Shekhawati Tour, Shekhawati Tour of Rajasthan, Rajasthan tour of Shekhawati, Tour of Shekhawati

This diverse state is home to the rajputs, warrior clans claimed to originate from the sun, moon and fire, who have controlled this part of India for more than 1000 years. While they forget temporary alliances and marriages of convenience, pride and independence were always paramount with the result that much of their energy was spent squabbling among themselves and resultant weakness eventually led to their becoming vassals of the Mughal Empire. With the Mughal empire declining the Rajput gradually clawed back their independence – atleast until the British arrived. As the Raj inexorably expanded, most Rajput states allied with the British which allowed them to continue as independent states, subject to certain political and economic constraints.

Shekhawati (Rajasthan) - Tour

Jhunjhunu is the cultural capital of shekhawati and has a rich history , cultural and archaeological remains. This town has played a significant role in political history of shekhawati . in the absence of archaeological excavations and exploration , it is difficult to trace the early history of the area. However , if local legends are to be relied upon, the antiquity of the area may be traced to the epic age when the Pandavas , while wandering ,spent some time here.

In 1450 AD Muhammad Khan and his nephew Fateh Khan left Hissar-Hansi after losing favour of Sultan Bahlol Lodi and sought fortune in the lands ruled by the Jorh Rajputs. Muhammad Khan wrested Jhunjhunu nad fateh Khan founded fatehpur in 1451 AD . Sham Khan son of Muhammad Khan was the first Nawab of Jhunjhunu .

After the fall of Sayyad Brothers, Nawab fazil Khan and Rohilla Khan laid their claims for Jhunjhunu before Muhammad shah and their areas were restored to them. With the presence of ambition Shekhawat chieftains in the neighborhood, the areas were soon incorporated in the domain of Sawai Jai Singh II. Initially the region had a monochromatic look , but with subsequent social and artistic developments it has blossomed in to a profusion of art and life.

Shekhawati’s havelis or mansions, built by prosperous Marwari merchants ,mostaly between 1860AD and 1900AD display the unique fresco painting art-style. The district town of jhunjhunu has some splendidly painted havelis. Some of these are those of Narsingh Das Tibrewala, Ishwar Das Mohan Das Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitans.

Places to see

The Temple of Rani Sati is a magnificent structure sprawling over a large area. It is believed that the Diwan erected a small temple in the memory of this daughter-in-law Narainidevi . however ,over over the year the temple has acquired notable proportions.

Other places of interest include the finely frescoed Laxmi Nath Temple , Mertani Baori, Kamruddin Shah Ki Dargah, Ajeet Sagar ,Birdi Chand’s well , Badalgarh, Six Havelies of Tibrewala, Makbara of Nawab Samaskhan , Jorawar Garh , Bihari Ji Temple, Shri Ram Jait Ram Tibrewal Haveli, Khetri Mahal ( A wind place) , Caption Henry Forester’s son’s Majaar Mansa Mata & Babru ki Johari , Khetan bawri(stepwell), Bala Bux Tulshan Haveli, Caption Henry Forester’s gate , Radhakrishna Temple ,Jama Masjid, Cenotaphs of Shekhawat rulers, Leather work & Scissors Market (Phootla Market), Moda Pahar Sunrise Point Samas talab and Makbara of Nawab Rohilla Khan.

Excursions

Alsisar & Malsisar ( 27/32 kms)

Located on the northern most tip of shekhawati, these towns were founded in the late and mid 18^th centuries respectively. The style founded in the ferscoes here and lively colour combination are a treat for the eyes. Also the Forts in Alsisar & Malsisar , as well as the temples and the Jhunjunwala havelis are magnificent. Besides painted havelis, wells and reservoirs with ornamental traditional architecture are worth seeing in both the Villages.

Baggar ( 14 kms)
Located strategically at a cross-road , Baggar has a larhe reservoir, built by the Ojha family. Founded in the 15^th century by the Nagr Pathans, Baggar is well-known for the havelis of Rungtas and Piramal Makharia.

Bissau ( 40 kms)
This quaint town has fine havelis icluding the Sigatia haveli,Khemka Haveli, Tibrewal Haveli, Fatehpuria haveli, Kanodia Haveli and Poddar Haveli. Other places to see are the Raj ki Chhatri(a cenotaph) of the Thakurs.

