Mirror craft peacock in Mohini Villas
Havelis of Rajasthan are the symbol of rich culture and heritage which reminds of the glory and splendour of yesteryears. The havelis have been able to maintain a rich culture and traditions of this state.
Introduction
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 truly royal and magnificent cluster of Patwa Havelis. 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.
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). "
The havelis are also known as the 'mansion of brocade merchants'. This name has been given probably because the family dealt in threads of gold and silver used in embroidering dresses. However, there are theories, which claim that these traders made considerable amount of money in Opium smuggling and Money-lending.
This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes. The office of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft department is situated in the haveli itself.
Nevertheless, even after these encroachments and abuse you can find a good amount of paintings and mirror-works on the wall. The other important aspects are its gateways and arches. You will notice individual depictions and theme on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.
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.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
