In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis.
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Founded in the 18th century, the town of Mandawa was basically inhabited by rich merchant families. The historic and heritage charm and amazing mansions (havelis) every year attract an amazing number of tourists from all around the world.
HISTORY
Maharao Shardul Singh Ji of Jhunjhunu gave this area to his Son Thakur Nawal Singh, who also founded Nawalgarh. Thakur Nawal Singh built the fort at Mandawa in 1755AD. Today, Mandawa is carrying a legacy full of Heritage full of Rajput Art. Any trip to Shekhawati region minus Mandawa is an incomplete one.
The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in 18th century by the dominant merchant families of the region. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade and today they are some of the major attractions for the tourists visiting Rajasthan.
In the princely era Late Ustad Mehdi Hassan’s forefathers were the court singers of Mandawa Thikana. Ustad Mehdi Hassan spent his childhood in the village Luna of Jhunjhunu district and he gave his first performance in the court of Mandawa Thakur Saheb in his childhood.
MANDAWA FORT
Mandawa Fort provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, no two rooms are alike in the palace here. In the janana or women's quarters, one room offers antique murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of walls that are seven feet thick. Looking out from the window of the turret room, it is easy to imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely here. Little wonder then that the family crest contains the motto, 'Veer Bhogya Vasundhara', which translates into 'the brave shall inherit the earth'.
The interiors of Mandawa Fort are influenced from Sheesh Mahal of Amber Fort, as there is lost of mirror work in the walls and the ceiling. The Durbar Hall is a grand portion of the Fort.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MANDAWA
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Like most of the other places in north India, Mandawa too has an extreme climate. The summers can be very hot with the mercury touching 40.5°C, whereas winters can be chilly and the temperature can fall below 10°C. The best season to visit this place is winter i.e. October to March. The annual rainfall is between 45 to 60 cm. Recommended clothing is light tropical for summer and light woolen for winter.
LOCATION
Mandawa is situated in the north Indian state of Rajasthan around 190 km off Jaipur, the capital of the state. The town lies between latitude 28.06° in the north and longitude 75.20° in the east. The fort town of Mandawa is well connected with the other places in region through a good network of roads.
HOW TO REACH MANDAWA
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