Located in the heart of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is an excellent
base for those seeking to discover what is known as "The Open Air Art
Gallery of Rajasthan". This area is famous for the plethora of plain
red havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this
region known as Shekhawati. Havelis at Shekhawati built by rich merchants of
the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the
courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection
from the heat of the long and harsh summers. 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. -
2900 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 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an
outcome of Raj's influence upon the Indian culture. Now, cars replaced
elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of
western paintings to produce interesting hybrid results. The mythological
themes depicting wars, 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 travellers.
HOW
TO GET THERE:
By Road: 250 kms from
Delhi,
170 kms from Jaipur.
By Air: Jaipur,
the nearest airport is 170 kms away.
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India Travel Hotel.
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