Location
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. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are
eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis
that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan".
Splendid
Shekhawati
Shekhawati', meanings the land of Shekhs clan derives its name from Rao
Shekha (1433 A.D.-1488 A.D. ) 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
Tourist attractions
» Havelis : 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 womenfolk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh
summers.
Painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo the Havelis
of Shekhavati have beautiful frescoes that adorn their walls. Earlier wall
paintings were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting gods,
heroes, epics and local legends; animals, portraits hunting and wrestling
scenes and a glimpses of every day life. The turn of the 19th century saw
the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the British Raj's influence upon
the Indian Culture. The paintings continued with the mythological themes,
but the new entries included European oleographs, lithographs and
photographs. Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in
hunting attires and portraits of Haveli owners primly dressed were painted
profusely.
»
Sikar : Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest 'thikana
' (Feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples offprint, 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.
How To Get There
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-Jhunjunu - 70 km
» Jhunjhunu-Delhi - 231 km via Singhana, Namaul, Dharuhera
» Jhunjhunu-Jaipur - 182 km
» Jhunjhunu- Bikaner - 230 km
» Jhunjhunu-Churu - 52 km, Sikar-Ladnu - 90 km.
