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The
beautiful havelis were founded by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer,
it is a very another prominent tourist spot of Jaisalmer. To visit the
beautiful and attractive havelis of well-known Jain merchants of
medieval time, Manak Chowk is the main entrance from which one can
visit these Havelis. The main market place outside the Jaisalmer Fort
is Manak Chowk. Patwon ki Haveli is the largest and most extensive
haveli of Jaisalmer which is situated in a narrow lane. This
five-storeyed building is carved very broadly and is known for its
Jharokas (balconies). It is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5
small havelis. Among these 5 havelis the first haveli was founded by
Guman Chand Patwa in 1805, it is the biggest haveli. Then he decided
to built separate stories for each of his 5 sons. All the 5 stories
were built in the 19th century.
The family of Ghuman Chand Patwa who was a very rich Patwa who was a
trader of luxurious embroidery and brocades starts the construction of
this haveli in the early 19th century. It took about half a century to
complete the construction of this haveli. Two architect brothers laid
the foundation of this haveli. Among the brothers, one of the brother
focus on building the structure of left side of the haveli and the
other brother focus on the construction in the right side of the
haveli. Although this haveli is constructed in a symmetrical manner.
Patwon ki Haveli is divided into a total of 6 apartments. Patwon ki
Haveli is presently under the control of Govt. Inside the haveli
various govt. offices are also there like the office of State art and
craft department & the Archeological Survey of India. Mighty tuskers
engraved with yellow sandstone stand as guards to the haveli. Inside
the walls of the Havelis are decorated with mirror work and also with
some of the residues of miniature paintings. It is the first haveli
which was built in Jaisalmer. Entrance of the haveli is built in brown
color and the remaining part of the Haveli is built in yellow
sandstone. |
