Introduction

One of Jaisalmer's singular attractions is its havelis. For admirers of art, architecture and culture, these havelis are veritable treasure troves. Built in the soft sandstone of the region that lends itself wonderfully to intricate carving, most of these architectural marvels were constructed in the 18th and 19th century. A period when the overland trade route passing through Jaisalmer was at its zenith.

The most striking of these is the Patwon-ki-Haveli. This set of five adjoining havelis was built by five Jain brothers who were brocade and jewelry merchants. These interconnected houses were built between 1800 and 1860. The multi-storeyed buildings are constructed in the traditional haveli style of Indian architecture with rooms set around a central courtyard. Walking into them evokes a hauntingly beautiful imagery of a close knit joint family. Images of life flash by as one -- peeps into the courtyard, steps into a living room, and into the kitchen, and...After a while one begins noticing the artwork on the wall, the lovely jharokhas (balconies) opening out into the courtyard and the street below. This haveli is unsurpassed for the delicacy of their relief carvings, filigreed windows, and lacelike screens. And they are more-than-anything-else, a testament of the skillful silavats - Jaisalmer's community of stonemasons.

Some of the houses in this set of five are privately owned and not open to the public. One of the houses runs the Basant Art Emporium, a shop selling brocades and embroidered textiles to tourists.

Special Attributes

The finest workmanship of all the Jaisalmer havelis

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable

Connectivity

Walking

Enjoyed by

History, Architecture & Culture buffs

Exposure

No exposure to direct sunlight

Avoidable Season

May, June

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Mornings and evenings are the best time to visit the fort

Type of site

Building/Architecture