Patwon Ki Haveli in Rajasthan

Patwon ki Haveli, located in a small lane in Jaisalmer, is a misnomer. There is nothing in the façade that tells you it is a haveli, or mansion. The five story, elaborately carved structure built of red sandstone looks more like a palace. Built more than 200 years back, the haveli was once home to brocade traders, whose wares were in demand not only with the local Rajputs, but nobles, traders, and kings in foreign lands as well.

Today, the haveli still houses descendants of the original owners in one wing. The other parts of this grand mansion house shops, and the rest is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. So while you may not get to see much in the way of traditional customs, you can still take a tour to look at the architecture.

And what architecture it is! The entrance is guarded by two huge elephants created out of sandstone. The haveli has 66 – yes, right, 66! – balconies. Built in typically Rajasthani style, the grandeur of the haveli offers an insight into the lavish lifestyle and untold wealth of the ancient traders of Rajasthan.

The interiors are as opulent as the exterior is grand. The walls are decorated with intricate mirrorwork, a peculiarity of Rajasthani architecture. Another thing worth seeing here is the beautiful miniature paintings on the walls, depicting the life and times of the Rajasthani nobles and common people in the days gone by.

The arches and carved pillars are another mainstay of Rajasthani architecture. Another fascinating part of the architecture is the latticed windows, carved out of the hard stone to resemble delicate lace.

Patwon ki Haveli is well worth a visit if you are keen on understanding the grandeur and love of art that was part of the life of not just the ruler, but the trading classes as well.