Sikar Lies In Shekhawati Region

Sikar is one of the three district which come under Shekhawati, the land of murals. The region belonged to the Shekhawat thakurs (chieftains), descendents of the enterprising Rao Shekha who founded this principality sometime in the 15th century (see History of Shekhawati for more). After a series of ups and downs, Sikar, the largest thikana (feudatory state) under the Jaipur State, passed on to the hands of the Shekhawat Rajput Daulat Singh in 1687AD. The man laid some good plans for the capital's buildup which were later realized by his son, Sheo Singh. Sheo earnestly started on a building spree in 1724AD and changed the whole face of the town.
This is generally taken to be the foundation day of Sikar, although something of the place existed from much before. Sheo Singh built the palace, the fort and the first town walls. In this he was supported by Sardul Singh, another Shekhawat Rajput who evicted the Mughal nawab (governor) of Jhunjhunu and took his place. After some time, Sheo and Sardul got together and evicted the nawab of Fatehpur, Sardar Khan. A later ruler of Sikar, Devi Singh, further enlarged the town by building the fort of Deogarh (8km southeast of the town) in the 1780s. and Sikar was on its way to glory, eventually becoming one of the most important towns in the Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan called Shekhawati.

Shekhawati Festival
Shekhawati a region comprising of three districts in Rajasthan namely Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu is situated north west of Jaipur at a distance of 132 KMS and south west of Delhi at about 190 KMS is now known as one of the largest OPEN AIR ART GALLERY in the world. FRESCOES on every wall of over 5,000 havelis, also offers a unique essence of the countryside, its people, food, dance music and livelihood activities in agriculture, animal husbandry and cottage industries. Starting from 1996, for five consecutive years this event has been organized in joint collaboration with Directorate Of Tourism, Art & Culture and District Administrations Of Jhunjhunu, Sikar & Churu in February every year.

The event offers a unique essence of Shekhawati all encapsuled in a six days extravaganza for visiting tourists.

Farm And Eco Tourism In Shekhawati
Taking a lead from Mr. Purshottam Agarwal (IAS and former Director Of Agriculture) and Dr. Lalit Pawar (IAS and Secretary Tourism) The foundation initiated an experiment for promotion of rural tourism in Shekhawati. A visit to a village of this region gives the tourist a real flavour and a closer look of country life. Warm open hospitality is a tradition of the people with their rich food, graceful folk dance, puppet shows, feet tapping music, colourful dresses, camel safaris, agricultural advances, animal-husbandry practices, varied cottage industries and of course the frescoes. No wonder Shekhawati already famous for its frescoes is fast becoming a rural tourism destination too.
Documentation, Preservation And Promotion Of Cultural Heritage In Shekhawati
In collaboration with KALAKRITI (Architectural Firm) and AYAM (Ethnic Art promotion Group), for three years haveli competitions have been held to promote awareness about this heritage. Now a turnkey package has also been developed for providing professional guidance for documentation, conservation and restoration of haveli's. First assignment for morarka haveli at Nawalgarh is in progress. The research work for documentation awarded by Ministry Of Art & Culture, Government Of India, to develop complete restoration and conservation package for Shekhawati haveli's has been completed. The report has also been released during Shekhawati festival 2000 by Dr. Chandra Bhan, Hon'able Minister for Energy, Government Of Rajasthan. For the implementation of an intervention The Foundation restricts its role to that of a catalyst, coordinator and facilitator, encouraging necessary participation of the rural community.