Villages and towns of Shekhawati are most developing places of Rajasthan. The major towns and cities of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan are given below.

Nawalgarh of Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan, India

Nawalgarh is a town of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, India. It is part of the Shekhawati region. It is midway between Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Nawalgarh is located at 27°51' North, 75°18' East. It has an average elevation of 379 metres (1243 feet). Nawalgarh is famous for grand havelis with frescos, which is specialty of the Shekhawati region. It has some of the best-preserved havelis and finest frescoes in Shekhawati.

History of Nawalgarh in Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan, India

Thakur Nawal Singh Ji Bahadur (Shekhawat) founded Nawalgarh in 1737 AD at the village site of Rohili. Before abolition of Jagirs in Rajasthan Nawalgarh was a tazimi thikana of Shekhawati. Nawalgarh was encircled all around by the high Parkota (walls) comprising of four Pols (gates) in different directions, namely Agoona Darwaja, Bawadi Darwaja (in north), Mandi Darwaja and Nansa Darwaja, each gate has iron doors. Bala Kila Fort situated in the center of the Thikana and Fatehgarh Fort situated out side of the Parkota as an Out Post. The market place of the town and layout of the havelis indicates that the city was well planned before construction. Nawalgarh was considered to be the most modern towns of Shekhawati.The Rulers of Nawalgarh belongs to Shekhawat sub-clan(Bhojraj Ji Ka subsub-can) of Kachwaha Dynasty of Jaipur.

Tourist Attractions of Nawalgarh in Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan, India

There are more than 200 havelis, mostly in private possession in Shekhawati region. Some of these date back to the 17th century. They range between one storey to five and a number of them have as many as 10 courtyards displaying brilliant architectural techniques. 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 Bala Kila Fort, Fatehgarh Fort and the palace hotel Roop Niwas Palace 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 visuals.

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. 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. 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 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.

Bala Kila Fort-built by Thakur Nawal Singh in Nawalgarh.
Fatehgarh Fort-built by Thakur Nawal Singh and his descendants in Nawalgarh.
Roop Niwas Kothi(Palace)-- built by Thakur Roop Singh Ji and Rawal Madan Singh Ji in Nawalgarh.
Laxshmi Nrisingh Mandir – built by Thakur Udai Singh in 1869 V.S. in Nawalgarh.
Shri Gopinath Ji Mandir- built by Thakur Nawal Singh in Nawalgarh.
 
Gudhagorji of Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan, India

Gudhagorji is one of the ancient towns in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India. The town is named after Saint Gudheshwar Maharaj, and a very religious and wise Thukurainji, named Gorji. Today, Gudhagorji is one of the important commercial towns in the Jhunjhunu district. Tourists may visit the town to see old temples and samadhis located on the hilltop, or to enjoy tracking on the hill.

Gudhagorji is connected by road, and can be reached by car or bus from Jhunjhunu, Jaipur or Sikar. The town is about 30 km from Jhunjhunu, 50 km from Sikar and 150 km from Jaipur. At present there are no hotels. However, tourists may stay either at Jhunjhunu or Sikar.

Wooden handicraft items such as lampshades, decorative table lamps, etc., from traditional Kharadis are sold at the Kharadiyon ka Mohalla. One can also taste the delicious pedas, made by the famous halwais of the town, and Kanji ka Bada.

Dundlod of Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan, India

Dundlod is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is situated in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. It is famous for its fort and havelis. It extends between latitude 28°.06’ in the north and longitude 75°.20’ in the east.It lies about seven km north of Nawalgarh in the heart of the Shekhawati region.

Dundlod was a thikana of Shekhawat rulers under Jaipur state. Its fort was built in 1750 by Keshari Singh, the fifth and youngest son of a Rajput ruler Sardul Singh. Major additions were made in the early 19th century by his descendant Sheo Singh.

Dundlod can be reached by road from Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner.

Members of the wealthy Goenka merchant family also settled at Dundlod and their prosperity is evident in their richly fresco painted havelis here. The beautiful Chhatri of Ram Dutt Goenka and the adjacent well were both built by Ram Chandra Goenka in 1888.

Tourist Attractions in Dundlod of Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan, India

The Fort of Dundlod is an embodiment of cultural amalgamation of Rajputana and Mughal School of Art and Architecture. The village of Dundlod lies in the heart of Shekhawati. The family of Dundlod is the descendants of Kesari Singh, the fifth son of Sardhul Singh. Dundlod castle was built by him in 1750 A.D. After having travelled through sandy tracks of Shekhawati, one enters the village of Dundlod, to see the magnificent sight of the beautifully painted havelies of the Goenkas and the towering Fort which stands in the middle of the village.

Its motif of flowers and foliage, minarets, mythological paintings, archaic furniture, wall hangings of arrows and shields have remained unchanged since hoary past. Here commercialism of artificial world could not slip in. Staying in Dundlod Fort is almost like living through the days of James Tod who described the splendors of Rajasthan. On every dawn the first ray of the sun befalls over the fort as an eternal bliss to the land of mystique and charisma.

