Shekhawati the barren region of the Thar desert in Rajasthan was ruled by the Shekhawat Rajput clan. The region is home to the leading business families of India including the Mittal, Singhania, Piramal, Dalmia, Khetan, Goenka, and many others. The Shekhawati Region was part of the Silk Route which helped the businesses flourish and gave rise to merchants who are now pioneers in the country. Today the region boasts of rich culture, heritage, traditions, and works of art and architecture. Famous as the open-air museum this desert region of Shekhawati, Rajasthan is filled with colors and emotions which attract travelers from all over the globe. For those seeking to explore more about this theme, it is highly recommended to learn about ghostwriting diplomarbeit.

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What makes Shekhawati Rajasthan famous?

The merchants who established themselves in various parts of the country sent home money which was used to decorate their homes with beautiful murals and paintings. Some of the mansions of lavish businessmen have work of silver and gold like in the sone chandi ki haveli in Mahansar. With the increasing wealth, the traders of Shekhawati got their mansions upgraded with work of arts, wherever they operated their business they sent their surplus money back home to their families. The rulers of the region were generous and supported businesses to flourish and rise. Since the opportunities were limited in this deserted part of Rajasthan and there couldn’t be any advancement in agriculture, businessmen from this region traveled to far-off places in search of the right opportunities and succeeded in their ventures. Coming from hardships of heatwaves during summers to freezing temperatures in cold, they were prepared to face all kinds of weather and season.

The money made by these merchants was invested with open hearts to adorn the mansions of the traders and is evident when one visits these Havelis. The Shekhawati havelis draw the attention of art lovers from all across the globe, with their fresco-painted walls which testify to the region’s wealth. It is not just the paintwork on walls, but one can see the artistic doors and windows with wonderful architecture bound to attract your attention. These fresco art forms depict a wide range of paintings from the legend Ramayana, to Mahabharata, the day-to-day lives of the region, technological advancement of the time which is depicted in the murals of Cars and telephones that adorn the walls, and a lot more. Each work of art has a story to tell, you need to keep your senses open to admire these works of art.

Some havelis are restored to their former glory by the owners and can cost you a small fee from INR Rs. 10-250, while many are in their original form with the wear and tear of time clearly visible.
Along with the artwork the region is also famous for the rural lifestyle and culture which it presents for tourists. The deserted region of Rajasthan offers vibrant colors, rural lifestyle, and rich traditions which offer an immersive experience of life in India. Some of the palaces and forts of the Royal families of the region are transformed into hotels which offer visitors a taste of royalty, so they can indulge in experience they would remember for life.

Places to Visit in Shekhawati

• Mandawa – Mandawa the village town of Shekhawati, is home to numerous havelis including the Murmuria Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Haveli, and the Mandawa haveli. Along with the Havelis Mandawa Fort is a must-visit, now converted into a private residence and hotel. The narrow alleys and shopping local experience are bound to leave a lasting impression on your personality. Experience the best of Shekhawati in this small town of Mandawa which has lovely havelis converted into hotels, to experience the lifestyle of the rich traders of the region.
• Mahansar – This small village is famous for its liquor which is traditionally made in multiple flavors and tastes good, until recently it was for personal usage and sold illegally. Now one can find this liquor in the wine shops and enjoy the exquisite taste of Shekhawati Rajasthan legally. This village is home to a fort which is home to a few hotels and is home to the Sone Chandi Ki Dukaan, a room of Jeweller which is decorated with gold and silver paint which makes these paintings unique and a must-visit when in Shekhawati.

The people of the region are friendly and rough in their dialect, but are certainly helpful and conversationalists who would love to enjoy evenings talking about things ranging from politics to weather, crops, and the tales of the great rulers of the erstwhile estates who have done a lot for the communities.

Reaching Shekhawati

Shekhawati is easily approachable from Delhi the national capital as well as from the capital city of Jaipur, it is a prominent destination on your Rajasthan Itinerary if you intend to learn about the people, community, and traditions of Rajasthan. This region will amaze you in each aspect, be it the mesmerizing havelis, beautifully adorned palaces, and forts, or the lovely people of the region. If you have an interest in paintings, frescos, and art this is the place to be.

Experience the best of Shekhawati Rajasthan with the region’s experts, join us on our guided tours through Shekhawati India, and explore this hidden gem of Rajasthan. Vijay India Tours is the leading travel organizer for Shekhawati and will make sure you and your loved ones have a wonderful experience in this semi-deserted region of Rajasthan that you will cherish for life.

