Patwon ki haveli – History
As soon as you go inside, you’ll see five little havelis nestled inside. All the way back in 1805, the first of these five havelis was built.
That belonged to Guman Chand Patwa. According to what the locals knew and what is recorded from history, Chand Patwa was a wealthy merchant with a stellar reputation. He was well-off enough to commission the building of such an extravagant haveli. The opulence of his ideas and his financial means led him to build five distinct havelis inside one for his five kids at that time. In fifty years, he was able to finish the building. Complete construction required 10 additional years.
The Mansion of Brocade Merchants is another name for Patwa Haveli. Legend has it that Patwa used to sell threads made of gold and silver for ladies’ garments.
The Indian government now owns the Haveli and uses it for a variety of reasons. In case you are interested in learning more about the history of Haveli and Jaisalmer in general, you will be pleased to hear that it is home to the center of the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Art and Craft Department.
Architecture
Numerous legends attest to the fact that they got their appearance. Two brothers, so goes the urban legend, built the haveli independently of one another. Something was off with the buildings, but they didn’t see it until they met halfway. Given the importance of symmetry in architectural design at that time, this was definitely out of the ordinary.
Similarly, the Havelis have elements of both Islamic and Rajput architecture. Because of its location on the ancient Silk Road, Jaisalmer was profoundly impacted by Western (mostly Islamic) ideas and culture, particularly in terms of architecture and interior design.
A pair of massively sculptured elephants flank the entrance to the Havelis, which are constructed from red sandstone. Its five stories and incredible lattice work are hard to believe. The level of detail in the design is unparalleled.
Thighs to do
Feel free to linger and take in the exquisite Haveli’s architecture and design. Take in the intricate jharokhas, balconies, and carved façade. Take note of the elaborate designs, patterns, and the one-of-a-kind combination of Mughal and Rajputana traditions.
The museum in Patwaon Ki Haveli tells the story of Jaisalmer and its culture. Learn more about the Patwa family, the history of the haveli, and the culture of the area by exploring the displays.
Enjoy stunning views of Jaisalmer from the haveli’s jharokhas and balconies. The Jaisalmer Fort, famous all around the world, is visible from the balconies, which provide a great view of the town.
Because of its ornate architecture and lavish interior decoration, the haveli is perfect for stunning picture sessions. Photograph the intricate carvings, vivid colors of the sandstone, and the way light and shadow interacts with one another. Take pictures of the breathtaking cityscape from the balcony with your camera.
Many shops and booths in Patwaon Ki Haveli sell textiles, trinkets, and handicrafts made by locals. These stores provide a diverse array of one-of-a-kind wares, such as embroidered textiles, traditional Rajasthani jewelry, leather products, and camel leather handicrafts.
Relax in one of the haveli’s courtyards. Relax in the peaceful ambiance while admiring the historical setting. Relax on one of the courtyard seats while taking in the stunning architecture.
Talk to the helpful staff and tour guides at Patwaon Ki Haveli to learn more about the history, mythology, and folklore of Jaisalmer and the haveli.
Entry fee and timings
Visitors from outside India must pay INR 100 per person to enter the Patwaon Ki Haveli, while natives of India must pay INR 20 per person. There will be a fee of INR 50 for still cameras and INR 100 for video cameras if you happen to have one with you.
The suggested amount of time to explore is one to two hours, and it is typically available to the public from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon every day.
Ways to reach
By Air
The closest airport to Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Airport. However, many passengers choose to travel to Jodhpur Airport, which is around 300 miles distant, because of its poor connection with other major airports in India.
By Train
Jaisalmer is well-linked to the rest of the cities via the railway network. An easy method to go to Jaisalmer from places like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc. is to take a direct train to the Jaisalmer Railway Station. Numerous choices for commuting farther inside the city are available from that point on.
By Road
The national roads leading to Jaisalmer are in good repair. Jaisalmer is easily accessible by bus, cab, or self-driving. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and other neighboring cities may be reached via the city’s extensive road network.