Shekhawati

Historical Past of Shekhawati !!!

Various nooks and corner of the town will sojourn you to the simple lifestyle of Shekhawati Region. Explore this simple, quite town, keeping alive the rich heritage in form of its fascinating painting gallery. Shekhawati dwells into the semi-barren arena of the northern Rajasthan, lies in the triangular belt between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner.

Its history dates back to the 14th century, when some of the Muslim invaders with their caravans moved in the deserted town, which they developed according to their needs and businesses. Later on with their efforts, this semi-desert emerged as an important trading centre from the port of Gujrat. The arena of Shekhawati literally means the "Garden of Shekha," which is derived from one of its prominent ruler Rao Shekha in the ancient times. At the time, when Mughal Empire fell into decline after the death of Auranzeg in the year 1707. The descendants of Rao Shekha, who were already ruling the territory to the east of Aravalli Range, emerged powerful in front of various clans to occupy the regions of north and west.

The crowned head "Rao Sheka" retained a nominal loyalty from the Rajput state of Jaipur, who in turn honored him with the title "Tazimi Sardar". The landed immigrants of Shekhawati were ferocious warriors, sacrificing and hard working folk. In fact this region provides the highest number of persons to the Indian Army. Whereas the Shekhawati soil also produced large number of Marwaris, who were driving the economy of India since decades. Today Shekhawati has immerged as a painting gallery well preserving its historical heritage. Havelis, beautiful paintings, architecture wonders, which act as an eye opener for most of the excursionist and tourist. Presently, Shekhawati covers an area of some 30,000 square kilometers and hold the administrative districts of Chura, Jhunjhunu and Sikar. As one walk down the narrow lanes or simply drive through the outstretched towns of Shekhawati like Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mukungarh, Jhunjhunu, Salasar, Balaji, Mandawa, Sikar, Fatehpur, can see the brilliant works of art. These are some of the real treasures offered by the Rajasthan's open art gallery.

The Touch of Maharajas !!!
When the Marwaris made their first foray with the Maharajahs and Thakurs, whom they served, they found that there was money to be made from establishing business in distant centres. Under the British their prosperity aspired even higher, and they took their business to Calcutta and Surat and other pockets of influence. With the money they made, they ordered lavish havelis back home, and in order to make them attractive, had them painted in what has come to be defined as the Shekhawati fresco style. A sense of competitiveness brought in excess, since this provided the worth of the owner's presumed wealth.

The havelis are guarded at the entrance by large wooden doors. Within these, a smaller door is normally used for daily movements. Intricate wooden carvings with fancy brass iron fittings demonstrating the owners wealth. The ground floor is normally recessed in such a way that balconies overhang the street. It was from the latticed windows on the balconies and over the courtyards that women were able to get a glimpse of the mens world. The facade, the gateways, the courtyard walls, the parapets and ceilings, were all covered with frescoes.

Getting There !!!
Airways : Jaipur's "Sanganer Airport" is the nearest Airdrome, lying 120 km far from Shekhawati. The domestic airport is regularly serviced by a number of airlines. Several flights connect Jaipur to cities like, Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur. Once in Jaipur, the tourist can look for RSTC buses that ply regularly to Shekhawati in a regular intervals of time.

Railways : There are several rail connections to Shekhawati. The 9734 Shekhawati Express leaves Nawalgarh at 10.00 pm, arriving Delhi's Sarai Rohilla Station at 5.30 am. Another train is 9733 Shekhawati Express leaves Nawalgarh at 6.33 am, reaching Jaipur at 10.00 am. Jaipur and Bikaner are the two major train depot near Shekhawati. Number of important trains link these stations with Jodhpur, Udaipur, Delhi and Mumbai.

Roadways : An extensive network of roads covers the region. The best way to access Shekhawati by road is from Jaipur or from Bikaner. Both of the cities are well networked by roads with many other cities in Rajasthan and northern part of India. Some important distances from Shekhawati are Bikaner is 237 km, Jaipur is 205 km, Jodhpur is 316 km, Sikar to Delhi is 299 Km via Jhunjhunu, Sikar to Jaipur is 114 Km, Jhunjhunu to Jaipur is 182 Km, Jhunjhunu to Bikaner is 230 Km and Jhunjhunu to Churu is 52 Km.

Local Transport : The most suitable mode of transportation within the open art gallery of Rajasthan "Shekhawati" are bicycles, cycle rickshaws, city buses, auto rickshaws, which are easily available at various important and major junctions of the town.

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