As you enter the imposing Suraj Pole gateway of the fort, you feel you have stepped into an era of bygones times, you then proceed to the Bichla Darwaza and turn into the main courtyard of the fort from the Uttar Pole to face the steps which lead you to the majestic Diwan Khana. While you enter the Fort the "Royal Salute" awaits you. For your ushering Commissionaire with traditional attire of bright colours would pump your imagination to the regency days. Once you step in, you would find traditional decor which encircles you. The colour of the walls, the imperial chairs and tables, miniature paintings are of museological value would sound very current with luxury of today as if two civilizations are thriving together.

You can live here in rooms full of classic atmosphere each having its own History. The rooms are enveloped in Rajputana style where everything is of local origin. If you feel like lazing on the open, terraces and chowks are there in front of each room or you can admire a spectacular view of the painted houses and havelies from the Chateries of the Fort. You can take a walk on the ramparts of the surrounded by a Moat. Retire to your rooms (no two are alike) where you are pampered and made to feel like someone special. Later in the evening enjoy a drink under the open sky and stars in the Rawala while the village dancers entertain and enchant you. The Roof-Top dinner with rustic oil lamps provide a stopover even for a stargazer! The "Ala Carte" cuisine is of great taste prepared by chefs with great care. The bar in Traditional Raj Buggy would make you a curious onlooker even before the drinks are served.

The Diwan Khana is built in Mughal architecture and is furnished with Louis The XIV furniture. It has a magnificent library, with a very rich collection of rare books on Indian History. You also see the family portraits which remind you of the times gone by in history. Above this lies the Duchatta, from where the ladies watched the court ceremonies in purdah. At Dundlod Fort special Horse/ Camel and Jeep safaris are arranged. You could also go for sight seeing atop a camel.

Horse Safaris of Dundlod in Shekhawati of Rajasthan, India

One of the family members conducts excellent tailor made horse safaris into the desert. These are great fun and an absolute heaven for horse lovers. The little known Marwari breed of horses are also bred at the stud farm at Dundlod and this breed is now finding its own place internationally. Easily recognized by the hooked tips of their ears, the Marwari is a tall but broad built horse known for its endurance and stamina. The haveli of Lalchandji Goenka is also a place of historical memory, and is cared by there family who lives in Ahmedabad, Nagpur and mainly in kolkata, Sri Rajesh kumar Goenka ,the great grandson of Sri Lalchand ji is one of the key person of the family, the eldest alive member of family Sri Shiv kumar ji is also legend of there family, Royal Equestrian and Polo Centre is the only horse safari Centre in the Country to be recognized and affiliated with the Equestrian Federation of India. We have to our credit to have hosted National Endurance, Tent Pegging and Indigenous Horse Shows. International Horse Show in Tent Pegging and Invitational 100 km Endurance have also been hosted at Dundlod.

The first ever 100 km National Endurance Gold Medal has been won by the Royal Equestrian and Polo Centre.

They are the largest Marwari horse breeding stud farm in the country and run a Programme for improving the marwari breed under the name of Marwari Bloodlines.

The horse safaris organized pass through terrain comprising of desert, hills, pen fields, dunes, forests, interesting villages, hamlets and you stay at old princely heritage fort and palaces or in royal tents.

The days of the ride vary from 3 to 12, depending on the time you wish to spend in the saddle. A distance of about 25-30 km is covered in a day with hot lunches served enroute.

Horse riding safaris are organized all over Rajasthan, some of our most popular routes of the rides are mentioned below:

SHEKHAWATI HERITAGE
Dundlod, Mandawa, Mehansar, Alsisar, Badalgarh, Nawalgarh, Lohargal, Danta, Pachar.

NAGAUR FAIR
Bikaner, Kakku,Nagaur, Khimsar,Osian

PUSHKAR FAIR
Dundlod, Mandawa, Badalgarh, Nawalgarh, Danta, Pachar, Roopangarh, Pushkar

MEWAR FOREST
Dhariyawad, Sitamata, Chittorgarh, Bijapur

HERITAGE FORT & PALACES
Dundlod, Mandawa, Badalgarh, Nawalgarh, Danta, Kuchaman, Roopangarh, Pushkar

MARWAR-MEWAR CONQUEST ROUTE
Nimaj, Raipur, Devgarh, Narlai, Kumbhalgarh

BISHNOI FAIR
Bikaner, Mukam, Tal Chapar, Ratangarh, Churu, Badalgarh, Dundlod

ROHET- KUMBHALGARH
Rohet, Sardar Samand, Sodawas, Kotri, Ranakpur, Ghanerao, Kumbhalgarh.

JODHPUR - UDAIPUR
Khejarla, Chandelao, Sardar Samand, Dhamli, Narlai, Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh

ARAVALI - SHEKHAWATI
Khetri, Udaipurwati, Shakambari, Lohargal, Khirod, Dundlod Khetri, Badalgarh, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Dundlod

Close to the fort lies the Chhatri of Ram Dutt Goenka, which has an adjacent well. Built in 1888, the dome has floral motifs with banners extending from the centre. The dome is encircled by frieze showing Krishna dancing with his gopis, interspersed with musicians and peacocks. The paintings around the inner base show war panorama of Mahabharata.

