Mandawa

Mandawa is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is situated 190 km off Jaipur in the north. The town lies between latitude 28°.06’ in the north and longitude 75°.20’ in the east. Mandawa is known for its fort and havelis. The fort town of Mandawa is well connected with the other places in region through a good network of roads.

History

Mandu Jat founded Mandawa village. He first established a dhani (helmet) and dug a well here, which was completed on savan badi 5 samvat 1797 (1740 AD) (source – Shekhawati Bodh, Mandawa special issue, July 2005). Initially this place was known as ‘Mandu ki dhani’, ‘Mandu ka bas’ or ‘Manduwas’ which chanded to ‘Manduwa’, ‘Mandwa’ and finally ‘Mandawa’.

Mandawa fort

The fort of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Nawal Singh son of Shardul Singh founded the fort in vikram samvat 1812 (1755 AD). The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some examples of this region's fresco painted havelis.

Havelis

The Bansidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images.

Reference

Shekhawati Bodh, A monthly magazine of Shekhawati region, Mandawa special issue, July 2005

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