Patwon Ki Haveli

The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the Havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precise 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 a 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 a 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. 

Nevertheless, even after these encroachments and abuse, you can find a good amount of paintings and mirror-works on the wall. The other important aspects are its gateways and arches. You will notice individual depictions and theme on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown colour. One of the largest havelis in Rajasthan, Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of five small havelis.

Jaisalmer- The Golden City

Jaisalmer is a princely state in the western Indian State of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert known as the Golden City. It is distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. The “Queen of Thar” Jaisalmer is inarguably the best travel destination in Rajasthan. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone and is crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. This fort contains
a royal palace and several ornate Jain Temples. Many of the houses and temples of both the fort and of the town below are built of finely sculptured sandstone. It is the largest district of Rajasthan and 3rd largest district by territorial region in the country,
hugged on the west & south-west by the Pakistani Border. Tourism is a major industry in Jaisalmer. It is one of the most
peferred event- organising destinations in Rajasthan. Roadies, Balika Vadhu, Maharana Pratap, and several movies were also been shot in various location and hotels of Jaisalmer. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live. Some of the attractions in Jaisalmer that you must visit are
Jaisalmer Government Musuem, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haweli, Patwon ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Jian temples of Jaisalmer, Gadisar Lake, Bada Bagh, Desert National Park, Kuldhara Etc. Desert festival of Jaisalmer is the most awaited and famous cultural and colorful events that dominate the sand of Rajasthan and camel races, turban tying competitions are also organized. It is held in the month of February every year in Rajasthan. The desert festival in Jaisalmer has showcased Rajasthani folk songs and dance so it is a very attractive festival for foreign tourists. The rich culture of the region is on display during this three day long festival. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer to witness performing arts like Kalbelia dances and folk songs and music.