SHEKHAWATI
Feature: The Open Air Art Gallery
Named After: Rao Shekha
Best Season: October-March
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
Know more about this Package !!!
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