The Bhagirath Mal Goenka Haveli is a fine example mirror work on the windows of the upper walls of the inner courtyard. Notable are delicately preserved paintings mostly in round frames.

Also worth a visit is Satyanarayan Temple built by the Goenka family. On the wall of the temples is a huge fresco with modern trappings showing British men and women on bicycles and cars, it also shows a long train and has a backdrop of telegraph wires. A painting under the roof in the upper space shows noble in leisure either smelling flowers or reading books. Another painting shows a turbaned man hold a bird while yet another portrays a woman admiring herself in the mirror.

Mukangarh of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Mukandgarh is a city and a municipality in Jhunjhunun district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is part of Shekhawati region. It lies a few km from Nawalgarh. Mukangarh was founded by Thakur Mukand Singh Ji Saheb. It was the Thikana of Bhojraj Ji Ka Shekhawats. Mukungarh has a magnificent fort, which is now converted into a resort hotel, with all modern amenities. There are havelis of Kanoria, Ganeriwal and Saraf, which are a fine example of fresco paintings.

Jhunjhunu of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Jhunjhunu is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India, and the administrative headquarters of Jhunjhunu District. It is located a 180 km from Jaipur and 245 km from Delhi. Thakur Shardul Singh Shekhawat conquered the Jhunjhunu in 1730. The town is famous for frescos on grand Havelis, which is a speciality of this region. Jhunjhunun is located at 28.13° N 75.4° E. It has an average elevation of 323 metres (1059 feet).

History of Jhunjhunu

Jhunjhunu lies in the core of the well known erstwhile Shekhawati province. Every con of Jhunjhunu speaks its own history of Shekhawat; Rajput’s bravery and valour. Thakur Shardul Singh Shekhawat was a very courageous, bold, brave and efficient administrator. He conquered the Jhunjhunu in 1730 from Rohilla Khan who was the last Nawab of Jhunjhunu. This is clear from the following poetry was made by the Charan of Shekhawats in Rajasthani language -

Satrahso Satashiye, Agahan Mass Udaar,
Sadu linhe jhunjhunu, Sudi Athen Sanivaar.
Another poetry in Rajasthani language on Shardul Singh -

Sade, linho Jhunjhunu, Lino amar patai,
Bete pote padaute pidhi sat latai.
The above poetry was made by the Charan of Shekhawats after Jhunjhunu was conquered by Shardul Singh. The translation of above poet is that Shardul Singh has taken Jhunjhunu on lifelong lease. Now the seven generations of him would be benefited.

Shardul singh had three marriages, married 1stly, 1698 Thukrani Sahaj Kanwar Biki Ji Sahiba, daughter of Manroop Singh Bika of Nathasar, married 2ndly, Thukrani Sirey Kanwar Biki Ji Sahiba, daughter of Mukal Singh Bika of Nathasar, married 3rdly Thukrani Bakhat Kanwar Mertani Ji Sahiba, daughter of Devi Singh Mertiya of Poonglota (Marwar), near Degana and had issue. He died 17th April 1742. He had six sons, namely,

Thakur Jorawar singh, (by 1st wife), born at Kant, married and had issue. He died 1745. He built Jorawargarh fort.
Thakur Kishan singh, (by 3rd wife), born 1709, ancestor of the families of Khetri, Arooka, Seegra, Alsisar etc.
Kunwar Bahadur singh, (by 3rd wife), born 1712, died 1732.
Thakur Akhay singh, (by 3rd wife), born 1713, built Akhegarh Fort. Died without issue in 1750.
Thakur Nawal singh Bahadur (by 3rd wife), born 1715, ancestor of the families of Nawalgarh, Mahensar, Dorasar, Mukundgarh, Narsinghani and Mandawa. He died 24th February 1780.
Thakur Keshri singh, (by 3rd wife), born 1728, ancestor of the families of Dundlod, Surajgarh and Bissau, 5th and youngest son, died 1768.
Unfortunately, his son Bahadur singh had expired in his life time in an early age. As a result his estate was divided into five equal shares. The administration by his five sons was cumulatively known as Panchpana.

After his death the estate was divided equally among his five sons. Shardul singh was a man of religious bent of mind, as he built many temples such as Kalyan Ji Mandir & Gopinath Ji Ka Mandir at Jhunjhunu. To commemorate the sweet memory of his father, his sons made a monumental dome at Parasrampura. Its fresco painting is worth seeing.

All the five sons of Shardul singh Ji were very brave and capable and efficient rulers. They raised many new thikanas, towns, forts and palaces; they encouraged the baniyas (Merchants) for trade. As a result they grew rich and made many Havelies.

Places of Interest in Jhunjhunu

Badalgarh Fort
Jorawargarh Fort-built by Thakur Jorawar Singh son of Thakur Shardul Singh Shekhawat.
Akhegarh Fort-built by Thakur Akhe Singh son of Thakur Shardul Singh Shekhawat.
Khetri Mahal- built by Thakur Bhopal Singh of Khetri.

