Churu is like an oasis, shielding from the blistering heat of Rajasthan, but simultaneously arranging a date with the shifting golden sand dunes of Thar. Churu is a town in the desert region of Rajasthan state of India. Churu, the headquarters of the largest desert district, is a part of the frescoland of Shekhawati. It is famous for the shifting sand dunes of the Thar Desert and beautiful grand havelis with marvelous fresco paintings, namely Kanhaiya lal Bagla ki Haweli and Surana Haweli, with hundreds of small windows. It also has some fine Chhatris. Near the town is a religious seat of the Nath sect of Sadhus where there are life-size Marble statue of their deities and a place for prayers. There stands a Dharam Stup, a symbol of religious equality. The city has a magnificent fort which is believed to have been built by Thakur Khushal Singh in the year 1739 AD. The proud fort stands in the middle of the town where it is said that the brave Thakur Sheoji Singh tried to defend its honour by firing silver canon balls at the attacking army of the Raja of Bikaner.

A major centre for trade and commerce, Churu has marked its position among the painted towns of the Shekhawati region. The town is literally a living mural that has expressed itself on the walls of the havelis (mansions) of the rich trading classes. It is really an heirloom of the rich traditional art of Rajasthan. The famous wealthy merchants of the town, having business connections all over India, added to its splendour by building beautiful majestic havelis, made of lime and brick and decorated them by the best of the frescoes on the facade as well as inside of the rooms.  The best of the masons and 'Chitera' or painters were employed to decorate these buildings. Initially, the Chiteras practised  dry and wet methods using mineral and vegetable colours. Later on, around in 1860's they made brighter and colorful paintings with the help of chemical colours. Some  merchants, the Mantries, Suranas & Kotharis got few rooms painted in gold with extensive mirror work. The prosperity of Churu reached its zenith in 18th century when the atmosphere of peace and security prevailed and the caravans passed through. Consequently, the business of wool, silk, opium and spices flourished. The merchants moved away to the British India and onwards to Calcutta and other business centers in central India. They made a lot of money using their unique business acumen and decided to raise the palatial houses for their families in Churu.

The havellies were impressively decorated with Belgian etched kaleidoscopic glasses in many shapes and designs. Their intricate designs and their carved woodwork doorframes are admirable. Their arch shaped gateway with provision for two seats on both the sides and their stipulations for privacy in the inner courtyard for the womenfolk are of note. Special care was taken about the security of the inmates and thus they used to make thick and blind outerwalls in the earlier times. Only the upper stories had windows small and big neatly decorated with wooden inlaid doors.

These Havellies are best known for their colorful murals {wall paintings} within fresco artwork. The variety of the subjects incorporated in these murals can be of great interest for any Research Scholar. Once can discover the portraits and details of Hindu mythological gods such as Raja Ram along Sita, Hanuman, the Bhairav, Goddess Kali and the Romantic and artistic depiction's of Lord Krishna along with Radha and other maids. The pre- historic Epic Ramayana's portraitures in golden n works also find place on many ceilings of the massive temples & Havelis and the domes of the Chhatris.

Churu gives the enchantment of its past glory and treasure to the visitors while one walks through the meandering streets, lined either sides by the largest havelis in the area. There are beautiful temples, chhatries(cenotaphs), the fort, the Johra (water tank) and wells which are all decorated with bright multicoloured wall paintings in various subjects. The city also has a museum named 'Nagarshree'.

The magnificent Havelis, duly decorated by picturesque wall paintings not only add to the beauty of the town but also tell the tales of the famous merchants.

History of Churu in Rajasthan, India
 
The city of Churu was founded in 1620 by a Jat chieftain Churru. It was part of Jangladesh prior to annexation by Rathores. Churu was ruled by Thakur Maldeo, the grandson of Rao Kandhal or Rawat Kandhal and uncle of Rao Bika, the Rathore Rajputs of Bikaner.

In the 18th century Churu fell on the caravan route and ensured that the trading classes of the town were well off in their respective businesses. The Poddars were the most important traders of those times dealing mainly in woollens, especially Kashmir shawls. The Thakur (the local ruler) of Churu, Sheo Singh, imposed a heavy wool tax on the Poddars which compelled them to move to Sikar. The Rao of Sikar, Devi Singh, gladly welcomed them to a place 15km south of Churu where the Poddars established the town of Ramgarh.

