| THE OPEN AIR ART GALLERY | | | | haveli owners primely dressed, were painted all |
| The semi desert region of Shekhawati holds a | | | | over the walls - thus making the havelis |
| fascination all of its own. 'The open-air art gallery', | | | | interesting for both Indian and foreign travellers. |
| as it is popularly called, is famous for the plethora | | | | Prime Attractions of Shekhawati |
| of plain red havelis, all commendable pieces of the | | | | Shekhawati Festival : The Shekhawati Festival held |
| rich artistic tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati ', | | | | on I0th and 11th February every year is organised |
| meaning "the land of Shekha 's dan " derives its | | | | jointly by the State Department of Tourism, |
| name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD) a | | | | District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and |
| scion of the Kachhwah family of Jaipur. Earlier a | | | | Churu, and the M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural Research |
| part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises | | | | Foundation. The programmes include a one day |
| of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. | | | | tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris, farm |
| Initially, the region had a blank monochromatic look | | | | visits, rural games, cultural programmes, havelis |
| but with subsequent historical and social | | | | competitions and fireworks. |
| developments, it has blossomed into a colourful | | | | How To Get There - Shekhawati |
| profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries | | | | By Air |
| from 1750 AD to 1930 AD. | | | | Jaipur is the nearest airport, 120 km away from |
| Havelis at Shekhawati built by rich merchants of | | | | shekhawati. |
| the region, display a unique architectural style that | | | | By Rail |
| evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety | | | | Mainline railway joining Delhi, Jaipur,Bikaner crosses |
| and privacy of the women folk and protection | | | | Shekhawati. |
| from the heat of the long and harsh summers. | | | | By Road |
| The havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, | | | | Shekhawati is 120 km by road from Jaipur. THis is |
| yellow green and indigo have beautiful wall | | | | the most convenient way to tour Shekhawati and |
| paintings that adorn their walls. | | | | surrounding areas. |
| The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD -1900 AD) | | | | Local Transport |
| were largely based on the mythological themes, | | | | Jeeps and local buses are available for commuting |
| depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting | | | | locally. One may also hire a taxi from Jaipur or |
| and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday | | | | Sikar to visit Shekhawati. |
| life. | | | | Places To Stay - Shekhawati |
| The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance | | | | Though there are some guest houses and hotels, |
| of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj's influence | | | | it is better to travel down to Jaipur, Sikar or |
| upon the Indian culture. Now, cars replaced | | | | Nawalgarh for a more comfortable stay. |
| elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled | | | | General Information - Shekhawati |
| with naturalism of western paintings to produce | | | | Best Time to visit Shekhawati |
| interesting hybrid results. The mythological themes | | | | October-March . |
| depicting gods, heroes, epics and legends were | | | | Location |
| substituted by European oleographs, lithographs | | | | 120 km From Jaipur, Rajasthan. |
| and photographs. | | | | Unique Features |
| Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, | | | | Shekhavati - The Open Air Art Gallery. |
| English men in hunting attires and portraits of the | | | | |