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Frescoes, Mandawa |
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Ceiling with dance frescoes |
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Shekhawati festival |
The semi desert
region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascinating
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 rich artistic traditional of this
region. 'Shekhawati', meanings the land of Shekhs clan derives its
name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD - 1488 AD) a section 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 development it has blossomed into
a colourful profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries from
1750 AD to 1930 AD
Shekhawati's magnificent havelis or mansions, built by rich
merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that
evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the
women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh
summers.
The havelis, painted predominantly in the blue, maroon, yellows,
green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their
walls. The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD -1900 AD) were largely
based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends,
animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of
everyday life. The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of
new motifs, an outcome of the Raj's influence upon the Indian
culture. Now cars, replaced elephants and traditional Indian
miniatures mingled with naturalism of western paintings to produce
interesting hybrid results. The mythological themes depicting
gods, lithographs and photographs, Trains, cars, balloons,
telephones gramophones English men in hunting attires and
portraits of the haveli owners primly dressed were painted all
over the walls-thus making the havelis interesting for both Indian
and foreign travellers.
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PLACES OF INTEREST ARE:
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, Sawant Ram Chokhani Haveli, Mirijamal Kyala Haveli,
Bansidhar Rathi Haveli, Kedia Haveli and Sanganeria Haveli adorned
with beautiful frescoes.
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,
Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Kothi Shiv Datt, Rai Jagan Lal
Tibrewal Haveli and Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli.
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 Ram Gopal
Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Hukmi Chand Choudhri Haveli, Jalan
and Bharatiiya Haveli are well worth a visit.
Ramgarh:
This town was founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. The
dome of the Poddar cenotaph carries exquisitely painted scene from
the Ramayana. The devotedly painted frescoes on the Shani-ji
(Saturn) temple are splendid. Worth seeing are also the Ganga
temple, Tara Chand Ghanshyam Das Poddar Haveli, Baij Nath Ruia
Haveli and Bagaria Haveli.
Mandawa:
One on the most finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati
region, this feudal settlement not only has a royal castle, but
innumerable havelis where the painted facades offer a great
variety of surprises. Mandawa was founded by Thakur Nawal Singh, a
descendant of Rao Shekha after whom the entire region is named. It
is today also a major center of a handicrafts and furniture
industry. A painted archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his
cowherds leads to the Bazar. The Mandawa Family's collection
includes ceremonial costumes and precious arms with handles of
jade. The havelis worth visiting are those of Chokhani, Saraf,
Goenka and Ladia.
Lohargal: Lohargal is also a place of tourist because of
its natural beauty. This place is associated with Bhim, one of the
heroes of the great epic, 'Mahabharat'.
Harsha:
Harsha is an ancient village at the base of a hill on which
Harshanatha and other temples are located in Sikar district
situated around 14 km from Sikar town. Harsha is known for its
famous Shiva temple dating back to the Chauhan period. There is a
10 km. long road which leads one to the mountain, from where one
can behold the natural beauty of the villages below. There are
several temples at Harsha, chief among them being the Harsha
temple. From the inscription found at the sanctum of the temple,
it is evident that it was built by the Chauhan ruler of Ajmer,
Vigrahraj and several changes were made in the temple with the
passage of time. Although the temple is now in ruins, one can
easily make out that it was once quite unique.
Mukundgarh:
Founded in the mid 18th century by Raja Mukund Singh, this is
a small town, only 14 km from Mandawa and 2 km from Dundlod in the
Shekhawati region. Built around a temple square, Mukundgarh has a
good handicraft market. Besides textiles, the brassware and iron
scissors made here are of good quality. The Kanoria and Ganeriwala
Havelis carry fine examples o fresco paintings. The Mukundgarh has
been converted into a heritage hotel and in its conversion into
heritage property, Cross Country Hotels has retained the
atmosphere this 250 years old fort with its charming, painted
interiors that include the typical Shekhawati frescoes.
Dundold:
One of the principal feudal principalities of Shekhawati, the
havelis of this charming small town are beautifully painted, and
some of them are over two hundred years old. These include the
Goenka Haveli that is well known for the exquisite quality of its
frescoes.
Nawalgarh:
The seat of the Poddar families, among other, Nawalgarh is known
for the high quality of its paintings, even in the richly frescoed
Shekhawati area. Its Poddar School has some excellent old work, as
well as walls that have been restored in recent times using the
same style of frescos for which the region is famous. Nawalgarh
was founded in 1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior-statesman of
some eminence. The town has a colourful bazaar and a fort, now a
little disfigured, yet worthy of attention. There are numerous
havelis; prominent among them are the Aath (eight) Haveli Complex,
Anandilal Poddar Havlei, Jodhraj Patodia Havlei, Bansidhar Bhagat
Haveli, Chokhani Haveli and Hotel Roop Niwas Palace.
