Urgent Measures Required for the Preservation of Shekhawati Havelis: Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister
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Synopsis
Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari stresses the urgent need for conservation of Shekhawati's historic mansions during a high-level meeting. Immediate measures for digitisation and preservation efforts are directed to ensure the region's architectural heritage is safeguarded.
Key Takeaways
- Emphasis on immediate conservation actions.
- Survey and digitisation of heritage structures.
- Updating of heritage conservation bylaws.
- On-site studies with experts in heritage restoration.
- Strategic plan aimed at cultural tourism and economic growth.
Jaipur, April 3 (NationPress) During a significant meeting convened at the secretariat on Thursday, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari underscored the critical need for the conservation of the historic mansions located in the Shekhawati region.
The meeting saw the participation of high-ranking officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Department of Autonomous Government, Principal Secretary of Urban Development, Secretary of Tourism, and district collectors from Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to initiate immediate actions for the preservation and digitisation of the Shekhawati Havelis.
She instructed district collectors to conduct a thorough survey of these heritage structures with the assistance of patwaris and to create a digital database.
Emphasising the necessity for a comprehensive heritage conservation framework, she called for the updating of the heritage conservation bylaws where needed to facilitate large-scale preservation initiatives.
For the conservation efforts of Havelis in Ramgarh (Sikar district), the Deputy Chief Minister tasked the Sikar Collector with performing an on-site analysis alongside heritage restoration experts.
The outcomes from Ramgarh will act as a prototype for the conservation of other historic mansions in Shekhawati, ensuring a systematic, phase-wise approach to preservation throughout the region.
By developing a strategic conservation plan, the government aims to rejuvenate Shekhawati’s architectural heritage, draw in cultural tourism, and promote sustainable economic growth in the area.
The Shekhawati region in Rajasthan is famously referred to as the “open-air art gallery of Rajasthan,” known for its beautifully painted havelis, majestic forts, and lively markets that exhibit the wealth of Marwari merchants.
Constructed by affluent merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries, these havelis are a testament to both wealth and craftsmanship. Their exteriors and interiors are richly decorated with vibrant fresco paintings, often illustrating scenes from daily life, mythology, and historical narratives.
The architectural and artistic details were significantly influenced by Mughal ornamentation and the traditions of the Rajputana courts.
The themes depicted in these paintings evolved over time, mirroring the changing environment and experiences of the Marwari merchants, including portrayals of industrialisation, European culture, and the British monarchy.