Chirawa (30 kms)
Chirawa became popular as a trading town between Jhunjhunu and Loharu. The Havelis worth seeing here are rai Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Nemani haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia haveli, Dulichand Kakrania Haveli, Manohar lal Vaidh Haveli and Kakranias well and Sekhsaria well. The Dalmia and Kakranias grew wealthy on the basis of trade and built sprawling havelis here.

Churi Ajitgarh ( 32kms)
This town is known for the several erotic frescoes painted behind doors, on the bedroom ceilings and on the walls. Considering the social constrictions of that time , these appear to have been the result of a very private and special effort. Some examples of fine fresco work are evident in the Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Kothi of Shiv Narain Nemani , Shiv Datt Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli and Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli.

Dundlod ( 32 kms)
This quaint town is in the heart of the Shekhawati region . the fort here dates back to 1750 AD. Step lead up to the Diwan Khana furnished with portraits , hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits done in the European style.the fort has now been converted into a Hotel. The Goenka havelis and other havelis are adoned with beautiful frescoes.

Kajra (48kms)
The 19^th century havelis of the Kajaria family are monuments worth seeing here.

Khetri (70kms)
Khetri was the second wealthiest Thikana uder Jaipur and is known for the paintings adorning the raghunath Temple and the Bhopalgarh Fort. Sites not to be missed are the Panna Lal Ka Talab, Rama Krishna Mission, ukh Mahal and Hari Singh Temple. From here one can take excursions to Ajeet Sagar, Rameshwar Das Baba ka Ashram at Bassi and Bagore Fort.

Lohargal(70kms)
Here, the holy shrine of Lohargal is situated, at the foothills of the Aravalis. The scenic beauty is fascinating. A perennial stream trickles down from the hills and falls into the Suraj Kund. Its water is said to possess healing qualities. The gyan Bawari, Bhim Kund , Chetan Das Bawari and temples are worth visiting.

Mandawa (25kms)
Mandawa’s skyline is dominated by an imposing fort now turned into a hotel . the terrace of Castle Mandawa offers a panoramic view of the town.the Havelis worth visiting are those of chokhani, saraf, Goenka and Ladia.

Mehansar (25kms)
This 18^th century town has some fine havelis uch as the sone-Chandi-ki Sal and business shops built by the Poddars. The ‘Meenakari’ work , the figures of birds, floral and tree motifs, as well as the gilded walls and ceilings leave the spectator amazed. Raghu Nath Temple is another iterersting place to visit here.

Mukundgarh (26 kms)
This place has a few mosques and several temples . the textiles, brassware and iron scissors made here are of good quality. The kanoria, Ganeriwala , Muraka and saraf havelis here , are adorned with fine frescoes. The Shiv temple Gopinath temple and Venu Gopal temple are worth a visit.

Nawalgarh (40 kms)
Lying south west of Jhunjhunu , this town boasted of some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region . prominent among the havelis are the Aath (eight) haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidhar , Bhagat Haveli and Chokhani Haveli.

Parasrampura (56 kms)
Parasrampura is a short excursion from Nawalgarh. Here some of the earliest frescoes dating back to 1750AD are painted in the interior of a temple and on the dome of the chhatri dedicated to Shardul Singh , a descendant of Rao Shekhaji. For those in the mood to ramble, towns like Chirana in the rocky Arawali environs offer some grand havelis and a fort to feast the eyes upon.

Pilani ( 45 kms)
Ones a small village , this town became famous as the home of the prosperous Birlas – one of India’s leading industrialists. Inside the Birla Haveli is a small traditional museum. The Birla Institute of Technology & Science ( BITS), Musium Shiva Ganga Saraswati Temple and the Panchawati are sites worth a visit.

Surajgarh (43 kms)
The 18^th century fort, in a dilapidated condition and the painted temples and havelis here are the main attractions.

Narhar ( 40 kms)
Nahar is an ancient place of pilgrimage for the Muslims as well as Hindus. There is an old Dargah named after the sufi saint Sankharbar Shah. The devotees come here to seek the blessings of the saint . The people pour forth from all over the country during the famous fair of the Janama-shtami. It is symbol of National Integrity.

Kirori Ji (58 kms)
Kirori ji has a shrine of the Hindus located in the lap of the Aravali hills. Besides its natural beauty this ancient and salubrious-clime spot is famous for ponds of hot water and cold water spring temples and the cenotaph of Raja Todar Mal of Udaipurwati. Kirori Ji being lcated in a verdant valley in the vicinity of Loahgal is a worth0visiting spot.