Built
about 300 years ago, the Patwon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer one of the
largest and the most splendid haveli of Rajasthan. Also known as Salim
Singh ki haveli of Jaisalmer, this haveli is adorned with beautifully
arched roof having exquisitely carved brackets in the shape of peacocks.
Salim Singh, the person after whom this haveli is named, was the prime
minister of the princely state. The haveli (mansion) is located just
below the hill. It is believed that at one point of time, the haveli had
two additional wooden stories, making it as high as the palace of the
king. However, the Maharaja of Jaisalmer got the upper stories torn
down. The Patwon ki haveli of Rajasthan is five stories high. Divided into six apartments, the haveli is exquisitely carved. Two of the apartments now house the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A part of the haveli is still lived in. Some of the inner walls of the haveli house paintings as well as amazing mirror work. Apart from intricately carved pillars, the haveli also has huge corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of the haveli has gorgeous murals painted on its walls.
