History of Mandawa

Mandawa is a small town located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India. The town is known for its beautiful havelis (traditional Indian mansions) adorned with intricate frescoes and paintings, which have earned it the nickname "Open-Air Art Gallery". The history of Mandawa dates back to the 18th century when it was founded by Thakur Nawal Singh, a wealthy Rajput businessman. He built a fort and a palace in the town, which served as his residence. Over time, Mandawa grew into an important trading center on the Silk Route, connecting India with Central Asia. The havelis in Mandawa were built by wealthy merchants and traders in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These havelis were decorated with intricate frescoes and paintings that depicted a range of themes, including religious motifs, mythological scenes, and everyday life. The artists who painted these murals were largely self-taught and came from different parts of India. Mandawa is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire the beautiful havelis and experience the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Many of the havelis have been restored and converted into heritage hotels, offering visitors a chance to stay in these beautiful buildings and experience the grandeur of Rajasthan's rich past.

Shekhawati-Introduction

Shekhawati is a semi-arid historical region located in the northeast part of Rajasthan, India.

Shekhawati is located in North Rajasthan comprising districts like Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu. History has it that in the 18th and 19th centuries, Marwari merchants constructed these grand havelis in the Shekhawati region. Steeped in wealth and affluence, these merchants got busy outdoing others in building more grand edifices - homes, temples, step wells which were richly decorated both inside and outside with painted murals. It is bounded on the northwest by the Jangladesh region, on the northeast by Haryana, on the east by Mewat, on the southeast by Dhundhar, on the south by Ajmer, and on the southwest by the Marwar region.

Its area is 13784 square kilometers. The inhabitants of Shekhawati are considered brave, sacrificing and hard working people. The region provides the highest number of people to the Indian Army.

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