subject: Jaisalmer Haveli [print this page] Jaisalmer Haveli popularly known as Patwa Haveli is an interesting interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. It was established in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa.
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 most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five story high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer. This five-storeyed building extensively carved and is notable for its jharokhas (balconies).
Museum and Merchandise
Kotharis Patwa Haveli has been privileged in welcoming and entertaining various visitors from all walks of life. Currently the Kotharis Patwa Haveli is accessible as a museum housing exclusive furnishings and accessories of the erstwhile patwas. A section of the Kotharis Patwa Haveli offers visitors a chance to shop for authentic Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts, from the trading of which the erstwhile patwas made a fortune. Kotharis Patwa Haveli is widely considered the Taj Mahal of Jailsalmer. A visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without seeing the intricately ornate Kotharis Patwa Haveli. While the Testimonial section displays the assortment of the comments and views of some of the dignitaries who have visited the Kotharis Patwa Haveli, Lonely Planet in its 2009 edition has specifically appreciated the beauty of the Kotharis Patwa Haveli. The extract of the section is reproduced below:
"Most magnificent of all the havelis, its stone work like honey-coloured lace, Patwa-ki-Haveli towers over a narrow lane. It was build between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers who were brocade and jewellery merchants. It's most impressive from the outside. The first of the five sections is opened as the privately owned Kothari's Patwa Haveli Museum (Indina/foreigner Rs 40/100, camera/video Rs30/40; 9am-6pm), which richly evokes 19th-century life. Next door is the forlorn and empty (apart from pigeons and bats) government-owned haveli (indian/foreigner Rs10/50). "
