Patwon ki Haveli boasts of exquisite styles of architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful havelis of Jaisalmer, the famous `City of Palaces` in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, which was created in 1805 by a brocade merchant named Guman Chand Patwa.

History of Patwon ki Haveli
Local legends state that the Patawon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer was built with an aim to provide an accommodation to each of the five sons of Patwa, a rich merchant and that each of the stories were constructed for the utilization of the sons. Therefore the havelis are termed as `mansion of brocade merchants`, indicating that their family traded in threads of silver and gold which were employed for embroidering garments during that time. However other accounts assert that the traders indulged in money lending and opium trade. Historians are of the view that the brother practised the religion of Jainism.

Historical sources have claimed that Patwon ki Haveli is the most ancient and largest `haveli` constructed at this region and it comprises a series of five small havelis, whose erection was completed after a lengthy period of 50 years. An elaborate panel of mirror-works on the ceilings and walls of Patwon ki Haveli, coupled with marvellous traditional paintings that beautify the interiors of this haveli. Currently, the Government of India has occupied this haveli and utilizes it for official purposes. The haveli possesses the office of the Archaeological Survey of India, as well as the official quarters of the State Arts and Crafts Department.

Architecture of Patwon ki Haveli
Made out of yellow sandstones, the ornamental gateways and arches portraying the unique depictions inside the haveli leaves the visitors spellbound. The main entrance has been manufactured in brown colour and the haveli comprises of five distinct units. Presently, one of the havelis of Patwon ki Haveli has been transformed into a museum and a shop has been set up which exhibits a large quantity of decorative artefacts and magnificent furniture. The objects displayed reflect the traditional crafts-work of the regional craftsmen of the ancient times. However, tourists are not permitted to view the last portion of the haveli since it is inhabited by people. The sprawling premises of the second and fifth havelis are supervised by the government.

Visiting Information on Patawon ki Haveli
The Jaisalmer railway station is the nearest at a distance of 1.9 km from the Patawon ki Haveli and the Jaisalmer Airport is the closest at a distance of about 14 km from the haveli.