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 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.

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 color.

History of Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Patwon Ki Haveli was built in the early 1800s by Guman Chand Patwa, who was an affluent merchant from Jaisalmer. Their family is said to be one of the famous dealers of gold and silver embroidery threads. They were thus recognised as the Brocade Merchants, and the haveli was also called the Mansion of Brocade Merchants. Rumour has it that the family was also involved in smuggling opium illegally at that time. Guman Chand Patwa wanted to build a haveli in Jaisalmer and commissioned its construction in 1805. As time progressed and as he made more profits in trading, he decided to create five separate havelis for his sons in the same complex. Patwon Ki Haveli took about 60 years to be constructed entirely and became the largest mansion in Jaisalmer.

Architecture of Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli is a 5-storey Rajputana mansion with traditional Jaisalmer architecture. It is made of yellow sandstone and has intricate detailing. Each floor forms a different haveli; the mansion on the ground floor (the first haveli) being the largest of them all. The entire complex of havelis is beautifully decorated with a variety of patterns carved into the sandstone. The gateways and arches, in particular, are massive and intricately decorated. The interiors are just as fascinating with high ceilings, pillars, door frames, mirror work and paintings. There are 60 traditional Jharokhas and windows in the mansion, and each has ornately carved stone frames and latticework that brightens the place with natural light and aids cross ventilation.