04-11 1:13

Hi Angshu,
the sunlight is doing magical things here with the beautiful decorations.
Excellent composition,
regards, Gerrit

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2010-04-11 1:25

Hello my dear Prof. Angshuman

Great masterpiece again!!!
Perfect and splendid composition/framework, light control, sharp/clear description in the detail as usual. The uage of shadow is quite effective.
Thanks for sharing and have a good Sunday evening!
Best regards,
Takero

lucasgalodoido (27698) 2010-04-11 4:30

Hi Angshuman,
very interesting this shot, and impressive the quantity of details in this door. I like of the high contrast of picture. Great job, my friend.
Regards,
Lucas

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2010-04-11 12:26

Wow what a capture dada. Very good tight framing having the nimbu mirchi combination in middle of the arch of the window. Very good detail. But Angshuda I think you should post the workshop version as main post. It offers more contrast with the rest, and emphasis the main subject in middle. Anyway it is just great to watch at. Tfs. I am keeping it with my favs.
Subha ratri.
Subhendu

eversmile (11636) 2010-04-11 14:08

Hello Angshu!

A mundane detail that has become the central jewel of an artpiece. By this bold, creative, eye-catching framing, you makes a top-notch job. I love the sharp details of the woodcarving, and the soft light that gives it this honey colour.The two Ws are good too, but this is really this one that i prefer. Congratulations.
Regards
Marine

emka (158204) 2010-04-11 15:29

Hi Angshuman,

Wonderful example of Indian architecture. I was in other haveli, for this one a had not enough time, it is a pity, as I see it is very beautiful. Great colours and sharpness. I like these 7 chillies and lime, nice colour accent.

Regards

Malgorzata

Graal (103040) 2010-04-11 23:51

Hi Subhendu,
an interesting history in note and informations. Good presentation of fragment architecture and chilli. Nice gold hue. Well done photo.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

siolaw (38294) 2010-04-12 0:30

Hi Angshu
A custom we can see frequently in houses, shops, and also vehicles... but you caught a special one here naturally framed by the intricately adorned arch and gleaming against a dark background... Excellent!
Greetings
Laurent

papagolf21 (152607) 2010-04-12 1:40

Bonjour, cher ami Angshu,
Magnifique cadrage de ces détails de cet hôtel particulier.
La décoration relève d'un intérêt manifeste, c'est de la dentelle travaillée avec grand art.
Félicitations.
Amitiés.
Philippe

batalay (41261) 2010-04-12 5:48

Hello Mr. B,

The B this time is for the brilliant sunlight in Rajasthan that has allowed you to produce the extraordinary photograph, each strand, each crevice in the carving showing up like lacework. Although I like the ws version in selectively desaturated colors, I like this for its truth and beauty. I just posted an image, where I had to make a choice. I would love to have your thoughts on the Slopes of Volterra. The rule of thumb is that the best time is an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise. That was not available for me.

Warm regards,

Bulent

Longroute (19600) 2010-04-12 9:08

Beside the magnificent broidery of the arch (in which our eyes could stare for ages!) the protagonist of the photo is that Nimbu Mirchi so well lit and green against the dark bg. In that respect I like the W&B version too, which focus more on it, but I appreciate the golden colour too much here to renounce to it! Really an elegant and very incisive composition which shows a great dear of good taste.
Well done,
Donato

dip (21408) 2010-04-12 12:23

Hi Angshu,
beautiful photo,good contrast and sharpness,interesting details,
very well done!
Dimitris

emjleclercq (15778) 2010-04-12 13:09

The black opening of the door makes an excellent contrast to focus on the delicate carving of the stone above. Excellent details and sharpness to discover this beautifull sculpture.

All the best,

Emmanuel

Fis2 (170945) 2010-04-12 13:10

Witaj Angshu!
A very interesting details.
Interesting frame and light.
Photo has climate.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

Didi (61589) 2010-04-12 17:07

Salam Angshu
Very interestin details of this arch
Good image contrast
I don't know if it was possible to make a stitch of two horizontal pictures ? Of course if there was no disturbing elements.
Very interesting notes
Best regards

pablominto (53746) 2010-04-12 22:33

Hello Angshu,

The angle of light is the strength of this situation!
Life and depth is added to the reliefs, making the ancient artwork really bloom...
The colour of the sandstone is nicely rendered, and the finer details in the carvings are very well reproduced!

Greetings,
Pablo -

Waylim (25436) 2010-04-12 23:57

Hi Angshu,
Interest note to accompany this beuatiful shot, so much detial on this very well crafted doorway. Beautiful design with very intricate patterns. the chillies and lime certain make a great anchored point object to dray our vision in, and it standout well against the dark background. I like the workshop version as well. Thanks
Way

pajaran (116065) 2010-04-13 1:44

Pozdrav.
Velika dela i majstorija starih majstora, odlican motiv i trenutak, mnogo lepa fotografija.
Lep uspesan dan, Paja.

Google.

Hello.
Great stunt work and old masters, great motivation and time, a lot of beautiful photos.
Nice successful day, Paja.

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2010-04-13 2:44

Hello Angshuman,
Another very beautiful picture and scene. Nice composition, colors and detail.
have a nice day,
Achim

carper (96) 2010-04-13 3:45

very beautiful Angshu
a very good photo, well composed, fantastic light, good atmosphere, a pleasure to look at, good one my friend, have a good day.
regard jaap

josepmarin (59385) 2010-04-13 11:24

Namaste Angshuman,
A good framing to there show us the ornamental beauty of this front, under an excellent game of the light and the shades that increase the three-dimensional sensation of the architectural set.
A great work in the management of the exposure.
Well done, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

Bluejeans (64251) 2010-04-14 5:27

Ola amigo ,
Que lindo arco tem uns detalhes de arte fantásticos , deve ter demorado muitos anos a fazer isto , boa luz lateral , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Leconte (5795) 2010-04-14 9:39

hello Angshuman,

a close-up that allows you to report the work on this rock, a beautiful light and vivid color

best regards,
Valerie.

kordinator (8738) 2010-11-10 15:46

Hello Angshuman
A like this superb composition.
Interesting detail chili pepper
The subject is well framed.
Indian architecture and lights are perfect.
Nice texture.
An elegant photo with excellent realization.
Great job.
Regards
Saša