What’s the best thing about historical places? Their peace and calm depict a lot with many untold stories in them that are hidden behind their architecture, dialect, and other attractions. Located in the north-eastern part of Rajasthan, Shekhawati is the branch of Kachhawa Dynasty of Jaipur. It comprises the districts of Northern Rajasthan like Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu and parts of Nagaur and Jaipur.
Earlier, Shekhawati was a stopping point of Silkroute between China and Afghanistan.
In the era of 17th to 19th centuries, rich Marwari merchants build huge haveli’s in the Shekhawati including Ramgarh and adjoining areas. And, today the entire region is known as the biggest Open Art Gallery of the World.
But, many surprises are locked behind Shekhawati and can be seen in:
Origin of the Name – Shekhawati:
The name of this historical region was first mentioned in the book Bankidas Ki Khyat. In the year 1803, Contemporary of Bankidas, Colonel W.S. Gardener used the word Shekhawati. Later on, Colonel James Tod wrote the first history of this region. The term Shekhawati was frequently used in Vamsh Bhaskar. This implies that the term Shekhawati came in use about two and half centuries ago. Shekhawati is named after Rao Shekha.
History of Shekhawati (Then and Now):
Many historians and evidence from Rigveda consider the region of Shekhawati in the Matsya Kingdom. During the time of Mahabharata, it was not limited to the present two districts, but it was divided into several Janapadas (small kingdoms). And, after the collapse of Gupta Dynasty, Kaimkhanis conquered some parts, until Shekhawati Rajputs defeated them.
Later on, Shekhawat Rajputs established Shekhawati, and Songara Rajputs ruled it until India’s independence. This region was the largest Nizamat in the state of Jaipur, which is almost entirely occupied by Shekhawats.
And, in the present scenario, Marwaris dominate the cities and towns of Shekhawati region. The rural areas are dominated by farming communities and are considered to the most advanced in the state of Rajasthan. The predominant farmer communities are the Jats of the Shekhawati, and they have also been the largest source of income for the region along with its rulers.
Shekhawati Local Language:
Shekhawati is an idiom of the Rajasthani language and is spoken by around 3 million speakers within Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar districts of Rajasthan. Even though it is an imperative dialect from the logical and literary points of view, delicate work is carried out on it. In 2001, a detailed compendium of the grammar of Shekhawati was published. Shekhawati, like the Bagri lingo of Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts, has a parallel lexicon, which makes it very rich from the lexicographical viewpoint. Order of words is typically SOV, and there is an existence of implosives. The high tone presence at suprasegmental level classifies it with other Rajasthani dialects. It’s been a prime contributor to the development of Rajasthani language and linguistics.
Architecture:
There are around 50 forts and palaces built by the Songara Maharajas, and now many of them are turned into hotels. That’s why many tourists and visitors gets touched by this thing that they can not only admire the beauty of the 100-year-old place but can also stay there and spend weekend nights.
Besides all this, every fort has its significance enclosed in various rooms offering different themes. Some have the antique murals, while other has a marble fountain. Whereas, some carry out the formal presence with the family portraits and an array of old armor, while few rooms in the forts are furnished with pictures, antique hangings, wall paintings, and furniture that reminds of ancient regal times. One can also witness horse safaris and stables at the backside organized by the formerly hotels of today. And, in castles, if you tend to look traditional style architecture with several courtyards, overhanging balconies, arched windows, and corridors can be seen. Apart from this, the noticeable thing is that every fort and palace have a grand architecture and the royal authorities during the reign of 17th and 18th century have built and left an imprint of their royal lifestyle on the buildings as well.
Not only this, Shekhawati is renowned for colorful Havelis, Temples, and Frescoes that were initially introduced by Shekhawat Rajputs. Painted Havelis, the largest concentration of the frescoes and influence of Marwari business community in the region can be seen today as well. Frescoes in the architecture depict the mythological and historical theme that includes images of the life of Lord Rama and Krishna along with other gods, goddesses, and animals.
Well! Shekhawati is not just a place it’s a whole tale worth to know for every traveler. The perfect time to visit this region is in December and to know about the art and paintings that came into being and so on. But, wait there is more to Shekhawati than it’s mind-blowing architecture, ancient lookout, and people. Cuisine over here satisfies your taste buds to the core, and the sunsets are straight out of movie stills. If you still spend your weekends in malls and doing regula
