As we discuss royal structures in Rajasthan, we cannot help remembering one name, that of Patwon ki haveli . This magnificent Haveli in Jaisalmer is not just a building, but it is a representation of the riches, art, and craftsmanship of the past century. The haveli is made of golden-yellow sandstone and shines under the desert sun, which is why it is one of the most photogenic places in the city.
The architectural masterpiece is an indispensable tourist attraction for anyone planning Jaisalmer sightseeing, as it provides a profound insight into the rich cultural and trading history of Rajasthan.
The Patwon Ki Haveli history is quite interesting and it goes back to the early 19th century. This was commissioned in the year 1805 by a rich trader by the name of Guman Chand Patwa. He was a successful trader in gold, silver and precious stones. Patwon ki haveli is not like most havelis in the area, as it was constructed with five havelis, not only of a single family but also of a five-family haveli, which was constructed to accommodate his five sons.
This renders it the biggest and also one of the oldest havelis in Jaisalmer. All the havelis had a gradual construction but were built in a harmonious form, where there was architectural balance and aesthetics. The richness of the Patwa family is well demonstrated through the elaborate decoration and luxury of the interior of the structure.
The real distinction that this Haveli has had in Jaisalmer is the magnificent architecture. The facade is adorned with exquisite carvings, elaborate jharokhas (balconies) and elegantly carved windows. It is a structure that reminds us of a piece of gold that has been carved out of one piece, at a distance.
Due to the carvings, the walls have floral patterns, geometric designs, and artistic motifs, which are an aspect of the Rajputana style. The interiors are also mesmerizing. There are even mirrors, paintings with different colors, ornamental arches and well-designed rooms, which once accommodated the high merchant family.
The haveli is an excellent piece of evidence of how merchants in Jaisalmer could have luxurious lives like a king, yet they were not kings.
Patwon ki haveli is unique in a number of amazing facts. To start with, this is not a single haveli but five small havelis put together. A lot of visitors do not know about this detail.
Second, the Archaeological Survey of India preserves parts of the haveli, but some of its parts are privately owned. This is because visitors can visit the preserved museum spaces as well as the original residential spaces.
The other interesting fact is that this haveli was among the first mansions that were constructed in Jaisalmer. It is the epoch of the prosperity of trade at the time when Jaisalmer was a powerful point on the ancient Silk Route. The Patwa family was rich and wealthy in terms of trade and this haveli is one of the pieces of evidence of their prosperity.
Patwon ki haveli, like any other historic building, comes with certain secrets. It is discussed that the haveli has some hidden routes and secret deposits where the precious things were stored. During this period merchants tended to construct their own secret places to keep invaders and thieves off their riches.
There is no verified evidence that underground tunnels used to connect the haveli to the rest of the city, and some of the locals are convinced that they existed. The architectural form of the windows and the balconies also had a function besides beauty, which was that women of the house could view the activities on the street without being noticed.
These little yet significant details show the level of intelligence with which the haveli was planned, both in luxury and security.
Depending on when you will be visiting, you do not want to miss the details of the Patwon ki haveli. The haveli tends to be open between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on a daily basis. The best time is during the morning hours to have a look around the structure in a comfortable way, particularly during the summer season when afternoons can be terribly hot in Jaisalmer.
Early morning visits are also preferable to get more light to take photos of the sandstone carvings of the golden glow of the sandstones.
It is good to know the Patwon ki Haveli entry fee before entry to this spot is put in your itinerary. The entry fee is not high and as such, it is affordable to both the domestic and international tourists.
They may have individual fees when it comes to the use of cameras, particularly professional photography. Given that fees are subject to change with the passage of time, it is always best to ask someone about the current information in the area before making any plans to visit the place. Although the ticket price is small, you will have the value of the experience you do get in.
Patwon ki haveli is a unique monument in Jaisalmer for sightseeing among all other heritage buildings. Whereas Jaisalmer Fort is a symbol of royal authority, this haveli is a symbol of the prosperity of merchants who determined the economic core of the city.
The haveli provides you with a total cultural experience in the form of architecture, art, history and way of life, all under a single roof. It is near the central marketplace; hence, tourists are able to visit and shop at the same time and collect handicrafts and souvenirs.
To history lovers, photographers, and culture lovers, this haveli is not merely a monument; it is a time machine that will transport you to the 1800s.
The time of the year that would be best to visit this Haveli in Jaisalmer is said to be between October and March. It is not very cold in these months and one can easily walk in the narrow lanes and visit attractions around. Jaisalmer has a harsh summer; therefore, intelligent planning of your trip will make it easier.
Nights are very active, popular evenings around the haveli grounds; however, as the monument shuts down there in the late afternoon, schedule your sightseeing time.
The Patwon ki haveli is an art masterpiece, a masterpiece of intelligence and ambition that is located in the centre of the Thar Desert. The rich history of Patwon ki haveli tells us that greatness does not pertain to kings and rulers only, and rich merchants have also left their imprints that are motivating the generations.
Its executed carvings, mysterious aspects, low entry fee to Patwon ki haveli, and convenient Patwon ki haveli timings have all made this marvelous Haveli in Jaisalmer to take the first position in your list of travel destinations.
Jaisalmer must not be a passing-by location if you intend to carry out Jaisalmer sightseeing. You do not hurry, you see the carvings and fantasize about the life of the Patwa family and can actually feel the magic that was in these gold walls.
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