The Open Air Art Gallery

The semidesert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. 'The open-air art gallery', as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati', meaning "the land of Shekha's clan" derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 A.D.-1488A.D.) a scion of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises of the districts ofJhunjhunu and Sikar. Initially the region had a blank monochromatic look but with subsequent historical find social developments it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries from 1750 A.D. to 1930 A.D.

Havelis : Shekhawati 's magnificent havelis or mansions, built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the womenfolk 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 (1830A.D. -1900 A.D.) 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 an'd 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.

Sikar : Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest 'thikana ' (Feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples ofGopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are worth visiting. The Jubilee Hall, Madho Niwas Kothi, Biwani Haveli, Sodhani Haveli, the Jain Temple and a large market are other places of interest.

Travel Information

How To Get There

The towns of Sikar and Jhunjhunu, headquarters of their respective districts are connected by road as well as by rail with Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner. Given below are some distances by road :

Sikar-Delhi - 299 km via Jhunjhunu, Sikar-Jaipur -114 km, Sikar-Jhunjunu - 70 km, Jhunjhunu-Delhi - 231 km via Singhana, Namaul, Dharuhera, Jhunjhunu-Jaipur - 182 km, Jhunjhunu- Bikaner - 230 km, Jhunjhunu-Churu - 52 km, Sikar-Ladnu - 90 km.

Local Transport : Jeeps, un-metered taxis, auto-rickshaws,cycle-rickshaws and tongas. RSRT buses ply between various towns and villages in the region.

No direct train connection.

General Information

Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.

Summer : 40.5 C 26.8 C

Winter : 30.0 C 10.0 C

Rainfall : 45-60 cms.

Best Season: September-March

Clothing : Summer light tropical

Winter light woollen

Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.