Shekhawati Havelis

Key notes

  • Shekhawati is a historical region in northeastern Rajasthan.
  • It is famous for richly painted mansions called havelis.

  • Important towns include:

    • Mandawa.
    • Nawalgarh.
    • Jhunjhunu.
    • Churu.
    • Fatehpur.

  • The havelis contain:

    • Frescoes.
    • Courtyards.
    • Decorative gateways.
    • Mirror work.
    • Mythological, social and colonial-era scenes.
  • They were built mainly by wealthy merchant communities.
  • Shekhawati is often called an open-air art gallery.

  • The region is important for:

    • Heritage tourism.
    • Conservation of fresco art.
    • Marwari merchant history.
  • Climate, neglect and commercial redevelopment threaten the havelis.