Film Locations and Film Shooting In Rajasthan, India. Rajasthani Folk Dance / Music

The havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.

The earlier wall paintings (1830 A.D.-1900 A.D.) 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 19^th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj’s influence upon the Indian culture. Now, cards 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 travelers.

Sikar

Founded in the late 17^th century, Sikar was the largest `thikana’ (feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are worth visiting. The Jubilee Hall, Madho Niwas Kothi, Biwani Haveli, Sodhani Haveli, the Jain Temple and a large market are other places of interest.

PRIME SITES 

Harsh Nath Temple (11 kms.): An ancient 10^th century temple situated on the Harsh Nath hills.

Jeen Mata Temple (29 kms.): Believed to have been built a thousand years ago, the temple is the venue of a colourful fair held twice in a year during `Navratas’.

Lachhmangarh: One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh commands a bird’s eye view of the town modelled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in the early 19^th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some lovely havelis.

Ramgarh: Founded in the late 18^th century by the Poddars. The Shani Temple of the Saturday God has delicately painted frescoes. Marvellous cenotaphs of the Poddars have exquisitely painted ceilings. The Ganga Temple and some beautiful havelis and interest to the town.

Fathepur: Founded in the mid 15^th century by Fateh Khan – a Kayamkhani Nawab, the town is noted for unmatched frescoes. Its central location attracted many wealthy merchants and has some exquisite havelis – a combination of the Indian and the western styles. Of particular note among these are the Chamariya and Singhania havelis.

Khatu Shyamji: The village is famous for the Shri Shyamji Temple, built in white marble.

Sakambhari: Famous for its 7^th century temple dedicated to Sankari Mata, the town is surrounded by hills on three sides. An ideal picnic spot.

JHUNJHNU

The capital of Shekhawati, it is one of the largest towns of the district. The town was founded by the Kayamkhani nawabs in the mid 15^th century A.D. and remainted under their control until it was taken over by the Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730 A.D.

The district town has some splendidly painted havelis. Easily accessible of these are those of Narsingh Das Tibriwal, Ishwar Das – Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitans.

The most interesting monument is the Khatri Mahal (the Wind Palace) dating back to around 1760 A.D. with elegrant lines. The Sri Bihariji Temple is noted for its lovely murals. Other places worth visiting include – Badalgarh, Jorawargarh, Mertani Baori, Kamruddin Shah Ki Dargah, Birdi Chand ka Kuan, Ajit Sagar and a Jain temple.

PRIME SITES

Mandawa: Founded in the 18^th century, this medieval fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region’s havelis.

A shiva temple with a rock crystal `lingam’ is also worth a visit. The fort is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Mukundgarh : Known for it fine havelis, the fort is now a heritage hotel.

Dundlod : Known for its fort, and a palace now running as a heritage hotel. Havelis of the Goenka family are also famous.

Nawalgarh : Founded in the 18^th century, it has the finest of Shekhawati’s frescoes. Its two old forts and palace hotel with garden and fountains along with a host of temples known for their architectureand frescoes add interest to the town.

The prominent havelis are of the Poddars, Bhagats and Dangaichs.

Bagad : Home of the Rungtas, Bagad was founded by Nagar Pathans in the mid 15^th century A.D. It has a reservoir built by the Ojha family.

Chirawa : A popular trading town between Churu and Loharu, Chirawa is famous for huge havelis. Of particular interest are the havelis of Nand Lal Dalmias and Poddar  wells are also worth visiting.

Pilani : The home of the Birlas, the leading industrialists of India. It has a large campus of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) with a beautiful Saraswati Temple. Shiv Ganga, BITS museum, Panchwati and Birla Haveli Museum are also worth visiting.

Surajgarh and Kajara : Surajgarh has an impressive 18^th century fort, painted temples and havelis while some beautiful 19^th century havelis can be seen in Kajara.

Alsisar and Malsisar : Founded in the late and mid 18^th centuries respectively, these towns lie at the northern edge of Shekhawati.

The angular style of frescoes in various colours make the trip to these towns a memorable one. Beside the fort in Alsisar, the Jhunjhunwala havelis and a well complex are other interesting structures.

The fort, temples and havelis along the main streets are also worth a visit.

Bissau : Founded in the mid 18^th century, Bisau has splendid chhatris of its Thakurs and finely painted havelis of Khemka, Tibriwala and Kedia.

Mehansar : Founded in the mid 18^th century, the Sone-Chandi-Ki-Haveli and Raghnath temple with beautiful paintings resembling the Bikaner school of art are worth seeing.