Location: 120-kms From Jaipur,
Rajasthan
Significance: Known For Exquisite
Rajasthani Paintings.
Best Time To Visit: October-March
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Tourism in
Khetri
An Open - Air Rural Art Gallery
If Rajasthan is endowed with the valorous
mantle of India, Shekhawati is its colourful
hub. Just as local lore is redolent of
heroic deeds, Rajasthani painting displays
decorative forms vividly composed in
colourful schemes. Be it the forts, havelis,
cenotaphs or temples, nowhere is such a
profusion of frescoes to be found as in
Shekhawati, sometimes known as the 'Open Air
Art Gallery' of Rajasthan.
Many names on the Shekhawati circuit have
attained the top end of the visitor's
priorities. Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mandawa and
Lachhmangarh are among these. Somewhat
different in feel, just a few hours from
Delhi beyond the Mahendergarh district of
Haryana, lies the Shekhawati settlement of
Khetri.
LEGEND
Legends abound here. One of them relates to
the medieval chieftain Mokal Singh of
Barwara. Attributing the arrival of his heir
to the benediction of a certain Sheikh
Burhan, the child was named Shekha. When the
young lad ascended the 'gaddi' or the throne
with the exalted title of Rao Shekhaji, not
many would have predicted his rule would
last 43 years.
That is how the region came to be known as
Shekhawati, or the garden of Shekha,
extending across the districts of Sikar,
Jhunjhunu and Churu in northeast Rajasthan.
While the centre of Shekhawati power was
subject to the vicissitudes of fortune
swings from the Rajputs to the British, it
was the doughty Marwaris who ensured the
survival of the local art from.
In the arid rural setting, the ebb and flow
of life is best embodied by the camel. In
winter, the air is crisp and the time is
right for savouring the visual delights of
Shekhawati. To begin with, a first-hand
initiation to the traditional mode of
transport is recommended : for a relatively
moderate sum, a camel driver will present
the opportunity to ride his stately steed.
As one tries one's hand at ceremonially
tying a turban, one notices that the manner
in which the spoken word is rendered in
truly dignified.
Reputedly the second most wealthy 'thikana'
owing allegiance to the old court of Jaipur,
Khetri reveals its finest frescoes in the
Raghunath Temple. From the resident priest,
one will learn that even as Shiva and Durga
are revered, it is the frolicsome Krishna
who holds presiding status in worship. One
of the highlights in the religious calendar
is the Geendad dance, performed during the
colourful festival of Holi. Within this
unique culturally kaleidoscopic forts, art,
music, festivals and cuisine, the most
enduring Shekhawati images are without
doubt, its frescoes. Virtually every inch of
space in the edifices displays a mastery of
technique. The original craftsmen were
potters and masons who used vegetable
pigments. Re-inforced by mixing in lime
water and pound to plaster, the material did
not fade and endured harsh climatic
variations.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest Airport Jaipur at 120-km.
Rail: Closest railhead is Jhunjhunu (45-km
away).
Road: Nearest cities accessible from Khetri
are Delhi (130-140-km approx.) and Jaipur
(120-km).
PLACES TO STAY
Heritage hotels, guesthouses and hut
accommodation are easily available in Khetri.
NEARBY CITIES
Jhunjhunu: 45-km
Jaipur: 120-km
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