Shekhawati Rajasthan Tours

Famous for it’s large well’s and sand dunes it is situated on the north of the Thar desert and being the desert region Camel’s form an integral part of life and transportaion. Made of Red-Pink Stone it’s Fort and Palace’s have a lot of historic weapon’s and things which in my opinion can’t be found elsewhere in Rajasthan. The narrow streets of Bikaner houses large mansions with artistic work of stone carvings and lattice windows. The city also house the one of it’s kind in whole Asia the “Camel Reserch and Fertility Centre”.

The Rulers of Bikaner became the chosen Ally of the Mughal’s during the 16th century which got them power and name across India as being close to the Major . Supreme power’s of the time. Then during the British Rule Maharaja Surat Singh negotiated a treaty in 1818 and bikaner became a protectorate at the British Empire.

Maharaja Ganga Singh (1880-1943) was the most illustrious ruler of Bikaner, he transformed it from a small pricipality into one of the premier princely state of India. He promted the Ganga Canal project, which converted the large tracts of desert land into rich farmland. He also extended the railway lines for easy accesibility and is remembered as the founder of Modern Bikaner.

Bikaner is well known for it’s school of miniature paintings which are a mixture of the Mughal and Rajput style. It’s savouries the Bikaneri Bhujia & Rasgulla’s which became an exportable commodity are famous across the globe.

The wall’s of the fort stands testimony to the deeds of it’s Rawal or Ruler’s and the riches of trade standing tall for nearly 900 years. It’s mucisians sing the songs of it’s daily existence, of the beauty of their desires and this music which will echo in your ears for long making you realize that desert is not an endless sequence of dunes.

The muted colours of the desertscape, the radiance of the traditional lives and the artistry embedded in stone are the highlights of Jaisalmer.

Founded by Rawal Jaisal amid the That Desert, it came to light when it became an important part of the Silk Route in the 16th century to avoid the Pamir Mountain’s traveller’s changed the route through the Desert, it became an important traveller’s retreat back then for the trader’s of Silk and Spices.

Made of Yelloe Sandstone it’s Fort is a symbol of it’s glorious past. The great Palaces, Mansions and temples signify it’s wealthy status which the people has aquired through helping the trader’s of the Silk Route.

Undoubtedly one of India’s most romantic cities which has often been compared to Venice and Italy due to the systematic network of lakes, nestled between the glassy waters of the lakes and the most ancient Aravalli Hills, and a rich blend of sights, sounds, and experiences. Rated as the third best city in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine for the year 2018. This city has it all from beautiful architecture to friendly people and a series of water bodies to take the blues away. The Lake Palace in the middle of a lake is one of the best hotels in India and among the top in the world, where James Bond’s Octopussy was shot. For those seeking to explore more about this theme, it is highly recommended to learn about facharbeitschreibenlassen.com.

Founded by Maharana Udai Singh Ji when he was forced to leave the fortress of Chittorgarh during the time of Mughal attacks. The history of the city goes back to the times of great rulers like Maharana Pratap and Bappa Rawal who were always at war with the Mughal forces and were among the few kingdoms who never submitted to the Mughal supremacy. The city has a series of glorious palaces on the banks of more than 650 years old Lake Pichola, taking you back into the bygone era of the historic splendor of the Rajput Maharanas of Mewar, the city proud of its beautiful palaces and architecture style, a few of these palaces are now open to the public by being converted into museums like the City Palace Udaipur on the banks of Lake Pichola is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Once inside you can decide for your self why the palace is a gem of its own.

Delicate, feminine and elegant the city has something for each kind of traveler be it the palaces, or the artistically decorated temples to beautiful work of hand-crafts, antiques and mouthwatering food – What would be your reason to visit Udaipur? Udaipur’s peacefulness stems from the lakes that surround the city complementing its ancient and slow-paced atmosphere. The city adorned by the lakes, the blue waters and a backdrop of the world’s oldest fold mountains the mighty Arravalis. Watch out for life around these waters, may it be tourists dining on the lakeside restaurants, or locals having a bath in the waters. These set of lakes add a gem to this parched city and not just add to the beauty but also keep the mercury lower than other parts of the deserted state. The city has pleasant weathers from mid of September to the mid of March and is the perfect season suitable for western travelers.

