Shekhawati
Brief
The semi desert region of Shekhawati, is a colourful fantasy, having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art gallery, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the artistic tradition of this region. The region of medieval Shekhawati, comprises the present day districts of Sikar and Jhunjhunu. The high quality frescoes, which this region is famous for, dates between 1750 and 1930.
History
Shekhawati is the homeland of many Marwari families. Shekhawati, meaning "the land of Shekhas", derives its name from Rao Shekha, a scion of the Kachwaha family of Jaipur. As Shekhawati remained independent, the prosperous Marwari merchants, lavishly decorated their houses with paintings on religious folk, and historical themes. When the Rajput power waned and the British East India Company, burdened them with taxes and tolls, the Marwari merchants migrated out of Shekhawati. Initially the region had a blank monochromatic look, but with subsequent historical and social developments, it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art and life, for almost 2 centuries, from the 17th to 19th century.
Culture
Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of the haveli owners primely dressed, where painted all over the walls - thus making the havelis interesting for both Indian and foreign travellers.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Shekhawati is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. It lies at an altitude of 237 meters, comprising the present day districts of Sikar and Jhunjhunu.
How to Reach
The towns of Sikar and Jhunjhunu, headquarters of their respective districts ,are connected by road as well as by rail with Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner. Given below are some distances by road : Sikar - Delhi (299 km) via Jhunjhunu, Sikar - Jaipur (114 km), Sikar - Jhunjhunu (70 km), Jhunjhunu - Delhi (231 km), Jhunjhunu - Jaipur (182 km), Jhunjhunu - Bikaner (230 km), Jhunjhunu - Churu (52 km) and Sikar - Ladnu (90 km).
Tourist Places
Lachhamangarh
One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhamangarh commands a birds eye view of the town, modelled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some lovely havelis.
Khatu Shyamji
The village is famous for the Shri Shyamji Temple, built in white marble.
Mandawa
Founded in the 18th century, this medieval fort, dominates the town with a painted arched gateway, adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis, are some of the splendid examples of this regions havelis. A Shiva temple with a rock crystal lingam, is also worth a visit. The fort is now converted into a heritage hotel.
Mukundgarh
Known for it fine havelis, the fort is now a heritage hotel.
Dundlod
It is known for its fort, and a palace, which is now turned into a heritage hotel. Havelis of the Goenka family are also famous.
Nawalgarh
Founded in the 18th century, it has the finest of Shekhawati's frescoes. Its two old forts and a palace hotel, with garden and fountains, along with a host of temples, known for their architecture, and frescoes, add interest to the town. The prominent havelis are of the Poddars, Bhagats and Dangaichs.
Mehansar
Founded in the mid 18th century, the Sone-Chandi-ke-Haveli and Raghunath temple, with beautiful paintings resembling the Bikaner School of Art, are worth seeing.
Fathepur
Founded in the mid 15th century by Fateh Khan - a Kayamkhani nawab, the town is noted for unmatched frescoes. Its central location attracted many wealthy merchants and has some exquisite havelis - a combination of the Indian and the western styles. Of particular note among these, are the Chamariya and Singhania havelis.
Jhunjunu
The capital of Shekhawati, it is one of the largest towns of the district. The town was founded by the Kayamkhani Nawabs, in the mid 15th century AD, and remained under their control, until it was taken over by the Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730 AD This district town has some splendidly painted havelis. Easily accessible of these, are those of Narsingh Das Modi and the Khaitans. The most interesting monument is the Khatri Mahal (the wind Palace) dating back to around 1760 AD, and has elegant lines. The Sri Bihariji Temple is noted for its lovely murals. Other places worth visiting include - Badalgarh, Jorawargarh, Mertani Baori, Kamruddin Shah ke Dargah, Birdi Chand ka Kuan, Ajit Sagar and a Jain temple.
Other
ALSISAR AND MALSISAR - Founded in the late and mid 18th centuries respectively, these towns lie at the northern edge of Shekhawati. The angular style of frescoes in various colour, make the trip to these towns, a memorable one. BAGAD - Home of the Rungtas, Bagad was founded by the Nagar Pathans, in the mid 15th century AD It has a reservoir built by the Ojha Family. BISSAU - Founded in the mid 18th century, Bissau has splendid chhatris of its Thakurs, and finely painted havelis of Khemka, Tibriwal and Kedia. CHIRAWA - A popular trading town between Churu and Loharu, Chirawa is famous for huge havelis of Nand Lal Dalmia, Phool Chand Dalmia, Tara Chand Dalmia, Mangal Chand Dalmia, Duli Chand Kakrania & Nemanis. Kakrania and Poddar wells, are also worth visiting. CHURU - Famous for the Kothar Haveli (1915 AD) and, Kanhyya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870 AD), which has immense paintings of Dhola Maru, Sassi Punnu, etc. and the six storied Surana Haveli. DUDHWA KHARA - A sprawling historical village, lying in the Thar Desert. Besides enchanting topography, the village has huge exquisitely designed havelis. One can enjoy the rural life and camel safaris in the village. HARSH NATH TEMPLE - An ancient 10th century temple,situated on the Harsh Nath hills. JEEN MATA TEMPLE - Believed to have been built a thousand years ago, the temple is the venue of a colourful fair, held twice in a year during Navaratras. PILANI - The home of the Birlas, the leading industrialists of India. It has a large campus, of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) with a beautiful Saraswati Temple, Shiv Ganga. RAMGARH It was- founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. The Shani Temple of the Saturday God, has delicately painted frescoes. Marvellous cenotaphs of the Poddars, have exquisitely painted ceilings. RATANGARH - The massive fort, built in 1820 AD by the Raja of Bikaner - Ratan Singh, is situated on the Agra Bikaner highway. The market place is in the shape of a cross, suggesting that the city was planned before construction. SAKAMBHARI - Famous for its 7th century temple, dedicated to Sankari Mata, the town is surrounded by hills on three sides. An ideal picnic spot. SARDAR SHAHAR - This enchanting desert town, has elegant havelis adorned with colourful wall paintings and carved woodwork. SURAJGARH AND KAJARA - Surajgarh has an impressive 18th century fort, painted temples and havelis, while some beautiful 19th century havelis can be seen in Kajara. TAL CHHAPAR - Home to the endangered species of black buck and some migratory birds.
Rajasthan Travel Guide
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