Modi Haveli are two havelis opposite each other. The painting shows some modern scenes from British India. For example, there is a painting of a lady sitting in front of a gramophone and some soldiers on horses escorting a train. Kaniram Narsinghdas Tibrewal Haveli shows a goods train laden with livestock cross 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.

Jhunjhunu is famous for the Rani Sati Temple. Practice of Sati is banned in India. However, places of Sati are very popular with locals and Rajasthanis in other states. More than 100,000 devotees visit this temple every year.

Chirawa of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Chirawa is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. It is known for fresco painted havelis.

Chirawa is one of the oldest town of Shekhawati and was a hub for this region since it was junction for Jhunjhunu, Khetri, Loharu, Surajgarh. It has lot of old havelis like dalmias,sakserias,somanis, suraj mal shiv prashads and shrimalon ka mahal and many more though they are not maintained that well now. There is a Jain temple is situated in shrimalon ka mohalla it was about 150 year old .Educational institutes were also a big attraction of Chirawa. It has one of the oldest college Chirawa College of the region and Dalmia Girls School which is also one of the oldest girls school in Rajasthan . However now Chirawa has taken back seat with Jhunjhunu being district and Pilani having Birlas blessing. Khetri taking over being copper town. Still Chirawa is holding fort because of its locational advantage which connect many surrounding villages.

Chirawa is now known for its market, being place of Pandit Ganeshnarayan's (Handi wale baba) - said to one who blessed Birla and political activities. Chirawa is still a regional hub for the majoriy of the economic and commerce activities as it is connected with rail lines(Pilani that is very near to it does not have one). chirawa is also very famous for the Kasu Halwai's Peda( a delicious sweet).Interestingly, the quality and variety of sweets prepared in Chirawa can only be matched by the sweets prepared in Bengal. Chirawa may be one of the best places for sweets in the entire country.Apart from this, it has annual Gugoji Maharaj's mela and at that time people from all over the Shekhawati region visit Chirawa.

Chirawa is also having the distinction of being the birth place of the famous wrestling coach Guru Hanuman and also the Dalmias who were one of the top five industrial families in India. In general, people from Chirawa and the surrounding villages are very aggressive. The first well known politician and the first man with post graduation qualification from Chirawa was Shri Hajari Lal Arrawatia, who is popularly known as Master Hajari Lal or Masterji as he was a professor of economics in Chirawa college before Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first president of India, motivated him to join politics. It was in his political time that great personalities like Lal Bahadur Shashtri and Indira Gandhi visited Chirawa.

Khetri of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Khetri Nagar is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. It is known for its Copper Project. Khetri is a real cool town. Well, actually much of the township is government-owned since there is a public Limited company over there. Khetri is actually two towns, the first "Khetri Town" was founded by Raja Khet Singhji Nirwan. The next is the town of "Khetri Nagar", which is about 10 km away from Khetri. Khetri is located at 27.98° N 75.8° E. It has an average elevation of 484 metres (1587 feet). The name of the mountain in khetri is Bhopalgarh. There is a small township of Kolihan which lies on the wey between Khetri and Khetri Nagar.

The nearest railway Station is Chirawa at a distance of 30 km. Khetri is at a distance of 190 km from Delhi and 180 km from Jaipur. Frequent buses are available from Jaipur to reach Khetri. From Delhi, one has to take a bus to Singhana, and can catch a cab from there.

History of Khetri in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan

Khetri was the second largest Thikana in Jaipur State. The rulers of Khetri was belongs to Shekhawat sub-clan (Bhojraj Ji Ka subsub-clan) of Kachawa dynasty of Jaipur. The king of Khetri Rajah Ajit Singh Ji Shekhawat gave name of Swami Vivekananda, to Narendra. The saffron turban and clothes was given to swamiji by RAJA AJIT SINGH. King also helped Swamiji financially for going to Chicago DHARMA SAMELLAN, from where swamiji got publicity worldwide. Khetri nagar has a multicultural ambience due to people from all states coming in and working in the copper project. Singhana is the the bus terminal which links all the nearby places.

Places of interest in Khetri, Jhunjhunu

Khetri Fort: The fort of khetri was built by king of Khetri Rajah Ajit Singh Ji Shekhawat and is an easy trek of 4 km from the base. The splendid view from the fort is a breathtaking esperience and it also includes a marvellous but small marble temple.
 
Ramakrishna Mission Center: It is situated on the part of once acclaimed palaces for the queen. Swami Vivekananda had stayed there during his visits to Khetri.

Rani ki Bavdi: It is a  small pond covered with steps from all sides.

Hindustan Copper Ltd.: It is a public sector enterprise, involved in copper processing. Its operations include copper mines, concentrator, smelter, refineries and associates like sulphuric & phosphoric acid plants.

Ajit Sagar: It is a large lake on the outskirts of Khetri, must visit to view the raw nature. Wild boars, barahsinghas and migratory birds can be seen here.

The town of Khetri is also famous for its delicious pickles. A worthy place to visit by one who wants to wander the places still left undiscovered.