Although it is one of Rajasthan’s larger cities, modern-day Udaipur manages to retain a charming small town vibe and especially the people of the city are well mannered and royal in their actions, in their chivalry, in their service. One can be fascinated by the people from the near-by region belonging to tribal community, and can be found making a living on the streets of Udaipur, still carrying their age-old customs and traditions making it rich in its color’s and cultures.

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Appreciate the diversity from city men to villagers and tribe, all white clothing to an outfit adorned in colours of rainbows, from grand palaces to small mud houses and water ponds in sight to desert all around.The majestic and fierce mustache and friendly faces along with a variety of traditional art as craft is a major source of earning because the crops are not good due to the shortage of waters for cultivation, so crafts and art’s evolved as a major occupations in the desert’s.

Jodhpur, the princely state of western Rajasthan which is known as Marwar – the Land of the Dead or the Land of the Desert. Jodpur was one of the big states of former Rajasthan (Rajputana). It cover’s  a major portion of the deserts, which was ruled by the Rathore clans of Rajputs. Situated in the heart of The Thar Desert the life of people is not a touch of flowers, there continuous famines, scarcity of water, displacement of sand dunes and hot waves known locally as Loo are very prominent during the dry summer season. Jodhpur city, which was the capital of Marwar, covers an area of 30²Miles. It is the fourth largest district of independent Rajasthan. Luni is the only river which flows across the region, indicating the low rainfall in the san dunes resulting in less vegitation and flowering. To fulfill the desire of flowers the people in this area adorn colourful costumes. The city of Jodhpur behind the Mehrangarh Fort wear’s the blue clothes in sinewy strength.

History of Jodhpur City –

Jodhpur City has a history of chivalry, bravery which still echo’s in the arena of the lonely desert, as the whirls of peacocks echo in monsoon days, and also sung by bards and the local musician’s. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, the cheif of the Rathore clan of Rajput’s which was founded by Rao Chunda. Rao Jodha in his great rule included parts of Jaisalmer, Hissar, Mandore, Merta, Phalodi, Pokran, Sojat, Shivana, Ajmer and Sambhar which are some of the frontier’s of his conquest and also the evidence of his bravery, solidatory and superiority as a soldier.  He was contemporary to Rana Khumbha, who was the great soldier of Chittor who wanted to have friendly relations with the daughter of Rao Jodha.

When Rao Jodha conquered most of the important places of western Rajasthan, he Founded Jodhpur and built a new massive Fort now known as Mehrangarh Fort on Chiriakunt hillock in 1459 marking the birth of the City of Jodhpur as the capital of Marwar replacing the older one at Mandore.

Important Rulers of Jodhpur –

Maharaja Udai SIngh of Jodhpur house and his grandson Maharaja Gaj Singh were leading nobles at the court of Akbar – The Great and Jahangir. Maharaja Jaswant Singh first commanded the armies of Shahjahan and Darashikoh against the forces of prince Aurangzeb and Murad and dies in 1658 in Kabul, commanding the imperial forces.

During the reign of Maharaja Man Singh (1803-43) a treaty was concluded with the British in 1818. Maharaja Takhat Singh rendered loyal services during the mutiny, his eldest son Maharaja Shri Jaswant Singh II was a vigorous, enlightened and generous ruler. Maharaja Sardar Singh sucedded in 1895, recieved full poweres in 1898 and died in 1911. Maharaja Sumer Singh succeeded in 1911 as a minor and served in the great war on the western front. On his death Maharaja Ummaid Singh succeeded him and it was in his time that the United State of Rajputana was formed and Jodhpur lost its entity as an independent state and became a unit of United State of Rajasthan or the present state of Rajasthan. Maharaja Ummaid singh also build the luxurious Ummaid Bhawan Palace which is a marvel built using the pink golden jodhpur sand-stone and designed by Late Mr. H.C Lanchester.

