SIGHTSEEING

Sikar :
Sikar was the largest thikana (feudatory state) under the Jaipur State. In is now on of the two districts of Shekhawatil, the other being Jhunjhunu. Worth a visit is Sikar’s large market, the clock tower and the Painted Havelis. The Biyani haveli is painted in blue, reminiscent of typical Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. Other attractions include Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas-Kothi and a few temples.

Jhunjhunu :
Is the biggest town in the Shekhawati region and are the district administrative head quarters for the region. It is located a 180 kms from Jaipur and 245 kms from Delhi. The Khemkhani Nawabs founded the town in the 15th century. The Rajput ruler Sardul Sigh took control of the town by 1730 and the British raised and based of locals here in 1830. The brigade main task was to contain dacoits, which were mainly local chieftains. The town is approachable by train and road from Jaipur and Delhi. The town has decent.

Haveli :
Modi Haveli are two havelis opposite each other. The painting also shows some modern trappings with a lady sitting in from of a gramophone. And also some soldiers on horses escort a train. Kaniram Narsinghdas Tibrewal Haveli shows a goods train laden with livestock crosses a passenger train. Narudin Farooqi Haveli has only floral motif in Muslim style with dominant blue colour. Mohanlal Ishwardas Haveli has legends of Krishna stealing the clothes of gopis. The inevitable train is also there.

Khetri Mahal :
Located behind a series of lanes is Khetri Mahal one of the finest examples of Shekhawati art and architecture. Though desolate and though somewhat neglected the beauty and symmetry of the elegant arches can still be appreciated. Built in 1770 it is believed that Bhopal Sigh the founder of Khetri founded it.

Pilani :
Once a small village is famous for being the hometown of the premier business and industrial family the Birlas. The town is also for its The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani is an all-India Institute for higher education. Its engineering college is reputed to be the top ten colleges in India. Late Mr. G.D. Birla - an eminent industrialist and an associate of Mahatma Gandhi founded the Institute. Other places of interest are The BITS Museum, Shiva Ganga, Saraswati temple and the Pachwati. Pilani is connected by bus and road from Delhi and Jaipur and the nearest railhead is Chirawa.

Bissau :
Is another small town of fluctuating fortunes. Keshri Singh founded the town. The town fell into anarchies when his grandson Shyam Singh extorted huge sums of money from the local merchant. The merchants packed up and fled the town and the local Thakurs resorted wide spread looting and decoity. However on the death of Shyam Singh his heir then restored normalcy and the merchants were encouraged.

Parasrampuria :
It a tiny village 20 kms southwest of Navalgarh. It boasts of some the oldest and the best preserved Shekhavati paintings in the region. The Shyamji Sharaf Haveli and 18th century haveli located near the bus stand has well conserved paintings. Paintings show a grandmother having her hair attended and women on a spinning wheel. An English woman is polished boots and holding a parasol. Another frieze depicts Europeans in a car. Other frescos depict Gods and Goddess.

The Chhatri of Thakur Sardul Singh is one of the finest examples of Shekhavati art. The miniature paintings in muted rust colour show not only antiquity but also their fine taste. The paintings depict the Thakur and his sons, war scenes from Ramayana and portrayals from the immortal love story of Dhola-Maru. You might not find open so have to obtain the keys from caretaker before visiting the monument.