There is this place called Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer. It was built by an extremely rich merchant who dealt in Brocade around 200 years ago. It is a set of 5 Havelis or Palaces and one of it is open for tourists to visit. This place looks extremely beautiful with its carvings. The guy was rich and he has definitely showcased it with richness
The Haveli is made with only sandstone and the carvings are so intricate that you are in awe when you see this. There are various patterns created in the sandstone and when they all come together it is extremely rich and beautiful. The good part is this art is not lost. When you walk around Jaisalmer you can see a lot of new houses with intricately carved walls made from sandstone. So if you want and have the money, you can build a house like this even today.
It’s not just sandstone walls that are carved beautifully. Everything from wood to glass has been used very well to add beauty to the Haveli. It is said that it took almost 55 years to complete the Haveli. That’s a lot of patience I would say esp. for building a privately owned house.
The Haveli looks very beautiful from inside also. It has about four floors and the first of the five Havelis have been made into a museum. It is a good place to spend time, take pictures and be awed.
There were a lot of display items right from locks to coins to utensils, cycles etc. Since they were not very old (only 150-200 years old) we were still able to understand their use as they look similar to what we use. However they are antique in the way they function.
Rajasthanis love for Supari need not be explained. But this is taking to a different level. These are all supari nut crackers. Some have a simple design. Some have them look like two fish, some like a crab and so on. So much passion while making a nut cracker.
The rooms in the Haveli were rich. They were a sheer display of richness, pride and comfort. Right from the carvings on the roof the furniture and appliances in the room, all looked beautiful and and rich.
Turbans are an essential part of the Rajasthani attire. But did you know that the way the turban is worn shows who you are and what caste you belong to? In fact you are not allowed to wear a turban in a different way also. It’s their way of wearing an ID badge which showed which department you belong to.
The Haveli also has a great view of the fort. That’s me dressed like a Rajasthani standing with friends in the backdrop of the Jaisalmer fort.
Endless thoughts 