The first haveli, now a museum, provides a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Patwa family. It boasts preserved frescoes, mirror work, murals, and period furniture. As one of the most popular tourist spots in Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli captures the essence of heritage tourism in Rajasthan.
History of Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer
The construction of Patwon Ki Haveli started in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, a wealthy Jain trader and banker who made his fortune in textiles and opium. He was one of the richest men in Jaisalmer at the time. He aimed to create not just a home but a legacy for his family.
The construction lasted over 55 years, with five individual havelis built for each of his five sons. This large project resulted in the first haveli complex ever constructed in Jaisalmer, setting a new standard in private architecture in the region.
Unlike the royal or noble havelis of Rajasthan, Patwon Ki Haveli showcases the merchant elite class and their growing influence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The wealth of the Patwa family and their refined taste are clear in the lavish details of each building, from ornate carvings to the use of imported art and mirrors.
Over time, the havelis changed ownership. One was taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India, while others fell under private ownership or trust management. Today, parts of the complex function as museums, craft shops, and art galleries, preserving and highlighting Jaisalmer’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Architecture & Design of Patwon Ki Haveli
The design of Patwon Ki Haveli combines Rajputana and Mughal styles. It showcases the wealth and refined tastes of Jaisalmer’s merchant class. Made entirely from yellow sandstone, the complex shines in the desert sun, making it one of the most visually appealing tourist spots in Jaisalmer. What makes this haveli unique are the five connected mansions, where each part of the cluster was built for a different son of Guman Chand Patwa. While they share the same material and style, each section has its own distinct character.
Today, the first haveli operates as a museum. Visitors can explore richly decorated rooms and view exhibits of traditional furniture, textiles, utensils, and costumes, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Patwa family. The architectural brilliance of Patwon Ki Haveli enhances Jaisalmer tourism and stands as a lasting symbol of the city’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Some of its most impressive features of Patwon ki Haveli include:
- Intricately Carved Facades: The front elevations are decorated with fine carvings of floral patterns, mythological figures, and scenes from everyday life, created with remarkable skill.
- Jharokhas & Jalis: Numerous jharokhas (balconies) showcase delicate latticework (jalis) that provides privacy while allowing light and air in, a common aspect of Rajasthani architecture.
- Multi-Level Layout: The haveli spans multiple levels, with each floor and courtyard designed for the family's needs. This creates a segmented structure that remains visually cohesive.
- Grand Gateways & Courtyards: Elaborate arched gateways lead to spacious courtyards, lined with pillared halls, colonnades, and carved niches.
- Frescoes & Mirror Work: Inside, parts of the haveli feature vibrant wall paintings, mirror work, and colorful frescoes that tell stories from mythology and merchant life.
- Ornamental Details: From intricately carved wooden ceilings and brackets to decorative doors and arches, every part of the mansion showcases the high level of craftsmanship that characterizes Jaisalmer architecture.
Exploring the Five Mansions – Patwon Ki Haveli
Though commonly called a single structure, Patwon Ki Haveli is actually a cluster of five individual mansions. Each was built by the wealthy merchant Guman Chand Patwa for his five sons. Constructed over 55 years, these havelis stand side by side, forming the largest haveli complex in Jaisalmer and a key highlight of Jaisalmer tourist places.
Each haveli has its own character, with different levels of preservation, public access, and architectural detail:
The First Haveli (Museum)
This is the largest and most elaborate haveli. It has been turned into the Patwa Haveli Museum and is managed by the State Archaeological Department. Inside, visitors can see original mirror work, frescoes, and carved archways. There are also displays of royal costumes, utensils, furniture, and household relics from the Patwa era.
The Second Haveli
This section is partly residential and also contains local textile and craft shops. While it’s not a museum, visitors can appreciate its stone balconies, carved windows, and elements of original design that still stand proudly.
The Third Haveli
Privately owned and usually closed to the public, this haveli still retains its structural charm. Occasionally, it hosts heritage exhibitions or local artisan showcases, adding cultural value to the complex.
The Fourth Haveli
Famous for its exquisite jharokhas and pillared halls, this haveli isn’t formally open to tourists. However, it can be admired from the outside. Its carved archways and fading grandeur make it a favorite for photographers.
The Fifth Haveli
The last in the row is mostly unoccupied and not as well preserved, but it still displays remnants of fine sandstone carvings. There are occasional restoration efforts to protect its architectural heritage.
Interesting Facts About Patwon Ki Haveli
- Patwon Ki Haveli is actually five separate mansions, built next to each other over the period of 55 years. This approach is unusual in traditional haveli design.
- It is the first haveli in Jaisalmer and the largest of its kind in the city.
- Even though a merchant built it, not royalty, it is more impressive than many royal homes. It reflects the wealth of the Patwa family.
- The first haveli features over 60 intricately carved balconies, known as jharokhas, with each one showcasing a unique design.
- Two brothers worked on opposite sides of the same haveli at the same time, resulting in a subtly uneven structure that still looks balanced.
- Some stone-carved window screens are so delicate they resemble lacework, all hand-chiseled with traditional tools.
- The haveli’s mirror work and gold-painted murals were once so extravagant that it earned the nickname “The Mansion of Gold.”
- No two floors are the same; each level was made for different sons, with separate entrances and internal layouts.
- While one haveli serves as a museum, another is still home to descendants of the original Patwa family, making it a living heritage site.
- Bollywood and regional filmmakers often choose the haveli as a shooting location because of its cinematic appearance and royal atmosphere.
Other Information
Opening Hours: Patwon Ki Haveli is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
ENTRY FEE
Tickets are required for entry to the Patwon Ki Haveli museum and for camera usage:
- Indian Citizens: INR 20 per person.
- Foreign Nationals: INR 100 per person.
- Still Camera Fee: INR 50.
- Video Camera Fee: INR 100.
Note: Fees are subject to change. It is advisable to verify the exact current rates at the ticket counter upon arrival.
ADDRESS: No. 3129, Opposite Choora Paada, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India.
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