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| This is
a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and
it is situated entirely in the triangle between
Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati is a region
and not just a town or fort; it takes its
name after its ruler Rao Shekha (1433 AD -
1488 AD) a section of the Kachhwaha family
of Jaipur. 'Shekhawati', means the land of
Shekhs . The towns of Shekhawati are eminent
for their amazing painted havelis. |
| Today,
the entire region of Shekhawati is known for
its exquisite frescoes and popularly called
the "Open art gallery" because of
its painted havelies and frescoed walls. No
other region, anywhere in the world, has such
a large concentration of frescoes. This is
even more interesting as the landscape here
is totally bare- flat and colourless. |
| Brief
History |
| Shekhawati's
history throws some light on the famous structures
of this place that reminds us of the cultural
and social hotspot of the bygone era. Rao
Shekha, the founder of Shekhawati, came to
the power at the young age of 12 and established
a reign that lasted 43 years. The Shekhawati
region lies north of Jaipur. This was the
land where Marwari businessmen started constructing
their mansions or havelis in the 18th and
19th Centuries. The two major communities
of this region were the Rajputs and the Marwaris
- or one with the will to fight and die for
his honour and the other a businessman. During
the British period, trade rivalry pushed the
Marwaris to port, but the love for their land
was still very strong. While wars and treaties
decided the fate of a few and the conditions
of the peasantry remains the same. |
| Shopping
in Shekhawati |
| Shekhawati
is world renowned and the region is popularly
termed as and " Open Air Art Gallery
" because of its painted havelies and
frescoed walls. Today the tourist can take
home a piece of this art and decorate their
walls at home for these traditional murals
are being recreated on paper and also on cloth.
Decorate you home like a palace or haveli
with the furniture from Shekhawati. The carved
and decorated chests, cradles, chairs and
low tables & stools are simply a steal.
Each object is desirable whether inlaid with
brass sheet work or painted with dancing figures
or embellished with hunting scenes. |
| How
to reach |
The Shekhawati region
lies north of Jaipur and well connected through
hourly bus services. Cars can be hired for
the journey and for the duration of your stay
here.
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| Climate
& Season |
| Shekhawati
has extreme climate. Summers are very hot
shooting up to 40°C and winters are very
cold and temperature can dip down to 10°C.
The best time to go to Shekhawati is the period
between September to March, when the weather
remains cool and tolerable. |
| Language |
| Rajasthani
and Hindi |
| Best
Attractions |
| Shekhawati
is an interesting place and today, it is a
major tourist attraction in the country and
so many attractions you may visit or explore
the city in Shekhawati. We list below a selection
of major attractions of Shekhawati – |
Lachhmangarh: Founded in
the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh
of Sikar, this town is planned on the lines
of Jaipur, with roads at right angles and
roundabouts. The grant Char Chowk Haveli is
reminiscent of the prosperous Marwari way
of life. The fort, Mirijamal Kyala Haveli,
Sawant Ram Chokhani Haveli, Kedia Haveli,
Bansidhar Rathi Haveli and Sanganeria Haveli
adorned with beautiful frescoes. |
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Churi Ajitgarh: This town
is known for the several erotic frescoes painted
behind doors, on the bedrooms ceilings and
on the walls. Considering the social constructions
of that time, these appear to have been the
result of a very private and special efforts.
Some examples of fine fresco work are evident
in the Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli, Kothi Shiv
Datt, Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Ram Pratap
Nemani Haveli and Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli.
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| Fatehpur:
Founded in the mid 15th century by
a Kayamkhani Nawab, Fatehpur's frescoes are
unrivalled. The ones done on the walls on
the Devra and Singhania Havelis, splendidly
combine Indian and Western styles. These carry
inimitable mirror work at the entrance ways,
with Japanese tiles carrying Mount Fuji 's
paintings. The Hukmi Chand Choudhri Haveli,
Ram Gopal Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Jalan
and Bharatiiya Haveli are well worth a visit.
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Baggar: Founded in the 15th
century by the Nagar Pathans. Located strategically
at a cross-road, Baggar has large reservoir
built by the Ojha family. It was home for
the Rungtas and Piramals |
| Dundlod
: It is known for
its fort and a palace that has been turned
into a heritage hotel. The Goenka havelis
are also famous. |
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