However, the Poddar traders were not satisfied and the Thakur revolted against the Maharaja of Bikaner, Surat Singh, the result of which was pretty grim for the former. He committed suicide and the Maharaja took over the town 1813. He ordered the destruction of the town walls as well as the fort built in 1739. Another revolt in 1818 ended the rule of the Thakurs and Churu came directly under the state of Bikaner. When the British came here in the 1830s, they were in for a surprise – the town was in ruins. Trade was absolutely nonexistent because of the shift to Ramgarh and also by the repeated raids by the rulers of Shekhawati. The Maharaja convinced the trading classes to return to Churu, thereby reviving the town and coming up with the most impressive painted havelis and temples in the whole of Rajasthan. In 1871 Churu fell to Bikaner. In this battle between the forces of Churu and Bikaner when all the copper and brass had been exhausted, Churu Thakur asked his womenfolk to part off their silver ornaments and with this metal, shells for the cannons were made and used in the battle. Thakur Randhir Singh Ji the present Thakur of Churu Living with his family at "Churu House" Bikaner. The famous temple of Salasar Balaji is situated in the Churu district.

Legend of Love of Dhola and Maru in Rajasthan, India

The legend of Dhola and Maru is the Indian version of the Romeo-Juliet saga. The princess Maru was from a place called Pugal near Bikaner while Dhola was the young and handsome prince of Gwalior. A terrible drought in Pugal made Maru’s (then two year old) father shift to Gwalior, which was ruled by his friend, the father of Dhola. He stayed there for three years and before leaving for his hometown, the two kings promised to each other to get their children married. However, after a span of 20 years all promises were forgotten and Maru was betrothed to a man called Umra.

But destiny prevailed, and a bard from Pugal who had travelled to Gwalior sang at the royal court about the childhood betrothal of Dhola and Maru. After listening to the song Dhola fell hook, line and sinker for the virtuous princess Maru. With love in his eyes Dhola beagn wooing Maru, who also fell in love with the handsome Dhola. Where two hearts collide there has to be an outcome, and so they decided to run away. Umra came to know about their plans and went after them with his brother Sumra. The eloping lovers on their camel with their bows arrows were no match for the Umra-Sumra brothers who had guns. However, they were able to evade the evil brothers and took refuge in a forest. Unfortunately Dhola was bitten by a snake and died on the spot. Maru, thus cheated by her lover, proceeded to weep to death.

Luck favoured Maru and her cries were heard by Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Parvati requested her husband to revive Dhola and thus by divine intervention the lovers were united to live happily ever after.

The lore of Sassi and Punnu is also a fascinating one. Sassi was a princess who was abandoned early in life and was raised among washermen. Punnu, on the other hand, was a prince who married Sassi against the wishes of his parents. The evil parents later kidnapped him and the heartbroken Sassi died in the desert while desperately searching for her lost love.

Geography and Climate of Churu in Rajasthan, India

Churu is geographically a semi-arid sandy plain watered only by the Katli River in the northeast, but politically the administrative capital of Bikaner district. However it is usually included in a discussion because of the beautiful havelis, made of lime and brick, and flavoured with the best of the frescoes known at that time. Churu District is a district of Rajasthan state of western India. Churu lies in the Jangladesh region of northern Rajasthan. Churu lies in 28º 18' N latitude and 74º 58' E longitude. It is bounded by Hanumangarh District to the north, Haryana state to the east, Jhunjhunun and Sikar districts to the southeast, Nagaur District to the south, and Bikaner District to the west.

Churu is a district of enchanting topography in Thar Desert. The Churu City is encircled by large shifting sand dunes. About one lakh energetic hardworking honest and peace loving people and the District populations about two million inhabit the town. The majority practices Hinduism yet Muslims and Jains are also in good number. The area is scanty in vegetation. Phoge and Kair bushes and Khejra, Royara and Babul trees are to be mainly found on the sand dunes. In the towns Neem and Peepal and Sira trees can also be noticed. One can find Sand dunes all over the area with a couple of small limestone hills. The region boasts record temperatures ranging from below freezing point in the winters to over 50 degrees I the summer afternoons. Before dawn in the months of December or January, one may not be surprised to notice ice in small waterpots or frozen water dews on the little vegetation. Yet one may find that summer nights are cooler and winter days are warmer. The variation in the minimum and maximum temperature is perhaps greatest for any place in the world. Perhaps it is the only place in the world where temperature dips below sub-zero but does not have snowfall. The recorded minimum and maximum temperatures are -6 °C (21 F) and 52 °C (125 F) respectively.

