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Patwon ki Haveli
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The five-storied Patwon ki Haveli is the largest of its kind in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan,
India. Patwon ki haveli is one of the most elaborate and fascinating mansions in
Jaisalmer that entices you with its hypnotic charm. Located on a narrow lane in
the main Jaisalmer city, Patwon ki haveli was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa and
his five sons. Guman Chand was a famous trader of his times and dealt in gold, brocade
and silver. There are five massive suites in the Patwon ki haveli that are decorated
with brilliant representations of artistic acumen. The entire haveli is and interesting
grid of pillared halls, large corridors, lavishly chiseled ceilings and ostentatiously
decorated walls. The stunning murals that adorn the haveli walls are colorful depictions
of the everyday court scenes, village scenes and other artistic concepts. The walls
of one particular room at the Patwon ki Haveli is completely covered with captivating
frescoes.
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The havelis are also known as the 'mansion of brocade merchants'. This name has
been given probably because the family dealt in threads of gold and silver used
in embroidering dresses. However, there are theories, which claim that these traders
made considerable amount of money in Opium smuggling and Money-lending. 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. Nevertheless, even after these encroachments and abuse you can
find a good amount of paintings and mirror-works on the wall. The other important
aspects are its gateways and arches. You will notice individual depictions and theme
on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the
main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.
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An architectural marvel of the bygone era, the Patwon-ki- Haveli comprises of five
distinct units. One of the havelis of the Patwon-ki- Haveli has been turned into
a museum and a shop that has a vast reserve of antique furniture and decorative
goods. The government is responsible for the upkeep of the sprawling second and
fifth havelis. The interested tourists can visit the ground floor of the second
haveli. The third haveli of the huge Patwon-ki- Haveli is a shop that offers the
tourists with a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich and traditional art and
craft work of the local craftsmen of the ancient period. The last section of the
haveli is inhabited and is therefore not available for public view. The Patwon-ki-
Haveli reflects the unique architecture of Jaisalmer of the traditional times in
Rajasthan. The splendid monument adds to the old glory and grandeur of the place.
The sprawling historical monument draws several tourist from far and wide who are
absolutely awed by the grand architecture of the Patwon-ki- Haveli.
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