Life in Jodhpur –

The people wear colorful dress and decorate their mustache and beard with pride. The women of the town are clad in colourful costumes, wide gathered skirt and hip length Jacket mostly covering front and back with three long sleeves, but making up in bright colour for its modest designs. And seen wearing long length of bangles of ivory or man-made ivory these days, worn mostly all over Rajasthan. People of Jodhpur are very polite and courteous and helping. In earlier times the people of the area used to live semi-nomadic life and move from one place to another place with their cattle’s, their wealth is number of goats, sheep and camels. The Marwaris who are the famous traders of India residing in Bombay, Calcutta, Madras come from this region of Rajasthan. This shows their wit that they went penniless to these economic hubs and now hold major economy of India. The economy is based on craft work’s and textile industry as due to scarcity of water a good harvest is not possible in the region. During the monsoon season on the sandy land good crops of Bajra (millet) Moth (lentil) and Til (oil seed) are mainly harvested.

Architectural Wonder’s of Jodhpur –

Mehrangarh Fort –

Started by Rao Jodha in 1459 sitting atop a foot hill nearly 400 mtr above the city, has served as the capital of the Marwar is a an incredible strong hold of the ruler’s of Marwar it took more than five centuries and a effort of lot of ruler’s of Jodhpur to reach the state it is in now. The fort is under the hold of Mehrangarh Museum Trust and well maintained. The view of the city is amazing from the the fort comlex. Before reaching the Fort we pass through a number of Gate’s or the pol as said in local language which were kept to check the Enemies. One of them is the Fateh Pol where the cannonball signs are marked. A battle fought in 1868 by Maharaja of Jodhpur and Maharaja Jagat Singh of Jaipur to marry Krishna Kumari (The daughter of Maharana of Udaipur) has left these signs. And the final in the row is made of iron the Loha Pol which marks the begining of the Fort. As one enter’s the gate one can see the lattic

History of Jaipur – 

The history of Jaipur dates back to 10th century when King Kakildev Ji from the Kacchawa clan of Rajputs (The warrior’s breed) arived at the Amber and ousted the meena tribe which controlled the region. The then amber now under the Rajput’s flourished and they kept on adding magnificent palaces and fortified structures to it.

Kacchawa were diplomats and intelligent and made good relations with the great ruler’s, recognizing the mughal powers Kacchawa’s built friendly relations with the Mughals that brought them real power, influence and wealth.

Prominent Kacchawa Ruler’s –

Man Singh –

Man Singh a leading military general under both Akbar- The Great and his son Jahangir during his tenure the Mughal Empire extended till Afghanistan in West to Burma in the East and down south till Hyderabad. He laid the foundation stone of the Amber Palace and Fort which was evolved later by generation’s to reach the best of it’s magic as we can see today.

Jai Singh  I –

He ascended the throne at the young age of 11, a military and diplomatic genius who brought the house of Amber to it’s apoge at the Mughal Court. He was commanding the Mughal Forces for Jahangir and then later fought all over the Mughal Empire for Shah Jahan – The builder of the Taj Mahal. And finally became the emperor Aurangzeeb’s most prized Rajput Commander.

All this time the Kacchawa coffer’s were filling with prizes, rewards and booty.

Jai Singh  II –

Few ruler’s later came the ruler Sawai Jai Singh II who quickly  impressed the  71 yrs Old Aurangzeeb and was awarded by him the Title “Sawai” meaning one and a quarter, depicting his ability to outperform other men. Till date the flag flying above the City Palace of Jaipur which is the Residence of the Jaipur Royal Family has an extra quater sized one next to to it which symbolizes the Title Sawai.

A great astronomer and lover of art and trade he has the solar observatories to his name at Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain and Varanasi testimony to his astronomical genius proves.

It was Sawai Jai Singh II who laid the foundation of the city of Jaipur, laid out in grid system with equal and wide roads of 111Ft, Jaipur was built as per the “Shilp Shastra” – The Ancient Hindu treatise on architecture  by Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya.

While the modern city has grown quite rapidly outside it’s walls the distinct characteristic that set’s this city apart have been preserved and incorporated well.

 Why Pink City ? –

To welcome the prince of Wales, the consort of Queen Victoria of England the city was coloured in Rose Pink, which is the color of the sky at sunrise and sunset. The ruler’s of Jaipur are the descendent’s of the Sun “Suryavanshi” and used to offer prayer’s to the rising sun. Washed uniformly in earthly Pink the City of Jaipur is aptly called Pink City.

Being the government headquarters of Rajasthan it is the work place of Rajasthan and the Major trading centre which has paced up it’s development, outside the Pink walls. A rare combination of old and new is still existent which awe’s it’s visitors.

Coloured in Pink it blushes like a new bride every Sunset.