Jhunjhunu, is the cultural capital of the region known as Shekhawati and has a rich history as it played an important role in Shekhawati politics. If local legends are to be trusted, the history of this place goes back to the Pandavas (from the epic Mahabharata) who, while wandering, had spent some time here.
In 1450 AD Muhammed Khan and his nephew Fateh Khan sought a future in the lands ruled by the Jorh Rajputs. Muhammed Khan conquered Jhunjhunu and Fateh Khan founded Fatehpur in 1451 AD Shaws Khan, son of Muhammed Khan, was the first Nawab of Jhunjhunu.
After the fall of the Sayyad brothers, Nawab Fazil Khan and Rohilla Khan reclaimed Jhunjhunu and their areas were returned to them.
Rao Shekhaji was the founder of the Shekhawati branch of the Kachhawahs. Shekhawati or ‘Shekha’s Garden’ is named after him. His descendants ruled his small kingdom as vassals of the Maharajas of Jaipur, until India’s independence in 1947.
The town of Jhunjhunu district has some splendidly painted havelies. Some of these are those of Narsingh Das Tibrewala, Ishwar Das Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitans.
PLACES TO SEE
THE TEMPLE OF RANI SATI
This was initially a small temple, built by Dewan in memory of his daughter-in-law Naraini Devi. However, over the years, the temple has grown into a magnificent structure that spreads over a large area.
Other places of interest include Samas Talab, Nawab Rohilla Khan’s Makbara, Moda Pahar, Sunrise Point, Khetri Mahal (a palace of wind), Sri Ram Jait Ram Tibrewal Haveli, Badalgarh, Kamruddin Shah ki Dargah, Mertani Baori, Nawab Samas’ Makbara Khan, Mazaar of Captain Henry Forester’s son, Cenotaphs of Shekhawati rulers, Jorawar Garh, Bihari Ji Temple, Ajeet Sagar, Laxminath Temple, Six Havelis of Tibrewala, Mansha Mata and Badru ki Johri, Khetan Haveli, Khetan Baori (Step Well ), Bala Bux Tulshan Haveli, Captain Henry Forester Gate, Radhakrishna Temple, Jama Masjid, Leather Work and Scissors Market (Phootla Market).
Some Side Excursions
EXCURSIONS
MANDAWA (25 Kms.) Mandawa has an imposing and impressive fort, which has now been converted into a hotel. The Mandawa Castle terrace overlooks a beautiful view of the city. Havelis worth visiting are Ladia, Goenka, Saraf and Chokhani.
ALSISAR (27 Kms.) AND MALSISAR (32 Kms.) These two towns, located at the northern end of Shekhawati, were founded in the late and mid-18th century, respectively. The Alsisar and Malsisar forts as well as the Jhunjhunwala temples and havelis are magnificent. The fresco style here and its vivid color combinations are a treat for the eyes. In addition to these painted havelis, wells and reservoirs with traditional ornate architecture are worth seeing in both towns.
CHURl AJITGARH (32 Kms.) This town is known for various erotic frescoes painted behind doors, bedroom ceilings and on the walls. Considering the social constraints of the time, these seem to be the result of a very particular and special effort. Some examples of fresco frescoes are evident in Shiv Datt Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli, Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Kothi and Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak.
DUNOLOO (32 Kms.) This small town is located in the heart of the Shekhawati region. The fort built here dates back to 1750 AD. The steps lead up to the Dewan Khana decorated with portraits, tapestries and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits made in the European style. This fort is now a hotel. The Goenka Havelis and other Havelis are adorned with beautiful frescoes.
BAGGAR (14Kms.) Founded in the 15th century by the Nagar Pathans, Baggar is well known for the Rungtas and Piramal Makharia havelis. It is strategically located at a crossroads. Built by the Ojha family, Baggar also has a large reservoir.
BISSAU (40 Kms.) This picturesque city has beautiful havens including Tibrewala Haveli, Khemkha Haveli, Sigatia Haveli, Singhania Haveli, Poddar Haveli, Kanodia Haveli and Fatehpuria Haveli. Other places to see are the Raj Ki Chhatri (a cenotaph) of the Thakurs.
CHIRAWA (30 Kms.) Chirawa was a popular trading town among Jhunjhunu and Loharu. The Dalmias and Kakranias grew rich from trade and built extensive havens here. Other shelters worth seeing here are Nemani Haveli, Manohar Lal Vardh Haveli, Rai Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Kakramia Well and Shekhsaria Well.
KAJRA(48 Kms.) The 19th century havelis of the Kajaria family are monuments worth seeing here.
KHETRI (70 Kms.) Khetri is known for the paintings that adorn the Raghunath Temple and Bhopalgarh Fort and was the second richest Thikana under Jaipur. Sites not to be missed are Rama Krishna Mission, Hari Singh Temple, Panna Lal ka Talab and Sukh Mahal. From here you can go further to Bagore Fort, Ajeet Sagar and Rameshwar Das Baba ka Ashram.
LOHARGAL (70 Kms.) On the slopes of the Aravallis, is the sacred sanctuary of Lohargal. A perennial stream descends from the hills to fall into the Suraj Kund. The water from the Suraj Kund is said to possess healing qualities. Bhim Kund, Chetan Das Baori, Gyan Baori and the temples are worth visiting.
MEHANSAR (45 Kms.)
This 18th century town boasts of five havelies including the Sone-Chandi ki Sal and Business shops built by the Poddars. The work ‘Meenakari’, floral and tree motifs, bird figures as well as golden ceilings and walls, leave the viewer speechless. The Raghunath Temple is an added attraction.
MUKUNDGARH (26 Kms.) Has some mosques and many temples. The iron scissors, textiles and brassware made here are of very good quality. Fine frescoes can be seen at Kanoria, Ganeriwala, Murarka and Saraf Havelies. The Shiv temple, Gopinath temple and Venugopal temple are also worth visiting.
NAWALGARH (40 Kms.) This city, located southwest of Jhunjhunu, has some of the best frescoes in the Shekhawati region. The havelis’ worth seeing are the complexes Aath (eight) Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, Anandilal Poddar Haveli and Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Dangaic Haveli.
PARASRAMPURA (56 Kms.) Parasrampura is a short distance from Nawalgarh. Some of the earliest frescoes, around 1750 AD, are painted inside a temple and on the dome of the Chhatri dedicated to Shardul Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekhaji. Close to cities like Chirana, it offers great shelters and fortresses to delight the eye.
PILANI (45 Kms.) Once a small town, this town became famous as the home of the prosperous Birlas, one of India’s leading industrialists. Inside the Birla Haveli, you can see a small traditional museum. The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), the Museum, Panchwati, Saraswati temple and Shivganga.