Pilani of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Pilani is located at 28.37° N 75.6° E. It has an average elevation of 279 metres (915 feet). Time Zone(est): UTC +5:30 Approximate population for 7 km radius from this point: 45366. Pilani is a town in the Jhunjhunu District in Rajasthan, India and is the home to Birla Institute of Technology and Science, BK Birla Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pilani, and CEERI (Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute). The town Pilani derives its name from Jat fighter with Pilania gotra. He died protecting the fort and was honoured by the king for his courage and sacrifice by giving his name to location. Pilani is part of Shekhawati region. In the winters it reaches sub-zero temperatures. The fresco paintings on grand Havelis are peculiarity of Shekhawati region.

History of  Pilani In Shekhawati, Rajasthan

Thakur Nawal Singh founded the city of Nawalgarh in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan on magha shukla 2 samvat 1794 (1737 AD) at place called Rohili. Thakur Nawal Singh’s fourth son was Dalel Singh who was given the right of 12 villages after constructing a fort at present Pilani town. The fort was named Dalelgarh after Dalel Singh. When Dalel Singh was expanding his strength Rao Raja Laxman Singh of Sikar attacked him. At that time Dalel Singh’s brother and ruler of Nawalgarh came to his rescue.

In those days Pilani was divided in two hamlets situated on sand dunes. Initially Pilani was a village of about 1500 people. Out of these 100 families were of Vaishyas, mainly of Agarwals. There were about 15 families of Maheshwaris out of which there was only one family of Birlas.

Dalelgarh Fort of Pilani, Shekhawati

The Dalelgarh Fort was built by Thakur Nawal Singh Bahadur (Shekhawat) for his son Kunwar Dalel Singh. It presently houses a school (Bal Niketan) and is popularly called the "Garh School."

Climate of Pilani in Shekhawati, Rajasthan

The temperature in Pilani varies between extremes in summer and winter. Summer temperatures reach up to 48 degree Celsius from May to July, while Winter temperatures often reach sub-zero levels between December and January. Months of October and March are generally considered the most pleasant.

Pilani - Birth Place of GD Birla

The town is birthplace of India's leading industrialist, GD Birla. It houses one of India's finest technical schools, BITS Pilani. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani is one among the top ranking universities in India today offering degrees in Engineering, Management, Economics, Pharmacy, Sciences, Engineering Technology, Information Systems, General Studies, Finance, etc presently at Pilani, Dubai, Goa campuses and in the near future at Hyderabad campus. BITS Pilani also offers an array of work integrated learning programmes for HRD of a vast spectrum of Indian corporates

Krishnaarpit Charitable Trust has also started BK Birla Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pilani under the chairmanship of BK Birla.

The Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI) is also located here. Pilani also houses some good boarding schools like Birla Public School, Birla Senior Secondary School and Birla Balika Vidyapeeth.

Pilani is also flooded with number of other English and Hindi medium schools making it a prominent education center.

Unlike other towns, Pilani is not accessible by rail, but it does have a computerised reservation counter, situated in the CEERI campus, at its entrance gate opposing BTTI(Birla Technical Training Institute).The nearest rail stations are Chirawa (16 km) and Loharu(25 km). Jaipur is 220 km from Pilani and Delhi is 210 km and well connected by road.

Pilani - Place of National importance

According to P.V. Indiresan, Former Director of IIT Madras, "Pilani town was transformed for sentimental reasons from an inhospitable village in the Rajasthan desert to a national intellectual centre. GD Birla introduced a couple of world-class scientific institutions in that remote desert village merely because it was his birthplace. Even though Birla would not allow Pilani full scope to expand (he would not allow any industry for fear of despoiling the habitat, and the nearest railway station is 16 km away), Pilani has now become a prosperous town. That is quite an achievement because Pilani has no natural advantages whatever. If Pilani could be transformed the way it has been, any other village can be. All that is required is a seed in the form of a world-class institution. However, in its formative years lasting a couple of decades, Pilani was sustained by the Birlas who had deep pockets and deeper sentiments for the village. Few entrepreneurs would be prepared to emulate them, and nurture a village for long years. That is why the Pilani experiment has not been repeated although quite a few other rich business families originate from remote villages."

BITS Pilani

The institute was founded by Ghanshyam Das Birla in 1929 as an intermediate college. During World War II, the Government of India established a technical training center at Pilani for the supply of technicians for defence services and industry. In 1946, it was converted it into the Birla Engineering College with degree programmes in electrical and mechanical engineering.[1]

In 1964, the Birla Colleges of Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Pharmacy and Science were merged to form the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). In this period of inception (especially during 1964–1970), BITS Pilani received support from the Ford Foundation and benefited from an alliance with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

BITS Pilani started to expand in India and abroad since 2000. New campuses were established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2000) and Goa, India (2004), and a fourth campus is to be opened in 2008 at Jawaharnagar (near Hakimpet Air Force station), Hyderabad. BITS also runs a virtual university and an extension center in Bangalore.

Transport and Location of Pilani, Shekhawati

Pilani is almost equidistant from Jaipur and Delhi.

Travelling by car/taxi from Delhi: Distance is 200 or 220 km depending on route taken and takes about 4 to 4.5 hours.

