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One of the famous place in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is one and the only the Patwa Haveli which is well known for its artistic piece of work. It is one of the finest, oldest and the largest havelis of Rajasthan.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.
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 Kotharis Patwa Haveli is not only extraordinarily preserved and restored but is also open to visitors to experience the lifestyle of the erstwhile patwas.
History
The history of the Kotharis Patwa Haveli dates back to early eighteenth century, when the patwas were struggling to set up their trade and business. On the advice of a priest at the Jain Temple, the patwa brothers left Jaisalmer with the intention of never returning (they were advised by the priest that their business could not flourish in Jaisalmer). The legend has it that the patwas were immensely successful thereafter and their business spanned across banking & finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.
Eventually, patwas rose to such heights that they were called upon to finance the state deficit. This brought the clan back to their old habitat. The then head of the family, Ghuman Chand Patwa, decided to gift each of his five sons a separate and elaborate mansion, ignoring the advice of the priest. Thus came up the five grandiose havelis facing the Jailsamer Fort.
Unfortunately, the lives of the patwas took a u turn after their return to Jaisalmer and their fortunes started dwindling. Consequently, they had to abandon the city-state again, leaving the havelis at the mercy of care takers. The care takers became the owners in the course of time and decided to put the havelis up for sale. Care taker of the first haveli approached Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari, who was a native of Jaisalmer and like patwas had left Jaisalmer to explore better opportunities. Mr. Kothari, with a view to remain connected with his native place, decided to buy the first haveli. Hence it was renamed as the Kotharis Patwa Haveli.
Museum and Merchandise
Kotharis Patwa Haveli has been privileged in welcoming and entertaining various visitors from all walks of life. Currently the Kotharis Patwa Haveli is accessible as a museum housing exclusive furnishings and accessories of the erstwhile patwas. A section of the Kotharis 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. Kotharis Patwa Haveli is widely considered the Taj Mahal of Jailsalmer. A visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without seeing the intricately ornate Kotharis Patwa Haveli. While the Testimonial section displays the assortment of the comments and views of some of the dignitaries who have visited the Kotharis Patwa Haveli, Lonely Planet in its 2009 edition has specifically appreciated the beauty of the Kotharis 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. Its most impressive from the outside. The first of the five sections is opened as the privately owned Kotharis 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). "
Contact Details
Contact Person
Mr. Rajkumar Kothari
Contact +91 94141 32646
Postal Address
Kotharis Patwa Haveli
Jaisalmer-345001
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