Tourist Attractions in and around Churu in Rajasthan, India

One can feel the enchantment of Churu's past glory while walking through the muddy cobble stone pathways, lined either sides by the largest havelis in the area. Walk along the slender lanes of the main bazaar, snaking past the bus stand, to reach the Malji-ka-Kamra - a marvelous edifice trimmed with pale blue stucco and couched on green pillars, like some convoluted replica of a wedding cake - an ancient chapter of glory, now a freaking joint of pigeons and rubbish grazing cows. The Surajmal Banthia Haveli, a farther 100m to the north-west, is an excellent warehouse of uncanny artifacts. Best known for its infamous portrait of Christ with a cigar, incongruously impinging on two British ladies, the colossal mansion also houses a series of paintings of naked men fondling rabbits, a thing completely anomalous in Rajasthan. When on a vacation trip to Rajasthan, don't forget to pay a visit to the famous Balaji Temple (Hanumanji) at Salasar, situated on NH 65 in Churu District. Every year two large fairs are held on Chaitra(April) and Ashwin Purnimas(October) and the people get a reason to celebrate their hearts out. Lacs of devotees from every pocket of the country and abroad come and offer their wish before the Lord, with a true belief that Lord Balaji fulfills all desires if pledged with a true heart.

Salasar Balaji Temple of Churu in Rajasthan, India

Salasar houses the famous Balaji Temple which attracts a large number of devotees from all over India. It is said that this is the place where Lord Balaji fulfills the desires of thousands of devotees. Shri Hanumanji, the famous Hindu deity of vigour and loyality,  having been pleased by the devotion and worship of Shri Mohan Das Mahraj, appeared in the form of a statue on Saturday, Shrawan Sukla Navami, V.S. 1811 at Asota village. The statue was brought to Salasar where the temple was built. Later, the devotees added more buildings to the main temple. Two large fairs are held on Chaitra(April) and Ashwin purnimas(October) every year. Lacs of devotees from all over the country and abroad come and offer their wish before the great Hanumanji  in the temple and have 'Darshan' of Shri Balaji throughout the year. Salasar is situated on National Highway (Ambala-Pali) No. 65 in Sujangarh in Churu District.

Tal Chhapar, Black Buck Sanctuary of Churu in Rajasthan, India

For wild life enthusiasts the famous Black Buck Sanctuary holds great interest. The sanctuary is situated at 'Tal Chhapar', 85 Kms. from Churu in Sujangarh tehsil in Churu district of North-Western Rajasthan. This small patch of grass land boasts of a healthy population of the endangered black bucks, carefully preserved along with a high number of 'chinkara' (Indian Gazelle) and smaller mammals such as the desert fox.  Initially Maharaja Gangasingh ji of Bikaner State had some Black Bucks brought from Himachal Pradesh for his shooting retreat where he entertained his royal guests. He also built a palace near the sanctuary for his sojourns. The sanctuary had royal protection, so the Black Bucks proliferated. According to census in May, 2005 the total number of Black Bucks reached 1680. Talchhapar was declared as a reserved area for the protection of wild animals and birds in the year 1962. The local people protect them from poachers. They also feed them during harsh summer months when the grass is scarce. It lies on the way of migratory pass of many birds and therefore it is also popular with bird lovers. The visit of sanctuary has also been included in the itinerary of the Heritage on wheels, a luxury tourist train run by RTDC and Indian Railways as a joint venture.

Total area of Talchhapar Sanctuary is 719 hectare. Talchhapar, actually a flat saline depression, has a unique ecosystem. The sanctuary area is mostly covered by grasses with a very few and sparse trees of Khejri, Salvadora, Ber, Ker and Neem. Main grasses found in the area are Sewan, Doob, Dhaman Lampla, Lana and Moth etc. The area gives a lush green look during rainy season but again dries up during summer season.  An adjoining artificial reservoir also attracts arid zone and migratory birds such as Demoiselle Cranes, Indian Roller, Kestrels, Kingfishers, and different kinds of Shrikes, Sand Grouse and Water Birds etc. The antelopes and Demoiselle Cranes feed on the seeds of a special kind of grass called 'Mothia', which is found only in this area.

