Shekhawati

Quick Facts
Area:
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi
Best Time To Visit : October-March

The semi desert region of Shekhawati holds a fascination all of its own. 'The open-air art gallery', as it is popularly called, is famous for the plethora of plain red havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati ', meaning "the land of Shekha 's dan " derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD) a scion of the Kachhwah 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 at Shekhawati 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 blue, maroon, yellow 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, heroes, epics and legends were substituted by European oleographs, lithographs and photographs.

Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of the haveli owners primely dressed, were painted all over the walls - thus making the havelis interesting for both Indian and foreign travellers.

What to See:

» Samode Palace » Sar Bagh

» Samode Bagh

» Taragarh fort

Where to Stay:

» Mansingh Palace » Hotel Regency » Hotel Embassy

» Hotel Sahil » Phool Mahal Palace » Hotel Ambassador

» Roopangarh Fort » Hotel Chitvan

Shopping:
Just like any other city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is also a shopper's paradise. There are numerous items in Ajmer that you will find worth buying. The most famous shopping items of Ajmer includes Antiques, Ornaments, Gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs, Bandhini (colorful tie-and-dye Saris), Embroidered Jodhpuri Jutis (footwear), Ittar (a special form of local perfume).

Accessibility:
by surface - 120 km From Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Suggested Itineraries : Rajasthan Cultural Trip Packages | Rural Rajasthan Tour Packages