Built in the first half of the 19th century, Patwa Haveli is a cluster of five havelis (mansions) in the heart of Jaisalmer. These havelis were built by one of the city’s prosperous merchants, Guman Singh Patwa. The grandly constructed residences fell into disrepair as Guman Singh’s wealth dwindled, till they were taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1974 and restored to their present condition. The main haveli known as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli has been turned into a museum famous for its architecture, interiors, and artefacts depicting the lifestyle and heritage of Jaisalmer’s merchants.

Apart from being a fine example of traditional Rajasthani architecture, Patwa Haveli (also known as Patwon ki Haveli) is also considered to be the first grand haveli commissioned in Jaisalmer. Constructed chiefly with yellow sandstone, the havelis rise up to multiple stories with latticed carvings and around sixty balconies or jharokhas. Each haveli consists of a courtyard surrounded by several rooms and arched doors and windows. 

The museum displays living quarters and elaborate rooms with walls adorned with murals and mirror work. Portions of the residence such as the dining room, dressing room and main living room have been displayed to give visitors an insight into the day to day functioning of the Patwa household. Musical instruments such as a sitar, board games, a chessboard and other artefacts from the 19th century are displayed in the main living room area of the haveli. Large pots can be found on display in rooms which were previously used as kitchens. Apart from these, the museum also displays a collection of turbans. Visitors can also witness hidden safes used by Rajasthani merchants in the 19th century as there are several niches hidden behind paintings and murals in each haveli where precious items and money were hidden earlier. Due to their elevated height, the vast terraces of the haveli cluster give a panoramic view of Jaisalmer and overlook the royal fort.

Things to Note:

1) The haveli was built to suit Jaisalmer’s hot climate and hence possesses over 60 balconies which regulate the airflow and keep the structure cool throughout the year.
2) It was supposedly the second haveli to be commissioned in Rajasthan and the first haveli to be built in Jaisalmer. It was planned in 1805 and took 55 years to complete.
3) The museum attempts to recreate the contents of some of the haveli’s rooms and hence the dining area and dressing rooms have been furnished in 19th-century style.