Amidst the many grand palaces and historical edifices in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli embodies the city’s rich heritage and cultural inheritance. It is a gorgeous architectural brilliance structure known as the Mansion of the Brocade Merchants. The haveli stands as a proud symbol of the architectural genius and success of the affluent Patwa family, prominent Jain merchants primarily involved in the trade of precious stones. The building of Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer took nearly fifty years, with each of the five brothers responsible for creating their respective portions.
History of Jaisalmer
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Jaisalmer, aptly called The Golden City, is a popular choice among India’s many tourist destinations. It is a city in the state of Rajasthan, set up by Jaisal Singh in 1156. Thus, the city name is inspired by its founder, with Jaisal being the ruler’s name and Mer meaning a fort. So, the city’s name translates to The Fort of Jaisal, duly emphasising the city’s historic fortification and royal heritage.
Must Read: Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
History Of The Haveli
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Patwon Ki Haveli was constructed by a wealthy Jain merchant family known as the Patwa brothers in the 19th century. The Patwas were eminent traders who dealt with precious stones, including gold and silver. The Haveli enclosure is completed by five separate mansions belonging to one of the five Patwa brothers. Also known as the Mansion of the Brocade Merchants, each mansion was designed by the brother who was going to reside in that mansion and due to this, it appears as if this haveli has five unique and distinct sections.
Presently, Patwon Ki Haveli stands as a loved monument. This heritage site has recently become a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer. With the influx of time, Patwon Ki Haveli was seen gradually falling into disrepair and neglect, but with genuine efforts put in to restore and preserve this architectural treasure, the Haveli is now open to the public, allowing tourists to visit and admire its splendid architecture and learn about the rich history and heritage of The City of Gold.
Architecture Of The Haveli
The Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer is a splendid amalgamation of Rajputana and Mughal styles of architecture and finesse. It is a perfect example of a masterclass in architecture, showcasing top-quality craftsmanship, finely done carvings, and other unique elements that make it a standout building and a must-visit heritage site in the city. Constructed extensively using yellow sandstone, the sandstone gives the haveli its distinct outward surface, a characteristic feature of almost all Jaisalmer’s architecture. The facades of Patwon Ki Haveli depict a range of motifs, including floral patterns, mythological figures, animals, and scenes from everyday life.
Patwon Ki Haveli includes many courtyards for every section of the mansion. A few corners of this erstwhile family house showcase beautiful artworks, mainly paintings on the walls and the ceilings. These illustrate scenes from Rajasthani culture, mythology, and historical events, adding to the overall artistic appeal of the haveli.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit In Rajasthan
How To Reach
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- By Air: Jaisalmer Airport is the nearest airport to this haveli. However, many people prefer flying to the Jodhpur Airport, which is about 300 km away, owing to its better connectivity with the other major airports in India.
- By Train: It is advised to reach this city via the rail route as Jaisalmer is better connected to the rest of the cities via the railway network. You can take a train to Jaisalmer Railway Station, where you’ll find numerous options to commute further into the town.
- By Road: Jaisalmer is accessible by road through well-developed national highways. You can reach Jaisalmer by bus, by hiring a taxi, or by driving yourself.
Entry Fee
A nominal fee is levied to visit the Patwon Ki Haveli at Rs 20 per head for Indian citizens while this amount rises to Rs 100 per head for foreigners. Additionally, if you wish to carry a still camera or a video camera inside the premises, you’ll need to pay Rs 50 and Rs 100 for the respective equipment.
Coming to its timings, it is generally open for its visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days and the average exploration time is not more than 2 hours.
Things To Do
Once you reach Patwon Ki Haveli, you should visit the in-house museum that displays artefacts related to the history and culture of Jaisalmer. Also available are the exhibits which let you learn more about the haveli’s history, the Patwa family, and the local heritage. If you are fortunate, you can witness some of the fantastic old-school cultural performances occasionally organised at Patwon Ki Haveli. Stay updated with the daily lineup to check if any events are scheduled during your visit. Witnessing Rajasthani music coupled with the dance performances can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Patwon Ki Haveli also hosts a variety of shops and stalls that sell embroidered textiles, camel leather artefacts, local Rajasthani jewellery, and so much more. Do not forget to explore these shops and maybe you can find some unique items that will let you capture the essence of Patwon Ki Haveli and Jaisalmer in a souvenir.
Further Read: Forts in Rajasthan
Now you have complete information about Patwon Ki Haveli and the surrounding monuments, giving you a list of reasons to visit the gold city of Jaisalmer. Make sure you plan your trip to Jaisalmer as soon as possible and don’t forget to explore all the historical and architectural marvels, beautiful palaces, and breathtaking lakes of this city. Don’t miss out on visiting these wonders; book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer
Is photography prohibited in Patwon Ki Haveli?
While photography is not prohibited inside the premises of Patwon Ki Haveli, you surely would need to pay an additional fee to be allowed to carry your equipment inside this heritage site. If you wish to carry a still camera or a video camera inside the premises, you’ll need to pay Rs 50 and Rs 100 for the respective equipment.
Which airport is preferred to reach Patwon Ki Haveli?
Though Jaisalmer Airport is the nearest airport to this haveli. But many people prefer flying to the Jodhpur Airport, which is about 300 km away, owing to its better connectivity with the other major airports in India.
How many films have been shot in Jaisalmer?
Sonar Kella (1974), Hothat Brishti (1998), Goray Gondogol (2012) and Kishore Kumar Junior (2018) are a few of the Bengali films that have been shot in Jaisalmer. Nanhe Jaisalmer (2007) is a Hindi film that was shot in this city.
How did the city of Jaisalmer get its name?
Jaisalmer, as a city, was set up by Jaisal Singh in 1156. Thus, the city's name is inspired by its founder, with Jaisal being the ruler's name and Mer meaning a fort. So, the city name literally translates to The Fort of Jaisal.
When is the best time to visit Pawon Ki Haveli?
The months of October to February are considered the best time to head to the Patwon Ki Haveli or the whole of Rajasthan for that matter. The weather remains fairly pleasant at this time of the year, ranging from a minimum of 7 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius
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