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The
semidesert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a
fascination 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 tradition of this region.
'Shekhawati', meaning "the land of Shekha's clan" derives its name
from Rao Shekha (1433 A.D.-1488A.D.) a scion of the Kachhwaha family
of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises
of the districts ofJhunjhunu and Sikar. Initially the region had
a blank monochromatic look but with subsequent historical find social
developments it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art
and life for almost 2 centuries from 1750 A.D. to 1930 A.D.
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.
The
havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and
indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.
The earlier wall paintings (1830A.D. -1900 A.D.) 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 an'd 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.
Sikar : Founded in
the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest 'thikana ' (Feudal
state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples ofGopinath, 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.
Travel Information
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.
Local Transport :
Jeeps, un-metered taxis, auto-rickshaws,cycle-rickshaws and tongas.
RSRT buses ply between various towns and villages in the region.
The
semidesert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a
fascination 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 tradition of this region.
'Shekhawati', meaning "the land of Shekha's clan" derives its name
from Rao Shekha (1433 A.D.-1488A.D.) a scion of the Kachhwaha family
of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises
of the districts ofJhunjhunu and Sikar. Initially the region had
a blank monochromatic look but with subsequent historical find social
developments it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art
and life for almost 2 centuries from 1750 A.D. to 1930 A.D. 
