district of Patan is located in Northern Gujarat and shares a historical heritage with bordering Mehsana district. Historically the district replete with architectural excellence represents the golden age of cultural achievements under Solanki rule. The sifting sands of Patan have given birth to a golden age of Hindu hegemony in the history of Gujarat, beginning with the Chavdas, Solankis and the Waghela dynasties.
The twin cities of Patan and Sidhpur were renowned for their architectural grandeur and the Solanki capital of Annilwada-Patan was a masterpiece in architectural planning and a Mecca for culture and artisans who received not only royal patronage but also the support of a thriving business community.
Patan is home to the world famous Patola saris. The Patola is a skill intensive hand woven art form which is now practiced by a single family of weavers for whom it is a cultural and traditional privilege to continue this arduously delicate craft form. Mashru, an ubiquitously quaint blend of cotton and silk is the other hand woven masterpiece of Patan. The region is also known for its ari work on textiles due to passing influences from neighboring Banaskantha district.
The Havelis of Patan and Sidhpur excel in intricate woodwork and the pols and alleyways are still maintained with embellishments and add-ons by wood carvers. Patan due to its affluence as a center for trade and an erstwhile capital of Gujarat attracted a variety of different communities to settle and blend their design sensibilities with the cultural revolutions in the area. Communities of Rabaris, Ahirs, Bharwads, Kanbis, Mutwas and Patels each contribute their own styles of textiles and distinctively varied forms of silver jewelry.