The most spectacular migratory seen from here is that of harriers. These birds pass through this area during the month of September in distinct groups of male, female and immature. Montague's and marsh harrier are more common, while pale harrier and hen harrier are found in lesser numbers. Besides this imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow hawks are common here. These winter visitors can be seen sitting on the sand, mud or a bush looking for gerbil and large insects. Hundreds of birds pass through this place for a short stop over, to feed themselves with fresh food in the form of insects. Kashmir rollers pass through during September and October, whereas skylark, crested lark, ring dove, brown dove and blue jay can be found throughout the year. Blue cheeked bee-eaters and green bee-eaters are commonly found, for this is their breeding place. The black ibis is frequently seen here. The most typical phenomenon is that of the demoiselle cranes which arrive in the first week of the September and stay till March. Other wild animals such as Spiky Tailed Lizard, Desert Foxes, Wild Cats and Cobras can be easily seen in the sanctuary.  Census of Wild animals is carried out every year in the Sanctuary. As per 2005 census the count of the number of wild animals was 197 Chinkaras, 1680 Blackbucks, 7 Foxes, 3 Jungle cats and 22 Peacocks.

Talchhapar Sanctuary area was earlier invaded by prosopis juliflora that has been eradicated from the major part of the Sanctuary mainly under famine relief works. In Gaushala area and in some other surrounding areas prosopis juliflora still exists. prosopis juliflora seed is spread by blackbucks which eat its pods. prosopis juliflora is required to be eradicated regularly in rainy season so as to control its propagation and invasion into good sanctuary area.

Ratangarh  near Churu in Rajasthan, India

Ratangarh, though counted among the painted towns of Shekhawati, falls under the administration of the state of Bikaner at a distance of about 50km from Churu and 40km from Fatehpur. Founded by Surat Singh of Bikaner in the late 18th century, it was shaped and toned up by his son, Ratan Singh. The town also bears the name of Ratan Singh and not of its founder. In order to bring it to commercial limelight Ratan Singh invited Jeevan Ram Poddar, a trader from Churu, in the 1820s. The town once had a massive fort built in 1820 by the Raja of Bikaner, Ratan Singh. But now, the original fort has nothing left except for a few ruined monuments that have survived the test of time.

Ratannagar, the mini Jaipur, is said to have been built and developed by Seth Nand Ram Kedia from Bissau. The most interesting part of the town is that its bazaar is laid out in the design of a cross with shops painted like the town. The town was developed in a planned manner having wide pathway crossing one another at 90º angle and proper drainage system. The shape of the market suggests the fact that the city was planned before construction. Like in most Indian towns, the Clock Tower is at the main crossing of the bazaar and every Chouraha has a beautiful circular tree stand. Beautiful, garden and well decorated palatial havelis in a sequential row gives an existing and heritage look. The town also has a wonderful johara (step well) built by the Chandkothia family, but what it is best known for are its painted havelis. The main havelis are Champalal Sohanlal Hiralal Hirawat haveli, Bilas Rai Arjundas Kedia haveli, Chandi Prasad Kedia haveli, Laxminarayan Chandgothia haveli, Ganga Prasad Chandgothia haveli, Hari Charan, Dwarka Das, Basudev gadodia haveli, Mool Chand Poddar haveli and  Jalan haveli. Raghunathji, Laxminarayanji and Chandgothia temples also decorated with beautiful wall paintings. The paintings in Godia 'Chhatri' is also worth seeing. Adjoining Ratannagar forest also covers the habitations of many   wild animals.

Religious Places worth visiting are Shyam Vatika, Onkar Ashram, Ganesh Mandir, Veer Hanuman temple, Rani Sati temple, Idgah mosque, Jumma mosque, Madina mosque and Dargha Peer Sahib.

Thard Haveli of Ratannagar of Churu in Rajasthan, India

The Thard Haveli constructed in 1860, with its exquisite paintings, lies just opposite the Raghunath Temple ( Ram Mandir ) and close to the Vaidnath Haveli. This family mansion has about 300 wooden windows and doorframes.

Bansidhar Poddar Haveli of Ratannagar of Churu in Rajasthan, India

The Bansidhar Poddar Haveli , now shared by the family descendents, was built during the final years of the 19th century. The forecourt of the haveli has several murals including those of Lord Krishna as a baby on a leaf, a man massaging a horse and wrestlers showing their might.

