Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer

Location: In a narrow lane near Patwa Complex
How to reach: Take a rickshaw, better if you walk the distance
Attraction: Architecture and miniatures, balconies
Timings: Early morning till 5 P.M.

The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is the biggest and the most ostentatious. It is believed that Patwa was a rich man and was a renowned trader of his time. He could afford and thus ordered the construction of separate stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century.

The havelis are also known as the 'mansion of brocade merchants'. This name has been given probably because the family dealt in threads of gold and silver used in embroidering dresses. However, there are theories, which claim that these traders made considerable amount of money in Opium smuggling and Money-lending.
This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes. The office of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft department is situated in the haveli itself.

Attractions of Patwon ki Haveli
This haveli is actually a cluster of five havelis. There are five wings of the haveli. The excellent design of the haveli is such that all these wings are in perfect symmetry to each other though they are different from each other. It is also the largest haveli in Jaisalmer. It is a perfect specimen of Rajputana architecture.

The haveli is currently transformed into a hotel. However, the transformation has not taken away the old world charm from the haveli. Visit Patwon ki Haveli to catch a glimpse of the large corridors, beautifully designed walls, intricately sculpted pillars. These features of haveli will let you know about the royal lifestyle of the Rajputs. There are also a number of arty murals in the various suites. You will also be mesmerized with the latticed jail friezes that were built mainly for the women. These allowed the women to gaze outside without revealing themselves to the outside world. The fabricated yellow sandstone also imparts a marvelous over all look to the haveli. There is also a carved brown fa'ade that has a delicate look. This brown fa'ade has as many as 60 balconies.

The Patwon ki Haveli Tours will be a great experience for tourists. On visiting this haveli, tourists will not only get a fair idea about Rajasthani architecture but a lot about the history of the place. A close look of the various features of the haveli will make you better informed about a number of significant historical events of that region.
There are a number of tour operators that offer Jaisalmer tours. These tours are very much a part of places of tourist interest in Jaisalmer. The tours are thoroughly enjoyable for the tourists. However, while choosing the tour, try to get from a tour operator which has a certain level of expertise and experience in this sector. The experience and expertise will ensure a comfortable tour for you.

Patwon ki Haveli Architecture
Located in the center of the city, it is truly an outstanding piece of architecture. Built-in red sandstone in the period between 1800 and 1860 AD, it is well known for its beautiful latticework on its porticos made of stone and wood.
There is a stunning apartment in it, which is flawlessly painted with beautiful murals. Patwon Ki Haveli is renowned for its ornate wall paintings, intricate yellow sandstone-carved jharokhas or balconies, gateways, and doorways.
Although the building itself is made from yellow sandstone, the main gateway is brown. It is a beautiful Haveli known for its elaborate latticed havelis with facade five-storey building.

About Jaisalmer