Shekhawati is a semi-arid historical area of Rajasthan, India, located in the northeast. Shekhawat Rajputs are the rulers of the region. Shekhawati is a district in Rajasthan’s northwestern region that includes the districts of Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu, and a portion of Nagaur and Jaipur. The Bikaner region borders it on the northwest, Haryana on the northeast, Mewat on the east, Dhundhar on the southeast, Ajmer on the south, and the Marwar area on the southwest.
It has a total area of 13784 square kilometres. Marwari merchants built large havelis in the Shekhawati area from the 17th to 19th century. With their money and opulence, the merchants tried to outdo each other by erecting larger structures like as mansions, temples, and step wells, all of which were lavishly decorated with painted murals both inside and out.
The book Bankidas ki Khyat was the first to mention Shekhawati. Colonel W.S. Gardener, a contemporary of Bankidas, coined the term Shekhawati in 1803. Later, James Tod penned the first Shekhawati history. Vamsh Bhaskar commonly used the word Shekhawati. This shows that the phrase was first used around two centuries and a half ago. [when?] [4] Rao Shekha is honoured with the name Shekhawati.
Ancient History of Shekhawati
Shekhawati was once much larger than the current two districts. It was known as Matsya Kingdom during the Mahabharata period, and it stretched all the way to the Sarasvati River. This was due to the fact that the first clan to rule this region during the Mahabharata time were fishermen’s ancestors. This is where the Vedas were meant to be written and compiled. This area was split among multiple janapadas in ancient times. Every Janapada was a sovereign republic. With the arrival of Aryans in Rajasthan, the creation of Janapadas began.
After their twelve-year forest existence came to an end, the Pandavas spent one year of their exile in the Kingdom of Virata, where they lived in incognito. The famed Dhosi Hill, which borders Haryana and is known for Chyavana Rishi’s Ashram as well as the location where Chyawanprash was originally formed, is mentioned extensively in the epic Mahabharat in Vanparv. According to Vimal Charanlal, the Kingdom of Virata spanned 109 kilometres from Jhunjhunu to Kotkasim in the north, 184 kilometres from Jhunjhunu to Ajmer in the west, 184 kilometres from Ajmer to Banas, and 229 kilometres from Banas to the Chambal River confluence in the south. Bairat was the capital of the Virata Kingdom.
Kingdom of Shekhawati
Shekhawat Rajputs founded and governed Shekhawati till India’s independence in 1947. Dhundhar’s Rao Shekha founded his own separate kingdom, with Amarsar as its capital. He was the country’s first self-governing king. Rao Raimal, Rao Suja, and Rao Lunkaran succeed him as Amarsar’s rulers. Rao Manohar took over from his father Rao Lunkaran and established Manoharpur, which was eventually called Shahpura.
Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, and Narhar of Kaimkhanis were taken by the Shekhawats in 1445, and they reigned until 1614.
Also Read, Pelling: The Tranquil Beauty of West Sikkim
Places to see…
Shekhawati is a tourist’s dream come true. Innumerable gorgeous havelis or large houses dot the landscape, all certain to captivate one’s fancy. It is a sanctuary for serious art and architectural connoisseurs. The energy of this vivid landscape is encapsulated in a riot of colours. During the eighteenth century and the first part of the twentieth century, lavishly adorned havelis proliferated. Mythology and wildlife are at the heart of this magnificent work of art. On a tour of these magnificent houses, tales of Lord Rama’s bravery and Lord Krishna’s miracles unfold. Aside from the numerous havelis, the area is home to imposing forts, baoris, and shrines.
- Nawalgarh: Nawalgarh is a small city in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. It is located halfway between Jhunjhunu and Sikar in the Shekhawati area. Sikar is 30 kilometres away, while Jhunjhunu is 39 kilometres away. Nawalgarh is known for its frescoes and havelis and is known as Rajasthan’s Golden City. It is also the birthplace of some of India’s most powerful corporate dynasties.
- Dundlod is a town in the Rajasthani region of Jhunjhunu. It is located in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati area. It used to be known as ‘Shivgardh.’ It is most famous for its fort and havelis. ‘Education town’ is another name for it. With its historical significance, it is a lovely hamlet. Visitors come to witness the cultural charm of the area. It is located in the Shekhawati area, about seven kilometres north of Nawalgarh.
- Fatehpur is a City in the Sikar district of Indian state Rajasthan. It is part of the Shekhawati region. It is in between Jaipur and Bikaner on NH 52. World & India’s first Book on “BETI” written by Suman Lata Sharma (Resident of fatehpur shekhawati) “Shraddha Suman” Bhajans of Shri Laxmi nathji [written by Suman Lata Sharma]
- Ramgarh Shekhawati, Rajasthan: Ramgarh Shekhawati is a town in Rajasthan. Shekhawati is a tiny town in Rajasthan’s Sikar District, known for its fresco paintings, antique temples, cenotaphs (Chhatris), and palaces (Havelis) erected by the marwari population. Ramgarh is without a doubt one of the most beautifully ornamented cities in the Shekhawati area. Although this area was formerly under Sikar dominion, the marwaris were the ones who drove the development of art and sculpture. The most exciting moments in the history of these magnificent structures occurred throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
How to Reach Shekhawati
BY Road
From Delhi, there are direct buses to Shekhawati. Buses to Shekhawati depart from Delhi’s ISBT (Kashmiri Gate), Sarai Kale Khan, and Dhaula Kuan. Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu are all well connected to other cities in Shekhawati. There are several buses that run frequently between Jaipur and Delhi. Buses to Bikaner and other locations in Rajasthan are also accessible.
BY AIR
The nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is around 150 kilometres away. The airport in Jaipur is connected to major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. From the international airport in Delhi, foreign tourists may connect to other aircraft. To go to Shekhawati, taxis may be rented at the Jaipur airport.
BY RAILWAY
From Delhi and Jaipur, trains are accessible. The easiest way to go to Shekhawati is from Jaipur or Bikaner. On the Jaipur–Bikaner highway, Sikar and Fatehpur are located. Churu is located on the Delhi–Bikaner railway line, whereas Sikar, Nawalgarh, and Jhunjhunu are located on the Jaipur–Delhi railway line.
