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Shekhawati |
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Introduction of
Shekhawati |
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Shekhawati
is situated in the north eastern part of Rajasthan. It is situated in
the triangle between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. It is also the home of
the Marwaris, India’s mercantile community that now commands vast
business empires in different parts of the country and the world. The
marwaris built various havelis. Shekhawati is famous for these painted
havelis that depict a rich artistic tradition of the region.
Shekhawati means the land of Shekhs. It derives its name from Rao
Shekha, a section of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur who ruled from
1433 - 1488 AD. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now
comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Hindi, Rajasthani
and Marwari are the common languages which are spoken here. |
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19 Days Rajasthan and North
India Tour (Including Shekhawati)
19 Days / 18 Nights
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Khajuraho -
Varanasi - Delhi
More Tour Including
Shekhawati |
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Tourist Attractions in
Shekhawati: |
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The major
attraction of the Shekhawati region are the magnificent havelis. These
havelis were built by the Marwaris, the rich merchants of the region,
and display a unique architectural style. These havelis were built to
ensure safety and privacy of the women and protection from the heat of
the long and harsh summers. The havelis were painted in the
Shekhawati's fresco style, predominantly in the blue, maroon, yellow,
green and indigo color and have beautiful wall paintings. The style of
fresco painting is locally known as ala gila. The colours, mixed into
a paste, were applied on to the damp wall with a plaster of lime paste
through beating, burnishing and polishing. The painters and masons who
were commissioned for the task undertook large panels together and
work in teams so that joints in plaster, did not show. Binding agents
such as tempera, gum and camel fat were also used. The pigments were
obtained from iron rich sediments (green, yellow, ochre), lampblack
(black), indigo (blue), stone powder (red), saffron (orange) and chalk
(white). The process of creating the frescos was tedious. Two layers
of clay plaster were provided on the wall and later the third layer of
mortar is provided into which the finely cut pieces of hessian were
added, followed by a coat of plaster using lime, gravel or brick dust.
The final coat consisted of sieved lime dust made into a paste using
sour buttermilk and jaggery. This was the main surface on which the
painters had to draw and fill in colours while the uppermost layers is
still wet. It was then polished with smooth agate, and dry coconut was
rubbed in to seal in the paintings to ensure that the paintings lasted
over centuries, and can be only damaged by nature. But as most of
these paintings are out in the open, they were more damaged by the
men.
The subjects of the Shekhawati frescos (1830 AD - 1900 AD) were based
on the variety of themes, but changed over the period of time. |
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Floral: The
early works were very simple, used very few colours, and consisted of
floral motifs. Later, floral work was mostly reserved for the pillars
and arches. The floral motifs were commonly used to create frames and
unite a complete section, within which were canvases of paintings. In
the few Muslim havelis, only floral representations of foliage can be
found.
Religious: Around the main entrance and interior spaces in the havelis
consisted of the mythical and religious images. The main subject was
the Indian religious legends and fables, so that entire canvases could
be covered with the marriage processions of gods, or their great wars
with the demons, or from the Ramayana. The legends of Krishna, and
particularly Ras Leelas, can be seen in the circular ceilings below
domes.
Historic: Historical tales of rulers and scenes of great battles, and
portraits of well known rulers were mainly painted in the chhatris of
the wells, or in the castles of the Rajput feudal chiefs who
controlled small feudatory states in this region.
Secular: Most of the external walls were painted with the aspects of
daily life that were clearly inspirational and reflect their
lifestyles. These consisted of scenes of processions, of caparisoned
elephants, of celebrated lovers such as Dhola and Maru, and trompe
I’oeil paintings that created a suspension of belief in disbelief.
Some of the delightful representations are the women peeping out of
windows, a camel straddling a small window, or a staircase turning
into an elephant with the balustrade in its trunk.
The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, due to
the British Raj’s influence upon the Indian culture. Trains, cars,
balloons, telephones, gramophones, portraits of English men in hunting
attires and their memsahibs, some walking their dog, and others
engaged in needlework and portraits of the haveli owners were painted
all over the walls. By 1930, the Shekhawati frescoes were degenerated
and this resulted in the migration of the Marwari families. The murals
and several examples of beautiful art were further devastated.
Major Places in Shekhawati
The tourists can stay in any of several heritage hotels in Shekhawati
that were once feudal castles. Many of these historic hotels are
beautiful examples of the painted walls of the region. These are the
true treasures of Rajasthan’s open air art galley. Some of the major
places in Shekhawati are Mandawa, Lachhmangarh, Fatehpur, Khatu
Shyamji, Shakambari, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Nawalgarh, Mukundgarh, Chirawa,
Dundlod and Pilani.
Mandawa: Mandawa was founded in the 18th century and is the heart of
the region of Shekhawati. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the Saraf
havelis are some of the splendid havelis in Mandawa. A Shiva temple
with a rock crystal lingam is also a worth visiting place. A medieval
fort dominates the town of Mandawa. This fort has a painted arched
gateway which is adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The fort is
now converted into a heritage hotel.
Lachhmangarh: 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
Lachhmangarh was founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman
Singh of Sikar. The town of Lachhmangarh has a lot of whimsical
subjects painted on its impressive havelis.
