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". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.

The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures, complimenting the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes and that of huge animals.

Some later day frescos shows the arrival of the British and highlighting steam locomotives and train doubtlessly for the benefit of those members of the household who did not travel to distance places by train or see this newly introduced mode of transport.

There are also forts, minor castles, mosques, wells called baoris and chattris to discover.
The Rajputs mostly depicted the themes of historical events, personages' folk-heroes and the prominent war scenes, while the Marwaris concentrated more on religious themes but with the passage of time the themes too began to divert towards the modern views. At the decline of Mughal Empire after the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 the descendants of Rao Shekha encroached upon areas west of Aravali Range also.

The chieftains of the region retained nominal loyalty to Amber, who in turn honoured them with the title of 'tazmi sardars'. It was probably this exposure to the courts of Jaipur that encouraged these thakurs initiate their great succession of fresco. By the beginning of the nineteenth century British had established major ports at Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Bombay (now Mumbai) that were able to handle larger volumes of trade than ports in Gujarat.

Moreover with Jaipur reducing its levies the Shekhawati route was almost abandoned by traders. However the Shekhawati merchants who were seasoned businessmen migrated en masse to the more lucrative centres of Calcutta and Bombay. Here they earned unparallel wealth and send huge sums home, which were used for building havelis, social welfare, wells, reservoirs, schools etc.

Places to see in Shekhawati

Nawalgarh:
Founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescos in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with colourful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture makes it an interesting destination for a 1day / 1 night stay. There are a few prominent havelis like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli etc., which are to be visited, and so are the two forts and the palace hotel Roop Niwas that is a beautiful heritage property and is renovated with modern facilities.

Dundlod:
This Thikana (destination) is in the heart of Shekhawati Region, founded in 1750 and about 7 km from Nawalgarh the fort is a blend of the Rajput and Mughal Art and architecture the Diwan- e- khas (Hall of private Audience) has stained glass windows, find antiques and an impressive library. The zenana quarters are on the 1st floor featuring exquisite decors and furniture.

The fort is converted into a cosy and comfortable abode. The dress code of the state and grand hospitality with the horse guards are an attractive factor. The Goenka Haveli is worth a visit for the beautiful frescos and the fine mirror work above the windows and features of Florets and birds in the outer courtyard. There are better-preserved paintings in few other havelis and chattris.

A peep into the village on a camel safari is rather interesting. A fine breed of horses has been a passion with the family ancestors and continues till this time by their descendent. These royal studs are available for riding and horse safari. A 1 day and 1 night stay over at the resort envelopes you with the nostalgia of their classic life-style that is complimented by the formal hospitality and entertainment. The thikana Kansamas (chefs) doles out with delicious cuisines for the taste buds.

Mukungarh:
Built around a temple square, a few km from Navalgarh, Mukungarh has a magnificent fort, which is now converted, into a resort hotel with all modern amenities.

Mandawa:
Founded in the mid 18th century Manawa skyline today is dominated by an imposing mirage like fort now a heritage hotel that is maintained in the classic medieval theme with the modern luxuries. The painted archway is painted with interesting forms of paintings of Lord Krishna and his cowherds. The sprawling architecture houses a different theme in different wings.

The spacious rooms are adorned by intricate interior wall paintings and mirror work with open terrace that offers a panoramic view of the whole town. The women folks of the Mandawa family who lived in a royal style once used this floor. The ambiences of those years still linger around the rooms.

The Mandawa family has a unique collection of their preserved paintings and antiques that adorn the main huge hall in the centre of the castle, originally the durbar hall and now an exotic lounge. The ceremonial costumes of the family collection and the precious arms with handle of jade and beautiful curios brought by the British as a gift for the nobles are well placed like a showcase of a museum.

The hotel is well equipped with modern facilities in an ethnic set-up. A night stay is an experience in itself with thematic evenings and oriented and medieval cuisine. The warm hospitality is touching.

Fatehpur:
The Muslim Nawabs established Fatehpur in 1451 and the Shekhawati Rajputs took it over in the 18th century. The opulence of the local merchants is so evident from the richly painted havelis of Poddars, Choudhuri and the Ganeriwalas families. The town is also a good base to visit nearby towns of Lakshmangarh and Mandawa.

Mahaveer Prasad Goenka haveli built is 1885 is believed to have some of the best frescos in perfect match of colour and design. The haveli maybe mostly locked and may take several visits to be able to see it. Geori Shankar Haveli is a good example of mirrored mosaic ceiling. Haveli Nadine is a haveli purchased by a French artist Nadine Le Prince.

It retains some good painting is shades predominantly in red and blue. The artist is energetically restoring the painting and for the time being visitors is not allowed.

The Choudaharia Haveli though in an extreme state of deteriorations has a rare departure of an erotic painting. The Jagannath Singhania Haveli has some fine paintings of Radha and Krishna and shows some British men holding guns. The others havelis, which are notable are Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli and Vishnunath Keria Haveli.

Jhunjhunu:
Is the biggest town in the Shekhawati region and are the district administrative head quarters for the region. It is located a 180 kms from Jaipur and 245 kms from Delhi. The Khemkhani Nawabs founded the town in the 15th century. The Rajput ruler Sardul Sigh took control of the town by 1730 and the British raised and based of locals here in 1830.

Pilani:
Once a small village is famous for being the hometown of the premier business and industrial family the Birlas. The town is also for its The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani is an all-India Institute for higher education. Its engineering college is reputed to be the top ten colleges in India.

Bissau:
Is another small town of fluctuating fortunes. Keshri Singh founded the town. The town fell into anarchies when his grandson Shyam Singh extorted huge sums of money from the local merchant.

Parasrampuria:
It a tiny village 20 kms southwest of Navalgarh. It boasts of some the oldest and the best preserved Shekhavati paintings in the region. The Shyamji Sharaf Haveli and 18th century haveli located near the bus stand has well conserved paintings.