Location: 120 km From Jaipur,
Rajasthan
Feature: The Open Air Art Gallery
Named After: Rao Shekha
Best Season: October-March |
Tourism in
Shekhawati
THE OPEN AIR ART GALLERY
The semi desert region of Shekhawati holds a
fascination all of its own. 'The open-air
art gallery', as it is popularly called, is
famous for the plethora of plain red havelis,
all commendable pieces of the rich artistic
tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati ',
meaning "the land of Shekha 's dan " derives
its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD) a
scion of the Kachhwah 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 at Shekhawati built by rich
merchants of the region, display a unique
architectural style that evolved around the
courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of
the women folk and protection from the heat
of the long and harsh summers.
The havelis, painted predominantly in blue,
maroon, yellow green and indigo have
beautiful wall paintings that adorn their
walls.
The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD -1900
AD) were largely based on the mythological
themes, depicting local legends, animals,
portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and
a glimpse of everyday life.
The turn of the 19th century saw the
appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the
Raj's influence upon the Indian culture.
Now, cars replaced elephants and traditional
Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of
western paintings to produce interesting
hybrid results. The mythological themes
depicting gods, heroes, epics and legends
were substituted by European oleographs,
lithographs and photographs.
Trains, cars, balloons, telephones,
gramophones, English men in hunting attires
and portraits of the haveli owners primely
dressed, were painted all over the walls -
thus making the havelis interesting for both
Indian and foreign travellers.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport, 120 km
away from shekhawati.
Train: Mainline railway joining Delhi,
Jaipur,Bikaner crosses Shekhawati
Road: Shekhawati is 120 km by road from
Jaipur. THis is the most convenient way to
tour Shekhawati and surrounding areas.
Local Transport: Jeeps and local buses are
available for commuting locally. One may
also hire a taxi from Jaipur or Sikar to
visit Shekhawati.
PLACES TO STAY
Though there are some guest houses and
hotels, it is better to travel down to
Jaipur, Sikar or Nawalgarh for a more
comfortable stay.
NEARBY CITIES
Jaipur- 120 km
Sikar- 15 km
Nawalgarh- 30 km
Jhunjunu- 75km
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