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.
History of the Attraction
A wealthy merchant named Guman Chand Patwa constructed this mansion complex, and the first of the mansions was built in 1805. The whole mansion complex with all its grandeur grew up in the course of 60 years. The first mansion however, remains the grandest of them all. It was the second haveli to be constructed in Jaisalmer.
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.
Getting There
From Jaisalmer, there are local transports to reach the haveli. There are two main bus stands in the city, from which you will find a number of buses going to the haveli. There is also a railway station in Jaisalmer, which can be used to travel from other places.
Things to do in and around
There are a number of tourist attractions close to the Patwon ki Haveli, such as Badal Mahal, the Folklore Museum, etc. There is a Sunset Point in Jaisalmer, from which you can experience a dramatic sunset on a day when the sky remains clear. There is also the Jaisalmer fort, made of sandstone, and resembling gold in glittering sunlight.