Geographical Places in Jaisalmer

There are five beautifully carved Havelis (Houses) near Mahaveer bhawan, built by Patva brothers in 1800-1860 A.D. Patwa who constructed (Treasure of architecture) havelis were a class who used to deal in zari and badla (silver and golden threads) ornaments as the Patwa title suggest. In this family Guman Chand Patwa Jain was an intelligent businessmen. He had five sons, namely Bhadurmal, was attached to the Kota state and likewise Sawai Ram, the second son to Jhalarapatan state, the Magni Ram to Ratlam and fourth son Jorawar Mal to Udaipur and fifth son Pratap chand to Jaisalmer fort. Patwas were businessmen, bankers opium exporters and revenue contractors. He had business concerns at more than 300 places in India, Afghanistan and china. In the 19th century Jaisalmer city has been a centre for traders indulging in caravantrade with the neighboring states through or via Thar Desert. Each of the five, Havelis have been well decorated with splendid carvings Jharokha has, Ghokhras, Baris, Tibaris (Sun holes) and Kanwal (oriel window).