Fatehpur: Fatehpur was founded in the mid 15th century by Fateh Khan,
a Kayamkhani nawab. The town is noted for unmatched frescoes and
exquisite havelis. It is one of the richest sources for observing some
of the finest art in the region. Its central location has attracted
many wealthy merchants. Havelis offers a combination of the Indian and
the western styles. Most famous havelis are the Chamariya and
Singhania havelis.
Khatu Shyamji: Khatu Shyamji is famous for the Shri Shyamji Temple,
built in white marble.
Shakambari: Shakambari is famous for its 7th century temple dedicated
to Shakambhari Mata. The town is surrounded by hills on three sides.
It is an ideal picnic spot.
Jhunjhunu: Jhunjhunu, the capital of Shekhawati is one of the largest
town 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. The district
town has some splendidly painted havelis. Easily accessible of these
are those of Nar Singh Das Tibriwal, Ishwar Das-Mohan Das Modi and the
Khaitans. The most interesting monument is the Khatri Mahal (the Wind
Palace) dating back to around 1760 A.D. with elegant lines. Rani Sati
temple is the most famous temple of Jhunjhunu. The Sri Bihariji Temple
is noted for its lovely murals.
Sikar: Sikar was founded in the late 17th century. Sikar was the
largest "thikana" (Feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of
Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are
worth visiting. The jubilee Hall, Madho Niwas Kothi, Biwani Haveli,
Sodhani Haveli, the Jain temple and a large market are other places of
interest.
Nawalgarh: Nawalgarh was founded in the 18th century. Nawalgarh has
the finest of Shekhawati’s frescoes. Its two old forts and 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. |
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Badalgarh Fort |
Chattris |
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Fatehpur Haveli |
Laxmangarh Fort |
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Mandawa Fort |
Nawalgarh |
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Nawalgarh Fort |
Nawalgarh Haveli |
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Ramgarh |
Rani Sati Temple |
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Sikar |
Khatu Shyam Temple |
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Other Places |
Mukundgarh: Mukundgarh is known for its fine havelis. The fort of
Mukundgarh is now a heritage hotel. It is a small settlement which is
easy to walk around when viewing fresco art.
Dundlod: Dundlod is known for its fort, palace and chhatri frescos.
The palace of Dundlod is now running as a heritage hotel. Havelis of
the Goenka family are also famous in Dundlod.
Churu: Though, Churu is not a part of the Shekhawati region, but it
has havelis which are mainly known for their flamboyant architecture.
Harsh Nath Temple: Harsh Nath temple, an ancient 10th century temple
is situated on the Harsh Nath hills and is about 10 km from Shekhawati
town.
Jeen Mata Temple: Jeen Mata temple is 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’.
Chirawa: Chirawa is a popular trading town between Churu and Loharu.
Chirawa is famous for huge havelis. Dalmias, Kakranias and Nemanis
Havelis and Poddar wells are worth visiting places in Chirawa.
Pilani: Pilani is the home of the Birlas, the leading industrialists
of India. It has a large campus of the Birla Institute of Technology
and Science (BITS) which is famous all over the world. A beautiful
Saraswati Temple, BITS museum, Panchwati and Birla Havelis are various
places in Pilani.
Surajgarh and Kajara: Surajgarh has an impressive 18th century fort,
painted temples and havelis. Some beautiful 19th century havelis can
be seen in Kajara.
Alsisar and Malsisar: Alsisar was founded in the late 18th century
while Malsisar was founded in the mid 18th century. Both 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. These
two towns are distinguished by the blue and red colour of their
frescos. Beside the fort, the Jhunjhunuwala havelis, a well complex
and temples are other interesting places in Alsisar.
Bissau: Bissau was founded in the mid 18th century. Bissau has
splendid chhatris of Thakurs and finely painted havelis of Khemka,
Tibrewals, Jhunjhunuwala and Kedia that contains high quality of
frescos. Bissau also has a fort and the Chhatri of Hammir Singh, with
paintings.
Mehansar: Mehansar was founded in the mid 18th century. The
Sone-Chandi ki Haveli and Raghunath temple with beautiful paintings of
the Bikaner School of Art are worth visiting places in Mehansar. The
finest interiors can be found here in a former jeweller’s showroom and
are rich in their use of colours and gilding. |
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19 Days Rajasthan and North
India Tour (Including Shekhawati)
19 Days / 18 Nights
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Khajuraho -
Varanasi - Delhi
18 Days Rajasthan Round Trip
Tour (Including Shekhawati)
18 Days / 17 Nights
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur - Dungarpur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra - Delhi
17 Days Rajasthan Tour (Including
Shekhawati)
17 Days / 16 Nights
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur -
Udaipur - Deogarh - Samode - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi
17 Days Rajasthan Palace Tour
(Including Shekhawati)
17 Days / 16 Nights
Delhi - Shekhawati - Khimsar - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur -
Ranakpur - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi
16 Days Rajasthan with
Pushkar Tour (Including Shekhawati)
16 Days / 15 Nights
Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur - Ranakpur
- Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi
More....... |
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