PATWON KI HAVELI

This magnificent and imposing haveli is located in the outer city. Its history began long before its construction in the 19th century. A century earlier, the Patwa clan was struggling to get their trading business off the ground. A Jain priest advised the two brothers to leave the city and never return. They followed the priest's advice and made a fortune in finance, silver, brocade and opium trading. Their fortune was such that the kingdom of Jaisalmer called upon them to replenish its coffers. The clan returned to live in the city and Guman Chand Patwa, who was then at the head of the clan, decided to build five contiguous havelis for each of his sons. The priest's omen came true once again and the clan's fortune began to dry up. He had to leave the city once again, leaving the havelis in the care of the guardians. They became de facto owners and sold the havelis. The first of the havelis was purchased by Jeevanlal Kothari, a native of Jaisalmer. He opened the haveli to the public and created a small museum inside which exhibits furniture and objects that belonged to the Patwa. The Patwa Ki Haveli is best known for its masterful and richly carved façade. The complex of buildings has no less than 68 finely decorated jharokhas . The interior is a bit more disappointing but still worth a look. The first three havelis can be visited (and you will have to pay an entrance fee each time), but only the first one has well preserved frescoes.