|
General
Information
Location:
120 km From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Feature: The Open Air Art Gallery
Named After: Rao Shekha
Best Season: October-March
THE
OPEN AIR ART GALLERY
 The
semi desert region of Shekhawati holds a fascination all of its own.
'The open-air art gallery', as it is popularly called, is famous for
the plethora of plain red havelis, all commendable pieces of the
rich artistic tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati ', meaning
"the land of Shekha 's dan " derives its name from Rao
Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD) a scion of the Kachhwah family of Jaipur.
Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises of the
districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar.
Initially, the region had a blank monochromatic look but with
subsequent historical and social developments, it has blossomed into
a colourful profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries from
1750 AD to 1930 AD.
Havelis at Shekhawati built by rich merchants of the region, display
a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to
ensure safety and privacy of the women folk 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 (1830 AD -1900 AD) 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 and
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.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air:
Jaipur is the nearest airport, 120 km away from shekhawati.
Train: Mainline railway joining Delhi, Jaipur,Bikaner crosses
Shekhawati
Road: Shekhawati is 120 km by road from Jaipur. THis is the
most convenient way to tour Shekhawati and surrounding areas.
Local Transport: Jeeps and local buses are available for
commuting locally. One may also hire a taxi from Jaipur or Sikar to
visit Shekhawati.
PLACES TO STAY
Though there
are some guest houses and hotels, it is better to travel down to
Jaipur, Sikar or Nawalgarh for a more comfortable stay
|
