The land of frescoes: Shekhawati in Rajasthan
The north Indian state of Rajasthan used to be the the land of kings and the pride of Rajputs and Marathas, which is why the state is adorned with palaces and forts hosting a wide variety of architectural styles.
The cultural heritage of Rajasthan includes majestic forts, palaces, iconic themes and motifs used in the architecture, folk music and dances, along with its colourful festivals and fairs. Add to that the state’s mouthwatering cuisine and Rajasthan becomes a treasure trove of unique experiences.
A visit to some of the spectacular residences of kings and queens will leave you mesmerised. The palaces sport ornate doors, paintings, frescoes, and beautifully carved arches. Shekhawati in north-east Rajasthan has a number of abandoned palaces or havelis that have a number of stories attached to them.
Shekhawati sprawls across three districts of Jhunjhunu, Churu, and Sikar. This historical region is famous for facades of havelis covered with rich frescoes, which were made with pigments made out of the vegetables and other minerals on wet or fresh plaster. The artwork is fascinating with its combination of different colours like gold, copper, blue, maroon, red and yellow, all used to depicts stories through the ages. Many of these havelis have been restored and converted into museums and some of them are heritage hotels aiming to promote Shekhawati as a popular tourist destination.
Shekhawati also served as the backdrop for many of Bollywood blockbusters like PK (2014), starring Indian actor Aamir Khan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), starring Salman Khan.
