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PARASRAMPURA
Parasrampura is a short excursion from Nawalgarh. Here, some of
the earliest frescoes dating back to 1750 are painted in the
interior of a temple and on the interior of a temple and on the
dome of the chhatri dedicated to Shardul singh, a
descendent of the founder of Shekhawati, Rao Shekhaji.
For those
in the mood to ramble, towns like Chirawa in the rocky Aravali
Environs, offer some grand havelis and a fort to feast the eyes
upon.
BAGGAR
Located
strategically at a cross-road, Baggar has a large reservoir,
built by the Ojha family. Founded in the 15th century
by the Nagar Pathans, Baggar was home for the Rungtas and
Piramals.
CHURI
AJITGARH
This town
is known is for the several erotic frescoes painted behind
doors, on the bedroom ceilings and on the walls. Considering the
social constrictions of that time, these appear to have been the
result of a very private and special effort.
Some
examples of fine fresco work are evident in the Shiv Narain
Nemani Baithak, Kothi Shiv Datt, Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli
and Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli.
CHIRAWA
Lying at a
cross-road, Chirawa become popular as a trading town between
Jhunjhunu and Loharu.
The
Havelis worth seeing here are Rai Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Nemani
Haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia Haveli, tara Chand keshar Dev Dalmia
Haveli, Dulichand Kakrania Haveli, Bhola Ram Kakrania Haveli,
Manohar Lal Vaidh Haveli, Kakrania Well and Sekhsaria grew
wealthy on trade and build sprawling havelies here.
MUKUNDGARH
Built
around a temple square, Mukundgarh has a good handicraft market.
Besides textiles, the brassware and iron scissors made here, are
of good quality. The fort is mow a heritage property. The
kanoria and Ganeriwala Havelis carry fine examples of fresco
painting.
FATEHPUR
Founded in
the mid 15th century by a Kayamkhani Nawab,
Fatehpur’s frescoes are unrivalled. The ones done on the walls
of the Devra and Singhania Havelis, splendidy combine Indian and
Western style. These carry inimitable mirror work at the
entrance ways, with Japanese titles carrying Mount Fuji’s
painting.
The Ram
Gopal Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Hukmi Chand Choudhri Haveli,
Jalan and Bharatiya Haveli are well worth a visit.
CHURU
This town
boasts of the Kanhaiya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870), the Kothari
Haveli (1915) and the Surana Haveli with more than 1,100 doors
and windows. The Poddar Haveli, Jain Temple, Balaji temple,
Ganga temple, Churu fort, Taknet Chhatri (cenotaph), Nathji Ka
Dhara, Sethani ka Johra, Nagarshree, Chandmal Banthia Haveli,
Sagarmal Vaidya Haveli, Bajranglal Mantri Haveli, Jai Dayal
Goenka haveli, Parakh Haveli, etc. are some places worth a
visit.
PILANI
Once a
small village, this town became famous as the home of the famous
prosperous Birlas - one of India’s leading industrialists.
Inside their haveli is a small museum.
The Birla
Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), museum, Shiva Ganga,
Saraswati temple and the Panchwati temple are the suggested
sites to visit.
RAMGARH
This
townwas founded in the late 18th century by the
Poddars. The dome of the Poddar cenotaph carries exquisitely
painted scence from the Ramayana. The devotedly painted frescoes
on the Shani-ji (Saturn) temple are splendid.
Worth
seeing are also the Ganga temple, Tera Chand Ghanshyam Das
Poddar Haveli, Baij Nath Ruia Haveli and Bagaria Haveli.
SURAJGARH
The 18th
century fort, in a dilapidated condition and the painted temple
and havelis here are the main attraction.
KAJRA
The 19th
century havelis of the Kajaria family are monuments worth
seeing.
ALSISAR &
MALSISAR
Located on
the northern most tip of Shekawati, These two towns were founded
in the late and mid 18th centuries respectively. The
style of the frescoes here and lively colour combinations are a
treat for the eyes.
Also the
forts in Alsisar & Malsisar, as well as the temple and the
Jhunjunwala havelis are magnificent. Besides painted with
ornamental traditional architecture are worth seeing in both the
villages.
BISSAU
Founded in
the 18th century, this town has fine havelis
including the Sigtia, Khemka, Tibriwal and Kedia Havelis. The
chhatris or cenotaphs of the thakurs are also attractive.
MEHANSAR
This 18th
century town has some fine havelis such as the
Sone-Chandi-ki-Sal and business shops built by the Poddars. The
meenakari work, the figures of birds and floral and tree
motifs, as well as the gilded walls and ceiling leave the Nath
Temple is another interesting place to visit. |