The open art
gallery
The semidesert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having
fascination uniquely of is own. 'The open air-art-gallery', as it is
popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all
commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region.
'Shekhawati', meaning "the land of Shekha's clan" derives its
name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD) a scion of the Kachhwaha family
of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises
of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. 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 1750 AD to 1930 AD.
Havelis
Although the region has lost its importance as a centre of trade, its
importance today lies in the splendidly frescoed havelis or mansions-
mostly constructed by the prosperous merchants, between the 18th and
20th centuries.
The area being arid and opportunities being limited locally,
enterprising men moved out to carve niches for themselves in business.
Today the splendidly painted walls of the people of Shekhawati.
The popular design was usually a plain faceted with the accent on the
internal courtyard. The main entrance is usually through a carved wooden
gate leading into a courtyard, which in turn leads to another courtyard.
Unlike the Mughal havelis, the havelis of Shekhawati consist of two
courtyards, one outer and one inner. The larger ones however have up to
four courtyards and are two storeys high, The windows are exquisitely
latticed and carved. Most of them feature mirror work and mural work
while others are embellished with paintings. The facades, the gateways,
the courtyard wall, the parapets and the ceilings were all covered with
frescoes. Intricate wooden carvings with ornate iron and brass fittings
demonstrate the owner’s wealth. It was from the latticed windows on
the balconies and over the courtyards that women viewed the world. The
havelis, apart from providing a residence, also served to wall in the
domestic life of a family. They represented the rigid, but ostentatious
lifestyle of the people.
Dundlod
This quaint is in the heart of the Shekhawati region. The fort here
dates back to 1750. Steps lead up to the Diwan Khana furnished with
portraits, hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and
portraits done in European style can be seen here. The fort has now been
converted into a hotel. The Goenka havelis and other with beautiful
frescoes
Sikar
Sikar was the wealthiest thikana (feudatory) under the Jaipur state.
The 17th century fort here, was built when Sikar was an important
trading centre. Sites worth visiting here are the market, the clock
tower and the painted Biyani, Murarka and Somani havelis. There is one
Haveli Painted only in blue, quite like the typical Chinese blue and are
the Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas Kothi, the Jubilee Hall and the
Fort. The Jain temple as also the temples of Gopinath and Raghunath and
Madan Mohan deserve a visit. In the neighborhood lie the Jeen Mata
temple and harsh Nath temple.
Nawalgarh
Founded in 1737, by Thakur Nawal Singh, this town boasts of some of the
finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. The town has a colourful bazar
and a fort, new a little disfigured, yet worth of attention. there are
numerous havelis; prominent among them are the Aath (eight) Haveli
complex, Anaadilal Poddar haveli, Jodhraj Patodia haveli, Bansidhar
Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani heavily and Hotel Roop Niwas Palace.
Mukandgarh
Built around a temple square, Mukundgarh has a good handicraft market.
Besides textiles, the brass ware and iron scissors made here, are of
good quality. The fort is now a heritage property. The Kanoria and
Ganeriwala Havelis carry fine examples of fresco painting.
Khetri
Founded in the 18th century, Khetri was the second wealthiest Thikama
under Jaipur and is known for the painting abetting the Raghunath Temple
and the Bhopalgarh Fort. Sites not to be missed are the Panna Lal Shah
ka Talab (water tank), Rama Krishna Mission, Sukh Mahal and Hari singh
Temple. Ajit Sagar, Rameshwar Das Bada ka Ashram at Bassi and Baghore
Fort constitute the excursions one can take from here.
Jhunjhunu
Here the notable havelis are Nar Singh Das Tibrewal, Ishwar Das and
Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitan Haveli. The Khetri Mahal and Bihariji
Temple are also finely frescoed. Laxmi Nath Tample Mertani Baori,
qamrudin Shah ki Dragah, Ajeet Sagar, Birdi Chand Well and Badalgarh are
other places worth visiting.
Mandawa
Founded in the mid 18th Century, Mandawa’s skyline today is
dominated by an imposing mirage like fort now turned into a hotel. A
painted archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his cowherds leads to
the bazaar. The terrace of castle Mandawa offers a panoramic view of the
town. The Mandawa family’s collection includes ceremonial costumes
and precious arms with handles of jade.
Churu
This town boasts of the Kanhaiya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870), the Kothari
Haveli (1915) and the Surana Haveli with more then 1,100 doors and
windows. The Poddar Haveli, jain Temple, Balaji Temple, Ganga Temple,
Churu Fort, Taknet Chhatri (cenotaph), Nathji Ka Dhara, Sethani ka
Johra, Nagarshree, Chandmal Banthia Haveli, Sagarmal Vaidya haveli,
Bajranglal Mantri Haveli, Parakh Haveli, etc. are some places worth a
visit.
Bissau
Founded in the 18th century, this town has fine havelis including the
Sigtia, Khemka, Tibriwal and Kedia Havelis. The chhatris or cenotaphs of
the thakurs are also attractive.
Harsh Nath Temple (11 km)
An ancient 10th century temples situated on the Harsh Nath hills.
Jeen Mata Temple (29 km)
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'.
Rambagh
Founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. The Shani Temple of
the Saturday God has delicately painted frescoes. Marvelous cenotaphs of
the Poddars have exquisitely painted ceilings. The Ganga Temple and some
beautiful havelis add interest to the town.
Lachhmangarh Fort
One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh
commands a bird’s eye view of the town modeled 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.
Bagad
Home of the Rungtas,Bagad was founded by Nagar Pathans in the mid 15th
century A.D. It has a reservoir built by the Ojha family.
Chirawa
A popular trading town between Churu and Loharu, Chirawa is famous for
huge havelis. Of particular interest are the 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.
Pilani
The home of the Bridals , 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. BITS museum, Panchwati
and Birla Haveli Museum are also worth visiting.
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.
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 colours make the trip to these town a memorable one. Beside the
fort in Alsisar,the Jhunjhunuwala havelis and a well complex are other
interesting structures. The fort, temples and havelis along the main
street are also worth a visit.
Mehansar
Founded in the mid 18th century ,the Sone-Chandi-ki-Haveli and
Raghunath temple with beautiful paintings resembling the Bikaner school
of art are worth seeing.
Churu
Famous for the Kothar Haveli (1915 AD) Kanhayya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870
AD) having immense paintings of Dhola Maru,Sassi-Punnu, etc. and the six
storeyed Surana Haveli. The distinctive features of the latter one are
its beautiful windows,elegant doors-more than 1,100 in number.
Salasar Balaji
A famous temple dedicated to Hanumanji is located here.
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. An array of stately havelis can be seen around the Clock
Tower at the main crossing
Sardar Shahar (46 km):
This enchanting desert town has elegant havelis adorned with colourful
paintings and carved woodwork.
Dudhwa Khara (36 km):
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.
Tal Chhapar (100 km):
Home to the endangered species of black buck and some migratory birds.
