Shekhawati Region has a large number of forts, palaces, havelis and gardens that were erected in medieval times and during the rule of British Empire in India. This region of Shekhawati was popular for the feudal rule of Shekhawati rulers in modern era.
Location of Shekhawati Region
Shekhawati Region lies in the North eastern part of Rajasthan. It lies at the easternmost extent of the Thar Desert, where small sand-blown towns nestle between dunes and sprawling expanses of parched land. This place is accessible from Delhi and Jaipur.
History of Shekhawati Region
The history of Shekhawati Region dates back from the rule of Matsya Dynasty. Rig Veda also refers this place as a royal state. This region in Rajasthan had witnessed the rule of Lord Rama (referring from Ramayana), Nanda Dynasty and the Mauryan Empire. In 14th Century, Mokal Singh, ruler of a small principality was blessed by a Fakir by the name of Sheikh Burhan. As a result a boy was born to the childless Mokal Singh. He named his son Shekha in honour of the Fakir. Shekhawati literally means "Garden of Shekha." Its history is dotted with several strives with the Mughal Dynasty when Aurangzeb was the Mughal Emperor. After his death the chieftains of Shekhawati Region established themselves as the rulers. After the rule of Shekhawatis, Songara ruled the entire region of Thar Desert and some districts of North Rajasthan till Independence of India in 1947.
Geography of Shekhawati Region
Now geographically, Shekhawati Region consists of the modern day districts of Rajasthan and the districts of Haryana like Jhunjhunu District, Mewat District and Amarsar District. It is bounded by Jangladesh region located in the northeast by Haryana, on the east by Mewat region of Rajasthan, on the southeast by Dhundhar region of Rajasthan, on the south by Ajmer District, and on the southwest by the Marwar region of Jodhpur.
Culture of Shekhawati Region
Shekhawati Region is rich in culture and the traditions. People living in this region are mostly Hindus. People here used to speak Shekhawati dialect which is a branch of Rajasthani language. It is considered as the important dialect in Churu District, Jhunjhunu District, and Sikar district of Rajasthan. The people of Shekhawati Region celebrate the festivals like Shekhawati Festival, Gangaur Festival, Dussehra, Teej Festival, Holi and Maha Shivaratri.
Tourism in Shekhawati Region
Shekhawati Region is rich in history and its culture. The culture of this region lies in its architecture. The rulers of Shekhawati Region followed mostly Rajput style of architecture and post Mughal architecture. Some of the monuments in Shekhawati Region also follow colonial architectures. Some of the tourism attractions in Shekhawati Region are monuments in Princely State of Loharu (now in Haryana), Tosham Thikana (Bhiwani District, Haryana), Madhogarh Thikana (Mahendragarh district), Madhogarh Fort (Haryana), Khachariawa Thikana, Mandawa Fort (Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan), Dundlod Fort, Roop Niwas Kothi Palace, Mukundgarh Fort, Narain Niwas Castle, Alsisar Mahal, Dera Danta Kila, Castle Pachar, Arooka Castle, Surajgarh Fort, Bissau Fort, Tamkor Fort and Nua Fort.