There are five routes to get here (in order of preference):

1. Delhi-Gurgaon-Dharuhera-Rewari-MahendraGarh-Satnali-Loharu-Pilani (about 210 km)

2. Delhi-Gurgaon-Dharuhera-Rewari-Narnaul-Singhana-Chirawa-Pilani (about 220 km)

3. Delhi-Bahadurgarh-Jhajjar-CharkhiDadri-Loharu-Pilani (about 195 km)

4. Delhi-Gurgaon-FarukhNagar-Jhajjar-CharkhiDadri-Loharu-Pilani (about 205 km)

5. Delhi-Bahadurgarh-Rohtak-Bhiwani-Loharu-Pilani (about 215 km)

Travelling by bus from Delhi: In case you prefer to travel by public transport, you need to catch a bus at the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. There are frequent buses to Pilani starting from Delhi around 4:55 AM to 10:00 PM. Most of these buses follow the route of Delhi-Rohtak-Bhiwani and a few of them follow the route of Delhi-Jhajjar-CherkhiDadri to reach Loharu and then to Pilani.

You can also catch buses to Chirawa/Jhunjhunu from ISBT at Sarai Kale Khan or Dhaula Kuan. You then need to switch buses at Chirawa for Pilani. These buses follow the route of Delhi-Gurgaon-Rewari-Narnaul-Singhana-Chirawa.

Travelling by bus from Jaipur: In case you prefer to travel by public transport, you need to catch a bus from the State Bus Terminal (Sindhi Camp), Jaipur. There are frequent buses to Pilani starting from Jaipur around 4:00 AM till mid-night.

Travelling by train from Jaipur: Train from Jaipur to Chirawa (16 km from Pilani) or Loharu (25 km from Pilani). This is no longer recommended. The metre gauge track is under-going conversion to broad gauge starting January, 2007.

Parsurampura of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Parsurampura is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is located 43 km south east of Mandawa and has the distinction of having the best-preserved and oldest fresco paintings in the Shekhawati region.

Parasrampura was the Thikana of Bhojraj Ji Ka Shekhawats and site of a Castle.

Baggar of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Baggar is a town in the Jhunjhunu District of Rajasthan in India. It lies in the Shekhawati region. It is known for the Piramal Haveli with fresco paintings. This haveli is also used as a hotel.

Bagar is also known as educational centre of Rajasthan, there are so many good schools and colleges.Piramal girls school is very popular boarding school of this town. This small town has produce many top industrialist i.e. Piramals, Maheshwaris,Roongtas etc. It is also known for its "sati temple". Bagar is peaceful and pollution free town,ideal time for visit is nov/dec.
 
Mandawa of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Mandawa is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is situated 190 km off Jaipur in the north. The town lies between latitude 28°.06’ in the north and longitude 75°.20’ in the east. Mandawa is known for its fort and havelis. The fort town of Mandawa is well connected with the other places in region through a good network of roads.

Mandawa lies in the heart of shekawati a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leeds to the bazzar. You can wonder through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate frescoes. Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, the fact that no two rooms are alike in the palace here. In the zenana or women's quarters, one room offers antique murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of walls that are seven feet thick. Looking out from the window of the turret room, it is easy to imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely here. Little wonder then that the family crest contains the motto, 'Veer Bhogya Vasundhara', which translates into 'the brave shall inherit the earth'.

Founded in the 18th century, the medieval fort of Mandawa dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region's havelis.

The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall-a boy using a telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images.
 
Best time to visit Mandawa in Shekhawati of Rajasthan, India

The summers in Mandawa are every hot, with the mercury shooting up to 40.5 C and the winters are quite chilly, when the temperature dips as low as 10 C. So, the best time to visit Mandawa is anytime between October to March.

History of Mandawa in Shekhawati of Rajasthan, India

The City of Mandawa was made a thikana in the mid of 18th century by the Shekhawat (Bhojraj Ji Ka) Rajputs. About the origin of this town there have been earlier references to Mandu Jat as founder of the Mandawa village. He first established a dhani (hamlet) and dug a well here, which was completed on savan badi 5 samvat 1797 (1740 AD) (source – Shekhawati Bodh, Mandawa special issue, July 2005). Initially this place was known as ‘Mandu ki dhani’, ‘Mandu ka bas’ or ‘Manduwas’ which changed to ‘Manduwa’, ‘Mandwa’ and finally ‘Mandawa’.

A remote feudal principality in the centre of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, the Rajput ruler of Mandawa, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. The township that grew around the fort soon attracted a large community of traders, who settled here.

Sightseeing of Mandawa in Shekhawati of Rajasthan, India

Mandawa Fort in Shekhawati of Rajasthan, India

The fort of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh, founded the fort in vikram samvat 1812 (1755 AD). The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Built as per a medieval theme, the castle of Mandawa is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The rooms of this palace are decorated with Lord Krishna paintings, exquisite carvings and amazing mirror work. The Durbar Hall of the palace houses a number of antiques and paintings. Situated in the middle of the town, the Mandawa Fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel.

Havelis of Mandawa in Shekhawati of Rajasthan, India

This town has been referred to as the "open art gallery" of Rajasthan because the entire Shekhawati region and not just Mandawa is dotted with fascinating mansions(havelis) that have lavishly painted walls.

Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
This haveli has a painting depicting Indra Dev on an elephant and Lord Shiva on his Nandi bull.

Goenka Double Haveli
This haveli, with two gates, has monumental façade of elephants and horses. The outer walls, jutting balconies, alcoves and overhanging upper storeys of the Goenka Double Haveli are replete with patterns and paintings, ranging from traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs to Europeans in stylish hats and Victorian finery.

Murmuria Haveli
The paintings of trains, cars, George V, and Venice were executed on the walls of this haveli during the 1930s by Balu Ram, one of the last working artists of the region. In pictures - like Lord Krishna with his cows in English courtyard and a young Nehru on a horseback, holding the national flag - this haveli uses a unique theme blending the East with the West. The haveli also features a long frieze depicting a train with a crow flying above the engine and much activity at the railway crossing.

Jhunjhunwala Haveli
The haveli is decorated with striking gold leaf painted room to the right of main courtyard.

Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli
The picture of a Maharaja stroking his moustaches beautifies this haveli.

Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
This haveli is located in the south of town, where the decoration of the outer and inner walls is perhaps the finest in Shekhawati. Blue washes here and there betray twentieth-century censorship of the erotic scenes that had been commonly acceptable one hundred years earlier.

The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli are some other havelis in the area.

Murals in the Thakurji temple located opposite the Goenka Double Haveli and the Murmuria Haveli include soldiers being shot from the mouths of cannons, a reflection of the horrors of the Mutiny of 1857. Further west are a couple of chhatris, and a step-well, still used today and bearing paintings inside its decorative corner domes.

Mahansar of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Mahansar is town of Shekhawati region in Rajasthan, India. It was founded in 1768 by the Thakurs of one of the branch of Shekhawats. It is located in Jhunjhunu district at a distance of 40 km from Jhunjhunu near the trifurcation of Jhujhunu, Churu and Sikar districts. It is known for the Sone-Chandi ki Dukan dating from 1846. It incorporates gold leaf in its intricate paintings. This haveli has three vaulted ceilings; scenes from the Ramayana are painted on the left one, incarnations of Vishnu on the centre one, and scenes from the life of Krishna are to be found on the right one.

Sikar of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Sikar is a town located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan state in India. It is the administrative headquarters of Sikar District. Sikar is situated midway between Bikaner and Agra on National Highway number 11. Sikar is a historical city and at present district head quarter. Sikar district presents a good many facts for the tourists. It is 116 km away from the Jaipur, 320Km from Jodhpur 240 km from Bikaner and 301 km. from Delhi.Sikar of Rajasthan.

Khatushyamji of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Khatushyamji is a town of religious significance in Sikar district of Rajasthan in India where there is a famous temple of Shyam baba.

The temple was built in 1027 by Sh. Roopsingh Chauhan/Smt Narmada Kanwar Some 975 years ago the wife of Roopsingh Chauhan saw in her dream that deity instructed him to take his image out of the earth. The indicated place, when dug up, yielded the present idol of Shri ShyamJi, which was enshrined in the temple. That spot is now known as Shyam Kund. Khatushyamji - Brief of the deity. Lord Shyam Ji's head is worshipped. The idol is made of rare stone and commands tremendous respect from visitors. Shyam Ji is the family god of lacs of families.

Barbareek was the offspring of the great Pandava brother-Bhima's Son Ghatotkacha and Nag Kanya – Ahilawati. Barbareek , as a child was courageous and a great warrior. Lord Shiva being pleased with his immense devotion towards him, granted him the three infallible Arrows and fire God gave him the Bow, which would make him victorious in the three worlds. When learn about that battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and having got the news, Barbareek wanted to witness the great warhead seared to his mother, that if he would fight in the battle and would join the side which would be losing.

On the way he met Lord Krishna in disguise as a Brahmin's who hindered his way towards the battlefield. As Lord Krishna was aware that the defeat of Kauravas was inevitable, if this lad joins the defeating army so he tried to take away the three arrows by asking him to show the power the arrows had.

Lord Krishna urged him to tie all the leaves of the pee pal tree under which he was standing, with one arrow. He removed one arrow from his quiver and released it from his quiver and the arrow tied all the leaves together within moments. The Brahman then wanted charity from the boy. Barbareek promised to grant him anything he wished for. At this Lord Krishna asked him to give his head in charity. The boy was shocked, but he kept his promise. Barbareek requested that he wanted to see the battle till its end, and his wish was granted. Khatushyamji was the name given by Shri Krishna.

Till this date his devotees are blessed by just pronouncing his name from the bottom of their heart with true Samarpan. The devotees from all around the world visit this pilgrimage temple at the time of the mela in the Kartik month. Their devotion and belief simply pours from their conscious belief. The temple today is run by trust and the offerings of the devotees is for the Kripa which the god bestows on his devotees.

