Mandawa

THE TOWN OF “OPEN ART GALLERY”

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Mandawa, a town in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, is well known across the globe for its havelis (mansions) adorned with gaily painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. It is well-connected by roads, just 25 km from Jhunjhunu, 165 km from the state capital Jaipur, and 275 km from the National capital, New Delhi.

Traveler Lockett came here on 6th May 1831 and leaves one of the earliest references to the painted buildings of Shekhawati: “The town of Mundawah though small, is built in the Jeypoor fashion, with fine pucka houses and wide streets at right angles. The buildings are in general handsome and the upper stories of some of them painted in neatly.”

Mandawa a remote feudal principality was a trading outpost on an ancient caravan route. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with coloured painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them.

Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade and today they are some of the major attractions for tourists visiting Rajasthan and film-makers.

The speciality of Shekhawati Region is Fresco Paintings and the artists undertaking artworks are situated in Mandawa and surrounding regions. Some of the best known worth mentioning places of attractions are :

THE FORT

Founded in 1756, decorated with fine murals, but in a poor state of repair. The artists were professional muralists brought in from Jaipur. The subjects are very variable. Apart from the customary religious scenes, there are pictures of hunts, women musicians, a Gangaur procession, a labelled ragamala and even such subjects as fairgrounds. The family has opened a museum, which contains an interesting display of items, including the formal robes of ancestors.

SONTHLIYA GATE