The semi-desert area of Shekhawati region is situated in the triangular mass of land between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. This region, famous for its painted havelis or mansions with beautiful frescoes, is today termed as an Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan. There is no record of a distinct school painting in Shekhawati other than the frescoes. “History took this colorless page and made Shekhawati blossom with frescoes. Later, after a short span of some two hundred years, the art was lost and history passed by – a silent unparticipating spectator.”

The region today provides a veritable feast of wall paintings which is unmatched in the world.

The Havelis

Although the region has lost its importance as a centre of trade, its importance today lies in the splendidly frescoed havelis or mansions – mostly constructed by the prosperous merchants, between the 18^th and 20^th centuries. The area being arid and opportunities being limited locally, enterprising men moved out to carve niches for themselves in business. Today the splendidly painted walls of Shekhawati bear testimony to a wealthy and culturally rich lifestyle of the people of shekhawati.

The popular design was usually a plain facade with the accent on the internal courtyard. The main entrance is usually through a carved wooden gate leading into a courtyard, which in turn leads to another courtyard.

Unlike the Mughal havelis, the havelis of shekhawati consist of two courtyards, one outer and one inner. The larger ones however have up to four courtyards and are two storeys high. The windows are exquisitely latticed and carved. Most of them feature mirror work and mural work while others are embellished with painting. The facades, the parapets and the ceiling were all covered with frescoes.

Intricate wooden carvings with ornate iron and brass fittings demonstrate the owner’s wealth. It was from the latticed windows on the balconies and over the courtyards that women viewed the world.

The havelis, apart from providing a residence, also served to wall in the domestic life of a family. They represented the rigid, but ostentatious lifestyle of the people.