Shekhawati is a Rajasthani art-lover's paradise. Popularly known as the open art gallery of Rajasthan, Shekhawati is the legacy of an invaluable contribution of the Marwari traders of Rajasthan. This semi-desert region is known for its colourfully painted Shekhawati havelis (mansions) that are commendable pieces of the great artistic tradition of Shekhawati. The name Shekhawati literally translates into ’the land of Shekha’s clan’ - a name derived from Rao Shekha of the 15th century and a scion of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Most of the havelis were constructed between 1750 and 1930 A D by the Marwaris, but successive droughts forced many of these families to leave.

The architectural style of the havelis involves a central courtyard from which everything else evolves. This was done to ensure safety and privacy of the womenfolk relaxing during the extremely hot summers in the region. Most of the havelis are painted in rainbows of brilliant colour, with indigo, yellow, green, deep red and blue, while beautiful wall paintings adorn the walls.


Sightseeing
No other region in Rajasthan is perhaps so artistically rich as Shekhawati. Creating beautiful images using vibrant colours is not a hobby or professional practice  of the privileged few, but a way of life for all. Mandawa is a small town worth visiting nearby, founded in the 18th century by wealthy Marwari businessmen. Nawalgarh, also not far away, is known for some curious images painted on the walls of havelis.


Excursions
Apart from the rich tradition of frescoes seen in Mandawa and Nawalgarh, there are many other lesser-known places in the region. Jhunjhunu and Sikar are district headquarters known for their palaces and havelis. Dundlod is a beautiful town famous for its fort and palaces. Fatehpur was founded by the Muslim Nawabs, but the Rajputs later took over the place and developed it to their taste.


MANDAWA :-
Mandawa is a small town in the heart of Shekhawati region. The place is known not only for its havelis but also for its Fort Palace which is now converted into hotel, and is a wondeful place to stay, giving visitors a rich flavour of the past. The structure of the palace itself is a fantastic reminder of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past.

Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli is known for its curious paintings - such as a painting of a boy holding a telephone and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famous for its erotic images, but now most are unfortunately defaced.



NAWALGARH
Nawalgarh is famous for the fort built in 1737 AD by Thakur Nawal Singh. The Bala Qila has a kiosk with beautiful ceiling paintings while the Roop Nivas Palace has now been converted into a hotel. Like Mandawa, Nawalgarh too has a number of important havelis including Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan.



Excursions from Shekhawati

Dundlod Situated around 30 south-east of Mandawa, Dundlod has many havelis such as Jathia Haveli, and Tuganram Goenka Haveli. However, Dundlod is better known for its fort and palace. Another famous attraction here is the Satyanarayan Temple.


Fatehpur :- Established in 1451 as the capital of the Muslim Nawabs, Fatehpur was taken over by the Rajputs of the Shekhawati region in the 18th century. The main attractions here are the Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, the Gauri Shankar Haveli, the Nand Lal Devra Haveli, the Harikrishnan Das Sarogi Haveli, and a 17th-century baoli or step-well.


Jhunjhunu :- This district headquarters is also the largest city in the Shekhawati region. Founded by the Kaimkhani Nawabs in the 15th century, the place was taken under control by Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730. The main attractions of the city include the Khetri Mahal, the Bihariji Temple, the Modi Haveli, and the Kaniram Narsinghdas Tiberwala Haveli.


Lakshmangarh : - Lakshmangarh was founded in the early 19th century on the model of Jaipur. There are fine havelis including the grand Ganeriwala, with its four courtyards .

Ramgarh : -Ramgarh was settled by the Poddars in the late 18th century. Apart from the havelis, there are beautiful chhatris (cenotaphs) with painted entrances and the stunning temples of Shani and Ganga.