The semi arid Thar desert region of Shekhawati combines
together numerous small and medium sized towns and villages that were once
inhabited by people who loved to paint events and scenes on walls. Today, the
Shekhawati region encompasses within its boundaries some extremely valuable
cultural and historical heritage that should be visited before it gets lost in
the dust of time. Below are mentioned some of these places - some will sound
familiar while others alien. Yet, do not make any judgment based on 'familiarity'
since even the remotest of the Shekhawati destination might spring up a
surprise not seen elsewhere in the region.
Famous Shekhawati Places
Nawalgarh
Named after its founder Thakur Nawal Singh (son of the
most successful ruler ofShekhawati, Shardul Singh), Nawalgarh was a prosperous
town in Shekhawati region. Some of the affluent business clan of India today
trace their origin from Nawalgarh. Prominent among these is the Goenka family.
The havelis of the town - Aath haveli, Murarka Haveli, Khedwal Bhawan, Bhagton
ki Haveli and Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli - are its prime attraction. The frescoes
and mural paintings are extremely attractive and reflect the skills of the
workmen who created them. Other attraction of Nawalgarh is Ganga Mai Temple.
Dundlod
A small village in the Shekhawati region is known for a
small fort built in the 18thcentury by Kesri Singh, youngest son of Sardul
Singh. The fort has a Diwan Khana with portraits and period furnitures as well
as a small library. The fort now serves as a hotel. Other attractions to be
visited here are Tuganram Goenka Haveli, SatyaNarayan Temple and Jagathia
Haveli. This village is 7 kms north of Nawalgarh.
Fatehpur
Established by Fateh Khan, a Muslim Nawab in 15th
century, Fatehpur was captured by the Shekhawat Rajputs in the 18th century.
The place boasts of some of the best fresco paintings of the region, however,
unfortunately, the havelis housing them are more often locked. The worth seeing
havelis in this place are Geori Shankar Haveli, Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli,
Nand Lal Devra Haveli and Jagannath Singhania Haveli. There is also the
Jagannath Singhania Chattri with beautiful garden which is worth visiting.
Ramgarh
Around 20 km from Fatehpur lies Ramgarh which was
founded by a group of affluent Poddar merchant in the 18th century. The primary
attraction of the town is Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri that has beautiful scenes of
Ramayana painted on its ceilings. Fresco paintings in Shani Mandir (Saturn
Temple) are also eye catchers. Other attraction of the place include Ganga
Temple, Ganes Temple, Tarachand Ghanshyamdas Poddar Haveli and Baij Nath Ruia
Haveli.
Jhunjhunu
Currently a district head quarter, Jhunjhunu was founded
by Kaimkhani Nawabs in the15th century. Places worth visiting in this town are
Badani Chand Well, Mertani Baori, Ajit Sagar, Dargah of Kamrud-din Shah, Badal
Fort, Khetri Mahal, Bihariji Temple, Rani Sati Temple and Forest Ganj. The
significant havelis of this place are Modi Haveli, Kaniram Narsingh Das
Tiberwala Haveli, MohanDas Ishwar Das Modi Haveli and Narudin Farooqi Haveli.
Bissau
Nearly 32 km north west of Jhunjhunu is a small town
known as Bissau. The town was founded by Kesri Singh and has seen numerous ups
and down. Important attractions here include Chhatri of Hammir Singh, Haveli of
Girdarilal Sigtia and Motiram Jasraj Sigtia Haveli. The last one today serves
as a junior school.
Mahansar
Around 6 km from Bissau is another small village,
Mahansar which was founded by Nawal Singh in the 18th century. The village does
not overflows with attractions, yet some of the havelis with their fine
paintings are worth visiting. Prominent among these is the Sona ki Dukan Haveli
which has exquisite meenakari work to delight the visitors. Sahaj Ram Poddar
Chhatri is also worth visiting.
Mandawa
One of the most visited destinations in the Shekhawati
region, Mandawa came intolimelight in the 18th century. It has an imposing
fort, Castle Mandawa that serves as a heritage hotel today. Other attractions
of the town include the havelis of Chokhanias, Goenkas Nevatia & Ladia and
Saraf.
Parasrampura
The tiny village preserves some of the oldest and most
beautiful paintings of the Shekhawati region. The paintings on the inner
portion of the dome of Thakur Shardul Singh cenotaph, Shamji Saraf Haveli and
Gopinathji Mandir is worth appreciating.
Sikar
Now a district headquarters, Sikar was once the largest
thikana (feudatory) under the Jaipur State. Important attractions here are the
havelis of Biyani, Murarka, Somani, Sagarmal Sodhani and Madho Niwas. The Sikar
Fort, Jublee Hall, Jain Temples, Gopinath Temple, Raghunath Temple, Jeen Mata
Temple and Madan Mohan Temple in and around Sikar are also worth visiting.
Mukudgarh
Mukundgarh is a small town developed around a temple
square. The Mukundgarh Fortserves as a heritage hotel. Tourists can pay a visit
to the Kanoria and Ganeriwala Havelis and also shop for local handicrafts.
Mukundgarh is highly known for its brass, iron scissors and textiles.
Churu
Though Churu does not come in the Shekhawati region
strictly, yet its history of traders and caravan outpost connects it with other
places in Shekhawati. Place worth visiting here are the Kanhaiya Lal Bagla
Haveli, Kothari Haveli, Surana Haveli, Poddar Haveli, Jain Temple, Balaji
Temple, Ganga Temple, Taknet Chhatri and not to forget the Churu Fort.
Khetri
The second richest feudatory of the Jaipur state, Khetri
was established in the 18th century. Prominent places worth visiting are
Raghunath Temple, Bhopagarh Fort, Panna Lal Sha ka Talab, Ram Krishna Mission,
Sukh Mahal and Hari Singh Temple.
Pilani
This small village gained prominence as the home of
wealthy Birla family. Today, the place is more known for its educational
significance. For tourists sightseeing, there is BITS museum, Shiva, Ganga,
Sarswati Temple and the Panchwati Temple.
