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SHEKHAWATI |
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NAWALGARH |
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Founded
in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest
frescos in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with colourful
bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture makes it
an interesting destination for a 1day / 1 night stay. There are
a few prominent havelis like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath
Haveli, Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli etc., which are to be visited,
and so are the two forts and the palace hotel Roop Niwas that is
a beautiful heritage property and is renovated with modern
facilities. The Palace offers spacious painted rooms, Luxurious
interiors, graceful hospitality and great thematic evenings with
sumptuous cuisine. The registered painting in their Art Gallery
is a treat to the o visuals. |
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Havelis |
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On
the west of the fort are a group of havelis know numerically as
aath havelis, aath meaning eight. The frescos on these havelis
are not the best examples but they show the transition in
painting styles through the periods. One of the paintings
depicts a steam locomotive while other show mammoth images of
elephants, horses and camels. Opposite these havelis is situated
the Muraraka Haveli, which shows off some very fine painting
including the miniature paintings from the Krishna legends. The haveli is has no occupants and the courtyard is usually locked
unless some function is taking place. To the north is Hem Raj
Kulwal Haveli. Built in 1931 the haveli depicts at the entrance
portraits of the Kulwal family and also that Indian leaders like
Gandhi and Nehru. The windows are bordered by very colourful
architraves. An ornate silver gate leads to the inner courtyard,
which has some fine paintings mostly of religious themes. A
local caretaker will let you in for a small tip. Quite close to
it is the Khedwal Bhawan, which features some striking mirror
and blue tile work at the entrance to the inner courtyard. Some
frescos depicting a locomotive engine crossing a bridge and a
woman on a swing in festivities of Teej Festival are seen on
some of the walls. Also seen is the story of legendary lovers
Dhola Maru on an outside wall. Morarka Haveli, which thrown open
its doors to public only recently charges Rs 75 for entrance.
The haveli displays some very well preserved paintings of
Ramayana legends. Other notable havelis are Bhagton ki choti
Haveli, Parusrampuria Haveli, Dharni Dhakra Haveli, Chhauchharia
Haveli, Hira Lal Sarowgi Haveli and Geevrajka Haveli. Dr Ramnath
A Poddar Haveli Museum, admission Rs 40, active maintains and
adds new wall paintings. Though some painting may be of doubtful
legitimacy. |
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Bala Kila |
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The
fort was founded in 1737 and is largely disfigured by
modernizations. Only one room in the southeastern sections of
the fort retains beautiful mirror work and paintings of scenes
of old Jaipur and Nawalgarh. To reach there you have to gain
access through a sweet shop that charges Rs 10 to allow passage.
A huge fruit and vegetable market and two banks use the rest of
the fort. |
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