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Welcome to the Mangaldas ni Haveli in the heart of the historic walled
city of Ahmedabad. It is estimated to be over 200 years old and it originally
belonged to a Nagar Brahmin family (Brahmins were considered the highest
amongst all castes in India). It is one of the finest examples of carved
wooden architecture typical of that time. It was bought by the Mangaldas
family in 2006 and has since been restored. It now houses a gift shop
and a café and it is managed by The House of MG, the Urban Heritage
Hotel. It is accessible only by a shuttle bus service from this hotel.
There is no parking available around the haveli.
A pol is a meandering narrow lane with houses and shops on either side.
This was the typical city layout in times of strife as it confused the
invading enemy and allowed escape routes to locals. Each different pol
is a gated community, segregated by both caste and profession (the word
'Haveli' refers to a large pol house but is now commonly used for all
old pol houses).
The wood used in the Mangaldas ni Haveli came all the way from Rangoon
via the Gulf of Cambay. Like most pol houses, the layout of this haveli
comprises of rooms built around a central courtyard. The wooden carving
is both ornamental and also performs the function of absorbing heat
(carving increases the surface area of wood, a poor conductor of heat,
making it a more efficient heat
absorber). Such a design ensures that the building remains well ventilated
and cool all year round.
The rooftop café at the Mangaldas ni Haveli serves an ala carte
selection comprising of local and international dishes and it is spread
over two levels. An air-conditioned level and a terrace level (with
an unmatched view of the old city skyline).
The craft gift shop stocks a range of clothing, home decor and gifts
handmade by local craftsmen who have collaborated with designers.
The restoration was done with the help of the Heritage Cell of the Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation.
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