Shekhawati

Shekhawati is a semi desert region located in north Rajasthan. It is positioned entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati is a region which was named in honor of Rao Shekha. Shekhawati. He was the Rajput Kachhwaha chief. The descendants of Rao Shekha are popularly known as Shekhawat.

The towns of Shekhawati are very popular for its amazing and wonderful painted havelis. The painted havelis are so attractive that the entire region is named as Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan. The painted Havelis of Shekhawati has a very rich artistic tradition which makes it very praiseworthy and captivating. Most of the buildings found in this region ranges from 18th century to early of 20th century. The landscapes of Shekhawati are spotted with so numerous havelis. Various types of art forms are seen to have ornamented the walls and the ceilings of these palatial structures. The havelis are popular for their amazing frescos which depicts many mythological themes.

There are numerous forts, castles, mosques, wells called baoris and chattris which can be explored out here. The Rajputs usually featured the themes of historical events folk-heroes and the prominent war scenes, while the Marwaris community mostly likes to concentrated more on religious themes but with the passage of time they also incorporated modern themes. Most of the havelis in Shekhawati has two courtyards that is one for the men and the other for the women. The Marwaris also constructed cenotaphs on the cremation grounds as a symbol of memorial for their ancestors. The cenotaph built by the Marwaris may contain several rooms and a very popular Shiva temple. Some of the town and cities of Shekhawati are Sikar, Mahansar, Jhunjhunu, Dundlod, Nawalgarh, Laxmangarh, Khandela, Pilani, Khetri, Mandawa, Salasar Balaji and others.

Shekhawati is not a town or fort but one of the popular regions of Rajasthan. This region is popular for its painted buildings which are found all over the region.