Patwon ki Haveli

INTRODUCTION

Rajasthan and in particular Jaisalmer is well known for its rich culture and intricately designed marvels of the architecture, which have won

Jaisalmer a distinctive place in the hearts of tourists from around the world. One such marvel is the truly royal and magnificent cluster of Patwa

Havelis.

Patwa Havelis are a cluster of five havelis aligned in a narrow lane in the heart of the city. Of the five havelis, the first haveli in the lane aka the

Kothari’s Patwa Haveli is not only extraordinarily preserved and restored but is also open to visitors to experience the lifestyle of the erstwhile

patwas.

Guman Chand Patwa, The Owner Of the Havelis decided to gift each of his five sons a separate and elaborate mansion After His Massive

Success In their business which was spanned across banking & finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.

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.

The havelis are also known as the 'mansion of brocade merchants'.

Geographical Map Of City

HISTORY

The history of the Kothari’s Patwa Haveli dates back to early eighteenth century, when the patwas were struggling to set up their trade

and business. On the advice of a priest at the Jain Temple, the patwa brothers left Jaisalmer with the intention of never returning

(they were advised by the priest that their business could not flourish in Jaisalmer). The legend has it that the patwas were immensely

successful thereafter and their business spanned across banking & finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.

Eventually, patwas rose to such heights that they were called upon to finance the state deficit. This brought the clan back to

their old habitat. The then head of the family, Ghuman Chand Patwa, in 1805 decided to gift each of his five sons a

separate and elaborate mansion, ignoring the advice of the priest. Thus came up the five grandiose havelis facing the

Jailsamer Fort which took 60 years Of time for its construction.

Unfortunately, the lives of the patwas took a ‘u’ turn after their return to Jaisalmer and their fortunes started dwindling.

Consequently, they had to abandon the city-state again, leaving the havelis at the mercy of care takers.

The care takers became the owners in the course of time and decided to put the

havelis up for sale. Care taker of the first haveli approached Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari

,who was a native of Jaisalmer and like patwas had left Jaisalmer to explore better

opportunities. Mr. Kothari, with a view to remain connected with his native

place, decided to buy the first haveli. Hence it was renamed as the

Kothari’s Patwa Haveli.

This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for

various purposes and the haveli of Guman chand patwa is used as

a tourist attraction to show Rajasthan’s Royal Culture.

.

View of golden fort from Guman chand patwa’s haveli

Materials : Yellow Sandstone

Interior : Wooden Ceiling & Glass Art

Majestic Gateways & 60 Balconies

Persian & Indian Type of Architecture

OBSERVATION

Camera

Royal Dresses Glass Work

Turbans

Roof

Ceiling Work

Furniture

Entrance Lobby

Drawing Room

Ground Floor Market

During the Visit to Patwon Ki Haveli , Many kind of Architectural and

Interior based Work was Observed.. Like The Glass Work while Entrance Or Different type Of Locks , Wooden Ceilings. But According To Basic

Measure Of Architecture, The Most Important thing That Was Observed Was their Marvellous Courtyard Work. And The Astonishing Jali System in

Windows. Though the windows were Small in size as Compared. But they were the most preferred in climatic conditions as that in JaIsalmer City.

The House Was Nicely Ventilated.

The Sandstone Brickwork Was Also Attractive, as like how one sandstone was pasted to another without Mortar. And The Fine Shape Of Bricks.