his
region in North Rajasthan is special, as it has produced the maximum number
of millionaires and billionaires in India! The wealthy merchants of
this region popularly known as Marwaris are spread all over the world but
still own their ancestral mansions (havelis) in their native villages and
towns. T
he five great deeds a marwari merchant is supposed to do
are to build a haveli, a well, a school, a dharamshala (Caravanserai) and a
temple. The merchants, flushed with money, competed with each other in
building such structures.
The most notable of these are their havelis, which were probably built
between 18th and 20th century. Many havelis are huge with more than one
courtyard, with dozens of rooms and balconies.
The
piece de resistance is the extremely fine depictions of various designs and
characters in the form of frescoes covering all walls and ceilings. Blue and
maroon are prominent colors used but more vivid colors are also seen
including gold. Representations range from floral to mythology to even
scientific inventions.
The paintings also convey that the
prosperous merchants must have been very impressed by their overseas
travels; there are several paintings of English ladies, motorcars,
gramophones and even the Wright brothers. Even the tiles and
Victorian style statues suggest just that.
Over and above everything is the sheer number of havelis that line
the streets of these small towns. This makes the Shekhawati probably the
LARGEST OPEN AIR ART GALLERY IN THE WORLD! Almost all havelis are
vacant with one or two caretakers living in. As the residents have migrated
for business, many Shekhawati towns look like GHOST TOWNS.
Besides
the havelis, the Shekhawati region also has few forts, minor castles and
temples. The region had most of the times remained loyal to the Jaipur
principality. Nobles appointed for the region used to live in castles, many
are now converted into fine heritage hotels.
Shekhawati is named after its ruler Rao Shekha of the 15th century.
Strategically placed on the route between ports of Gujarat and Northern
India, the region became very prosperous by imposing levies on the caravans
of traders passing through. When the region's fortunes fell after the
development of new ports like Bombay and Calcutta, the merchants migrated en
masse and quickly re-established themselves. They continued to send their
huge incomes back in their villages thus continuing their constructive
passions.
Prominent towns of the region are Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Mahansar, Mukundgarh,
Lachhmangarh, Singhana, Parsrampura, Khetri, Baggar and Jhunjhunu. The
continuity of havelis and quietness of the towns suggest bicycle tour as the
most ideal way of sightseeing. A few farm retreats have also recently come
up with the idea of an eco-friendly stay. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a good
excursion point; the sanctuary has an overwhelming population of Blackbucks.
;)
;)
The
piece de resistance is the extremely fine depictions of various designs and
characters in the form of frescoes covering all walls and ceilings. Blue and
maroon are prominent colors used but more vivid colors are also seen
including gold. Representations range from floral to mythology to even
scientific inventions. The paintings also convey that the
prosperous merchants must have been very impressed by their overseas
travels; there are several paintings of English ladies, motorcars,
gramophones and even the Wright brothers. Even the tiles and
Victorian style statues suggest just that. ;)
Besides
the havelis, the Shekhawati region also has few forts, minor castles and
temples. The region had most of the times remained loyal to the Jaipur
principality. Nobles appointed for the region used to live in castles, many
are now converted into fine heritage hotels. 
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