Khetri Travel Guide

If Rajasthan is endowed with the valorous mantle of India, Shekhawati is its colourful hub. Just as local lore is redolent of heroic deeds, Rajasthani painting displays decorative forms vividly composed in colourful schemes. Be it the forts, havelis, cenotaphs or temples, nowhere is such a profusion of frescoes to be found as in Shekhawati, sometimes known as the 'Open Air Art Gallery' of Rajasthan.

Many names on the Shekhawati circuit have attained the top end of the visitor's priorities. Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mandawa and Lachhmangarh are among these. Somewhat different in feel, just a few hours from Delhi beyond the Mahendergarh district of Haryana, lies the Shekhawati settlement of Khetri.

The Legends

Legends abound here. One of them relates to the medieval chieftain Mokal Singh of Barwara. Attributing the arrival of his heir to the benediction of a certain Sheikh Burhan, the child was named Shekha. When the young lad ascended the 'gaddi' or the throne with the exalted title of Rao Shekhaji, not many would have predicted his rule would last 43 years.