Bhuwalka Haveli of Ratannagar of Churu in Rajasthan, India

The Bhuwalka Haveli has some impressive frescoes; folk stories of Heer-Ranjha and Sassi-Punnu, Lord Krishna sitting in a palanquin made of women, and Arjuna and Lord Krishna in a chariot destroying the beast Ajaibgulmari.

Dhansukhdas Bhuwalka Haveli of Ratannagar of Churu in Rajasthan, India

Built in 1905, the Dhansukhdas Bhuwalka Haveli has mirrorwork inlaid in plaster while the courtyard has some telling religious paintings. Apart from the havelis Ratangarh has the double chhatri of Jeevan Ram Poddar and his wife. This cenotaph was built around 1850 and also has some exquisite paintings in its domed ceiling.

Sethani ka Johara of Ratangarh in Churu, Rajasthan

Sethani ka Johara (meaning the Reservoir of the Wealthy Lady), about 3 km west by the Ratangarh road, is a beautiful reservoir built by Bhagwan Das Bagla’s widow as a relief project during the terrible ‘Chhapan Akaal’, the Famine of 1956 V. Samvat (1899AD). The water attracts birds and mammals such as ‘Nilgai’ (blue bull – a large antelope.)  

Sardarshahr in Churu of Rajasthan, India

Graduating in 1831 from a mere village, this little town assumed the title of Sardarshahr (chief town). This enchanting desert town of Rajasthan is mostly inhabited by the Oswal Jain merchant community and has elegant havelis adorned with colourful paintings and carved woodwork. Sardarshahr, located at a distance of about 50km from Churu, has a small fort that now houses the government offices.

The town of Sardarshahr is famous yet again for its Shri Bhanwarlal Dugar Ayurved Vishwabharati. This institute offers a course in BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda and Medical Surgery) under Rajasthan University, Jaipur. Founded in 1950 by Shri Kanahiyalal Dugar, it later merged with Gandhi Vidya Mandir

Anoop Chand Birdichand Jammer Haveli of churu in Rajasthan, India

The Anoop Chand Birdichand Jammer Haveli though founded in 1873 has paintings dating from the 20th century. The east wall of the mansion has a frieze depicting the story of Pabuji, the hero who introduced camel into Rajasthan. The mural shows some horsemen herding cows. The forecourt of the haveli has some interesting paintings while the next door tibari has a homely scene of an ongoing party. The mansion also has some amusing paintings – one is that of a ship with the manufacturing credentials (made in Germany) upside down.

Jammer Haveli of churu in Rajasthan, India

The Jammer Haveli has some nice paintings from c.1900 that depict scenes from the Mahabharata. One has Bhima shaking a tree in which his arch rivals the Kaurava brothers are hiding. Apparently Bhima shakes the tree so hard that the painter presents the Kauravas falling off like fruits. The hero Pabuji is also displayed in one of these spectacular paintings. The Haveli of Chandmal Budhmal Nahata is a big mansion with two storeys and was built around 1900. It lies very near the Jammer Haveli and has quite a few exquisite friezes on the walls of the forecourt, the baithak (sitting room) and also on the exterior walls.

Kothari and Surana Haveli of Churu in Rajasthan, India

A group of handsome painted havelis built by two prominent Oswal Jain merchant families, the Kothari and Surana clans. Amongst them are ‘Malji Ka Kamra’ (Malji’s Haveli), an exotic stucco extravagaza built by Malaji Kothari around 1925 and the massive Surana Double Haveli is a six storeyed edifice with an artistic windows and elegant doors built in the 1870s. The haveli boasts more than 1100 doors and windows.
 
Kanhaiyalal Bagla Haveli of Churu in Rajasthan, India

Just south of the main bazaar, this haveli built around 1880 boasts the finest frieze in all the Shekhawati region. It illustrates Dhola and Maru on a camel fleeing the wicked Umra-Sumra, Sassi and Punu side by side on horseback, two set of lovers from folk tales. To the south-west is a mosque, Jama Masjid, and a little Muslim haveli decorated with non-figurative work.  
 
Chhatries of Churu in Rajasthan, India

Churu has some good memorial domes, mostly raised to rich merchants, north of the town. Historically the most significant is ‘Aath Kambh Chhatri’ (Eight Pillar Dome) west of the vegetable market was built in 1776 on a Rajput’s cremation site. Its base has been virtually buried by windblown sand. The interior is covered with murals, one detail depicting an early European mercenary on foot, bearing a musket.  Further north are chhatris of the Mantri , Bagla and Lohia merchant families.  

