Famous place Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Online, February 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Rajasthan and in particular Jaisalmer is well known for its rich culture and intricately designed marvels of the architecture, which have won Jaisalmer a distinctive place in the hearts of tourists from around the world. One such marvel is the Famous, truly royal and magnificent cluster of Patwa Havelis. It was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa in 1805.

Patwa Havelis are a cluster of five havelis aligned in a narrow lane in the heart of the city. Of the five havelis, the first haveli in the lane aka the Kothari's Patwa Haveli is not only extraordinarily preserved and restored but is also open to visitors to experience the lifestyle of the erstwhile patwas.

Kothari's Patwa Haveli is one of the finest, oldest and the largest havelis in Jaisalmer, which is full of artistic work in each corner, be it gracefully carved pillars, façade or the balconies (Jharokhas). Kothari's Patwa Haveli bears expensive decorated items that were imported from various countries. The murals and interiors have derived inspiration from the Rajputi, Mughal as well as Victorian architecture.

This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.

History

The history of the Kothari's Patwa Haveli dates back to early eighteenth century, when the patwas were struggling to set up their trade and business. On the advice of a priest at the Jain Temple, the patwa brothers left Jaisalmer with the intention of never returning (they were advised by the priest that their business could not flourish in Jaisalmer). The legend has it that the patwas were immensely successful thereafter and their business spanned across banking & finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.
Eventually, patwas rose to such heights that they were called upon to finance the state deficit. This brought the clan back to their old habitat. The then head of the family, Ghuman Chand Patwa, decided to gift each of his five sons a separate and elaborate mansion, ignoring the advice of the priest. Thus came up the five grandiose havelis facing the Jailsamer Fort.

Unfortunately, the lives of the patwas took a 'u' turn after their return to Jaisalmer and their fortunes started dwindling. Consequently, they had to abandon the city-state again, leaving the havelis at the mercy of care takers. The care takers became the owners in the course of time and decided to put the havelis up for sale. Care taker of the first haveli approached Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari, who was a native of Jaisalmer and like patwas had left Jaisalmer to explore better opportunities. Mr. Kothari, with a view to remain connected with his native place, decided to buy the first haveli. Hence it was renamed as the Kothari's Patwa Haveli.

Museum and Merchandise

Kothari's Patwa Haveli has been privileged in welcoming and entertaining various visitors from all walks of life. Currently the Kothari's Patwa Haveli is accessible as a museum housing exclusive furnishings and accessories of the erstwhile patwas. A section of the Kothari's 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. Kothari's Patwa Haveli is widely considered the 'Taj Mahal of Jailsalmer'. A visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without seeing the intricately ornate Kothari's Patwa Haveli. While the Testimonial section displays the assortment of the comments and views of some of the dignitaries who have visited the Kothari's Patwa Haveli, Lonely Planet in its 2009 edition has specifically appreciated the beauty of the Kothari's 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). "