Location and Transport of Khatu Shyam Ji in Rajasthan

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is situated in district of Sikkar in state of Rajasthan, at a distance of
17 km from Reengus.
80 km from Jaipur
60 km from Sikkar

By Road from Delhi to Shri Khatu Shyam Ji  (300 Km)
Delhi - Gurgaon - Manesar - Dharuhera - Bagroad - Kotputli - Shahpura - Chandbazi - Chomu - Reengus - Khatu

Fatehpur of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Fatehpur is a town of Sikar district in Rajasthan, India. It is part of the Shekhawati region and lies midway between Jaipur and Bikaner on National Highway -11. Fatehpur is located at 27.98° N 74.95° E. It has an average elevation of 325 metres (1066 ft). Fatehpur is famous for grand havelis with frescos, which is speciality of the Shekhawati region. A number of Bawdis are also centers of attraction here. The Muslim Nawabs established Fatehpur in 1451 and the Shekhawati Rajputs took it over in the 18th century. The opulence of the local merchants is so evident from the richly painted havelis of Poddars, Choudhuri and the Ganeriwalas families. The town is also a good base to visit nearby towns of Lakshmangarh and Mandawa.

History of Fatehpur in Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan

The Muslim Kaimkhani Nawab, Fatehkhan established Fatehpur in 1451. He constructed the fort of Fatehpur in 1449 and ruled up to 1474. It served as the capital of Fateh Khan, the Muslim Nawab. Fatehkhan's eldest son was Jalalkhan, who founded the village Jalalsar at a distance of 10 km south of Fatehpur. After death of Fatehkhan in 1474, Jalakhan became the Nawab of Fatehpur. Jalakhan was a warrior and kind Nawab. He had left the Fatehpur bid (forest land) for the purpose of grazing of animals. Shekhawat Rajputs took it over in the 18th century.

Sightseeing of Fatehpur in Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan

Haveli Nadine Le Prince
A beautiful haveli purchased by a French artist Nadine Le Prince. It has been built in 1802 by a rich family of traders, the Devra, who were also officers at the court of the local Maharaja. Since 1999, Nadine Le Prince has entirely restored this palace and all the frescoes, restoring these to their originals. . She is doing much to preserve and restore the wonderful and unique heritage of havelis in Shekhawati working with other associations to give them a second life.

That's why she has opened a cultural center, which she created in order to exhibit French and Indian modern artists, and to confront old and contemporary art. The Kala Dirga Gallery of Contemporary Art shows especially pieces made by artists about India ; the Saraswati Gallery is more about traditional themes of Rajasthan, through different kinds of painting ; there are also two little Tribal Art Galleries exhibiting the artistic work of tribes, as Patachitras and Madhubani. The aim of this project is to offer to the visitor a large panorama of works and points of view toward India. Thus, the exhibited artists belong to very different origins: French renowned artist, Jaipur Fine Art School’s Teacher or Shekhawati’s Local Painters.

Nadine Le Prince has also established a program for artists in residence and she's planning to organize some cultural events as dance and music shows to make this enchanting palace becoming a lively place for art in all his shapes.

The Choudaharia Haveli
Though in an extreme state of deteriorations, it has a rare departure of an erotic painting.

The Jagannath Singhania Haveli
It has some fine paintings of Radha and Krishna and shows some British men holding guns.

The others havelis, which are notable are Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli and Vishnunath Keria Haveli.

The town has blessings of many religious mentors, it includes Dargah of Hazrat Nazmudin , Temple of Do-Janti Balaji Dham (which is famous for its exterior hand made stone bricks construction and in-side Lord Sun painting)etc. It got few workshops which repair and create antic furniture and other suff for sale, some of which are very good and available for purchase.

Laxmangarh of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Laxmangarh is a town in Sikar district of Rajasthan in India situated on National Highway-11 at a distance of 30 km from Sikar in north. The town is also called Lakshmangarh. Laxmangarh is located at 27°49′21″N and 75°01′31″E  It has an average elevation of 222 metres (728 ft).

History Laxmangarh of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Laxmangarh town came into being in the year 1862. Rao Raja Laxman Singh of Sikar constructed fort of Laxmangarh at this place. Rao Raja Laxman Singh of Sikar Thikana planned it nearly 200 years ago under Shekhawati region of erstwhile Rajputana. The reigning kingdom of jaipur had many thikanas and Shekhwati was one of them. The jagirdars of these thikanas were called Rao Rajas and Laxman Singh happened to be the Rao Raja of Sikar and founder of Laxmangarh.

Sightseeing of Laxmangarh of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Laxmangarh Fort of Laxmangarh of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India

Laxmangarh Fort, the most imposing building in this town is its small fortress(owned by the Jhunjhunwala Family)which looms over the well laid out township on its west side. Laxman Singh, the Raja of Sikar, built the fort in the early 19th century after Kan Singh Saledhi besieged the prosperous town. The fort of Laxmangarh is a unique piece of fort architecture in the whole world because the structure is built upon scattered pieces of huge rocks. The fort is private property - owned by a local businessmen and is closed to the public. You can however climb up the ramp to a temple which is open to the public, and the view from the ramp can be quite fascinating too.

Other than the Laxmangarh fort, the Ghanta ghar (Clock Tower) and various havelis with famous Shekhawati fresco paintings and Chhatris are the hallmark of the town.