Travel destination in India, Shekhavati

 
 

General Information about SHEKHAVATI

Shekhavati :
Area : 392 sq kms
Languages : Hindi, English & Rajasthani, Marwari
Best Time to Visit : Sept. to March.
State : Rajasthan
STD Code : 01592

About Shekhavati

In the 16th-17th centuries, Rajasthan stood divided into five large and several smaller kingdoms. The five were Amber (Jaipur), Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur (Marwar) and Udaipur (Mewar). The first two kingdoms shared the region which was destined to become so rich in murals. The founder of this beauteous Shekhawati was the Rajput, Rao Shekha, a descendent of the illustrious Kachhawaha family who held Amber-Jaipur for centuries. The chieftains of Shekhawati were the descendants of Baloji, the third son of Raja Udaikaran, who succeeded to the throne of Amber in 1389.

HOW TO REACH

By Air : Jaipur is the nearest airport, 120 km away from shekhawati.

By Rail : Mainline railway joining Delhi, Jaipur,Bikaner crosses Shekhawati

By Road : Shekhawati is 120 km by road from Jaipur. THis is the most convenient way to tour Shekhawati and surrounding areas.

PLACES TO VISIT IN SHEKHAVATI

The open art gallery : The semidesert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having fascination uniquely of is 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 AD-1488 AD) a scion 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 developments it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries from 1750 AD to 1930 AD.

Havelis : Although the region has lost its importance as a centre of trade, its importance today lies in the splendidly frescoed havelis or mansions- mostly constructed by the prosperous merchants, between the 18th and 20th centuries. The area being arid and opportunities being limited locally, enterprising men moved out to carve niches for themselves in business. Today the splendidly painted walls of the people of Shekhawati.

Dundlod : This quaint is in the heart of the Shekhawati region. The fort here dates back to 1750. Steps lead up to the Diwan Khana furnished with portraits, hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits done in European style can be seen here. The fort has now been converted into a hotel. The Goenka havelis and other with beautiful frescoes

Sikar : Sikar was the wealthiest thikana (feudatory) under the Jaipur state. The 17th century fort here, was built when Sikar was an important trading centre. Sites worth visiting here are the market, the clock tower and the painted Biyani, Murarka and Somani havelis. There is one Haveli Painted only in blue, quite like the typical Chinese blue and are the Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas Kothi, the Jubilee Hall and the Fort. The Jain temple as also the temples of Gopinath and Raghunath and Madan Mohan deserve a visit. In the neighborhood lie the Jeen Mata temple and harsh Nath temple.

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