The Marwari Circuit of the Shekhawati Region in India's Rajasthan

[India Tours]

Geographically, Rajasthan comprises of two distinct regions divided by the Aravalli range running northeast to southwest, emerging from Delhi. Marwar, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are situated in the western parts which are marked by aridity of shifting sand hills, the major portion of the Thar Desert. The other side of the Aravalli range is blessed with dense forests and fertile irrigated valleys which are inhabited by historic cities like Udaipur and Jaipur.

The word Marwar is considered to be originated from Sanskrit word Maruwat, the meaning of maru being 'desert'. Marwaris are the people who originally belonged to the western desert region of Rajasthan, areas in and around Jodhpur, Pali and Nagaur and other adjoining areas; most Marwari merchants are actually from Shekhawati, i.e., from the northern part of Rajasthan. Shekhawati region is adjacent to Haryana, the original home of the Agrawals who form the bulk of Marwari business community.

Marwaris are predominantly Hindu, but there are also a large number of Jains. However, regardless of their religious identity, Marwaris often share matrimonial relations and traditional rituals together. Both these communities are seen celebrating their proud Marwari tradition. Vaishya, the trading and commerce community, is the most famous caste among Marwaris, who are famous for their trading & business acumen. Originating from the Thar Desert region of Marwar, the Marwaris have over the centuries learnt to cope with various scarcities, conservation and multiplication of precious resources and to convert adversities into opportunities. As opposed to the legendary fighter Rajput community of Rajasthan, the Marwaris are soft-spoken, mild-mannered and peaceful. They are mostly vegetarian. Traditionally, the Marwaris live together in a Joint Family.

The age old ancestral homes of Marwaris in the Shekhawati Region, known as Havelis, boast of a distinctive Art Form, typical to Rajasthan.

The Shekhawati Region known for its painted Havelis (mansions of the rich) includes the districts of Sikar and Jhunjhunu, apart from Churu district of Rajasthan. Mewar is the most likable tourist circuit of Rajasthan & tourist from all over world wish to join Rajasthan tourism for Mewar Circuit .The important sites, worth visiting from a tourism point of view are -

• Sikar, Sikar Fort and its clock tower, the Jubilee Hall and the numerous Havelis
• Jhunjhunu, Khetri Mahal, various Havelis and the Rani Sati Temple
• Churu - the Fort and various Havelis
• Tal Chapar Sanctuary, famous for black bucks
• Alsisar Fort and Havelis
• Baggar - its Havelis dating back to the 15^th century
• Bissau - this 18^th century town has a fort and some interesting Havelis
• Chirana - known for its Havelis and the fort
• Chirawa - an ancient trading town with two fine Havelis of Dalmias and Kakraniyas
• Dundlodh - A fine fort and some beautiful Havelis, especially the Goenka Haveli is lovely
• Fatehpur - Some of the finest Havelis in the entire Shekhawati region are in this town, founded in 15^th century. The Singhania and Devra Havelis both have magnificent frescoes. The Jalan and Bhartiya Havelis are worth a visit. For tourists interested in shopping, the local Tie-and-dye fabrics are a delight.
• Lachhmangarh Sikar, resembling planned Jaipur, was founded in early 19^th century by Raja Lachhman Singh. The fort and some Havelis are worth visiting.
• Lohargal - it is believed that Mahabharata hero Bhim had his mace (gada) cast here. Over the centuries, this place is famous for its iron smelting. It is a place of Hindu pilgrimage.
• Mahansar - The Sona-Chandi-ki-Haveli is worth visiting, where one of the rooms is painted in gold. A temple dedicated to Lord Raghunath is located in this 18^th century town.
• Udaipurwati, where the confederation of Shekhawats used to congregate in times past, especially during times of danger, or an emergency.