Baggar:
Located strategically at a cross-road, Baggar has large reservoir
built by the Ojha family. Founded in the 15th century by the Nagar
Pathans, Baggar was home for the Rungtas and Piramals.
Chirawa:
Lying at a cross-road, Chirawa became popular as a trading town
between Jhunjhunu and Loharu. The Havelies worth seeing here are
Raj Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Nemani Haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia
Haveli, Tara Chand Keshar Dev Dalmia Haveli, Dulichand Kakrania
Haveli, Bhola Ram Kakrania Haveli, Manohar Lal Vaidh Haveli,
Karkranida Well and Sekhsaria Well. The Dalmias & Kakraniyas grew
wealty on trade and built sprawling havelis here.
Surajgarh:
The 18th century fort, in a dilapidated condition and the painted
temples and havelis here are the main attraction.
Kajra: The
19th century havelis of the Kajaria family are monuments are worth
seeing.
Alsisar &
Malsisar: Located on the northern most tip of Shekawati, these
towns were founded in the late and mid 18th centuries
respectively. The style of the frescoes here and lively colour
combinations are a treat for the eyes. Also the forts in Alsisar &
Malsisar, as well as the temples and the Jhunjunwala havelis are
magnificent. Besides painted havelis, wells and reservoir with
ornamental traditional architecture are worth seeing in both the
villages.
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.
Khetri:
Founded in the 18th century, Khetri was the second wealthiest
Thikana under Jaipur and is known for the painting adorning the
Raghunath Temple and the Bhopalgarh Fort. Sites not be missed are
the Panna Lal Shah ka Talab (water tank), Rama Krishna Mission,
Sukh Mahal and Hari Singh Temple. Ajit Sagar, Rameshwar Das Baba
ka Ashram at Bassi and Baghore Fort constitute the excursions one
can take from here.
Mahensar:
This 18th century town has some fine havelis such as the
Sona-Chandi-Ki-Sal and business shops built by the Poddars. The
Meenakari work, the figures of birds and floral and tree motifs,
as well as the gilded walls and ceilings leave the spectator
amazed. Raghu Nath Temple is another interesting place to visit.
Parasrampura:
Parasrampura is a short excursion from Nawalgarh. Here, some
of the earliest frescoes dating back to 1750 are painted in the
interior of a temple and on the dome of the Chhatri dedicated to
Sardul Singh, a descendant of the founder of the Shekhawati, Rao
Shekhaji.
MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES:
Birla Museum of Science & Technology - Pilani: At Pilani,
in the campus of Viday Vihar is located the Birla Museum of
Science and Technology. The museum contains the latest science
equipments, models of material science and illustrative diorama,
working models, charts & Photographs explaining the principles of
the science. It also throws light on the various aspects of
engineering science. Sharda Peeth marble temple dedicated to
Saraswati, the goddess of learning also worth a visit.
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS:
Khatu Shyamji Fair: Khatu Shyamji is famous for its Shyamji
temple. There is steady stream of devotees the year round. But
lakhs of them gather at the annual fair from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi
to Dwadashi. Apart from being a place of pilgrimage, a large
number of people come for the Jadula ceremony (the first time all
hair is shaved off the head) of their children. Legend connects
the place to the epic Mahabharata war. Krishna, it is believed
took the form of a Brahmin and asked for the head of Babhruvahan (Barbrick).
He then placed the head on hillock os that it could watch the war.
Pleased with the sacrifice, Krishna, then blessed Babhruvahan to
be worshipped as Shyam himself in Kaliyug.
Shekhawati
Festival: The Shekhawati Festival held on 10th & 11th Feburary
every year is organized jointly by the State Department of
Tourism, District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu,
and the M.R. Morarka GDC Rural Research Foundation. Shekhawati,
already famous for its frescoes, is fast becoming a rural tourism
destination too. Traveling on horse back, the tourists get a
closer view of the countryside and the people. And they return
with an indelible imprint of not only the friendliness of the
people but also of the agricultural revolution sweeping the
villages. The region now exports 80 percent of its crops whereas
only a few year ago it could meet only 10 per cent of its
requirement through local production for a broad-based discovery
of Shekhawati's culture, the festival is spread over a number of
venues Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The programmes
include a one day tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris, farm
visits, rural games, cultural programmes, haveli competitions and
fireworks. The driving force behind this festival, the M.R.
Morarka GDC Rural Research Foundation, has pioneered integrated
rural development since 1993 and has identified tourism as thrust
area for creation of employment opportunities. The festival and
other efforts of the foundation have convinced the haveli owner of
the need to preserve their priceless heritage of frescoes.
Nawalgarh is the central venue of the festival and can be reached
comfortably by train and road from Jaipur (100 Km.) Nawalgarh also
has some of the finest frescoes of Shekhawati.
SHOPPING:
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, chairs, cradles 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. Ramgarh is renowned
for the carved Wooden doors & chairs. |