Dudhwa Khara near Churu in Rajasthan, India

It is an historical village which lies on Thar desert about 36km from Churu. The village has enticing topography and huge beautifully designed havelis. You could enjoy the rural life and camel safaris in this Dudhwa Khara.

Dudhwa Khara became the centre of freedom movement in 1942. Hanuman Singh Budania from Dudhwa Khara took the lead in this movement. He was in police service of princely state of Bikaner. He was sympathetic to the people who did conspiracy against the state. This fact came to the notice of Bikaner Maharaja and he was warned on this. He left the police services of Bikaner state in 1942 to take part in the struggle for independence and joined Bikaner Rajya Praja Parishad. He spread the message of freedom movement from village to villages and made villagers member of this Parishad. He was arrested by the state and was dispossessed of his land and village. His entire family was also arrested. He sat on fast till death. When the Maharaja Bikaner learnt that the death of this freedom fighter might create problems for the state, he was released. Maharaja enticed him by offering hundred murrabas (irrigated land), but he refused. During the same period there was a conference of the Indian Praja Parishads going on in Udaipur, chaired by Jawahar Lal Nehru. Hanuman Singh Budania approached Pandit Nehru and told every thing to him. Maharaja Bikaner invited him back to join service but he refused. He was again arrested. His 90-year-old mother, four brothers and their wives were imprisoned for two years. He again sat on fast till death in jail and continued it for 65 days when he got fainted for 10 hours, and then he was released.

Location and Transport of Churu in Rajasthan, India

The Churu city is situated at 26° 36'N 75° 27'E. It is bounded by Hanumangarh District to the north, Haryana state to the east, Jhunjhunun and Sikar districts to the southeast, Nagaur District to the south, and Bikaner District to the west. It lies in the Thar Desert on the National Highway-65 connecting Pali to Ambala and is a junction station on the railway line to Bikaner.

Road Transport
The district has good connections within and outside the State. National Highway No.11 (Agra-Bikaner) passes through the district. The total length of roads in the district is 3,010 km and is in Delhi.

Rail Transport
Churu district is served by meter gauge lines of the Northern Railway (India) and the Western Railway (India). Total length of rail line is 363 km.

Air Transport
Nearest airport is at Jaipur (189 km).

Economy and Facts of Churu in Rajasthan, India

The economy of Churu and surrounding area is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The oilseeds, especially mustard seed, are the predominant crop in recently developed small, well-irrigated fields. Wheat, kharif pulses, bajra (pearl millet), and gwar are other produces.

Churu is the main mandi (market) for agricultural produce of the area. The town has a Krishi Upaj Mandi Samiti (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) . The Food Corporation of India has its warehouses in Churu. The town is the main supply point for surrounding villages.There is no large or medium size industry in the Bhinmal industrial area. The main small-scale industries are granite slabs and tiles, cutting and polishing, and mustard seed crushing.

Churu is a small city with number of local shops selling regional handicrafts, tie and dye fabrics and furniture. You could find materials like wool, millet, gram, cattle and salt. The city is also dotted with cottage industries which include handloom weaving, pottery and leather manufacture.

Though a town with no handicrafts to boast of, Churus offers some excellent sandalwood. In Churu, Malchand Jangid, a carpenter used to make sandalwood almonds that were hinged in wood. When opened they revealed a tiny deity of your choice. Ram Ratan Sharma, another expert in this craft, had first started out by carving cakes of cheap soap until he came upon his grand mother’s coffer of sandalwood. With tools that he made himself, he created intricate objects – lockets, flowering plants with hidden cells that open to reveal sandalwood gods or a village scene. Churu is also famous for its drummers, especially during the festivals of Holi and Muharram.

The district has an area 16,829 km², with a road length of 1901 km. The population is 1,922,908. The sex ratio is 948 females per thousand males and literacy percentage is 66.97 %. There are 6 tehsils in the district, namely - Churu, Ratangarh, Taranagar, Rajgarh, Sardarshahr, and Sujangarh. The major crops are bajra and gram. The major minerals found in the district are copper and gypsum.

Area : 16829 sq. km.
Population :  1,922,908 
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English 
Best Time to Visit : September to March 
STD Code : 01562