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Shekhawati havelis of Rajasthan have made a great leap forward towards potential heritage recognition at the international level through being listed on the UNESCO Tentative List. Characterized by colorful façade, ornate frescoes, extensive courtyards, and grand architecture, these historic mansions offer visual documentation of the lifestyle of northeastern Rajasthan. This includes historic properties located in 14 towns such as Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, and Churu. Although inclusion on this list does not mean that the Shekhawati havelis are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their heritage value is now subject to greater international attention.
Which Shekhawati Towns Are Included?
In the proposal, heritage sites including historic havelis are included from 14 towns,
- Alsisar
- Bissau
- Chirawa
- Churu
- Dundlod
- Fatehpur
- Jhunjhunu
- Khetri
- Laxmangarh
- Mandawa
- Mahansar
- Nawalgarh
- Ramgarh
- Sikar
Why Are Shekhawati Havelis Famous?
What makes the Shekhawati havelis unique is their fresco paintings. Wall, ceiling, and façade paintings tell stories of religion, mythology, wildlife, portraits, and the local way of life.
The frescoes also help to trace social transformation taking place in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with depictions of innovations in transportation, lifestyle and foreign influences.
Many havelis of Shekhawati are constructed by wealthy mercantile families and include elaborate entrances, courtyards, and lavish interiors.
What Does Tentative Listing by UNESCO Mean?
Tentative listing of the Shekhawati havelis does not mean that they are already on the World Heritage List.
Tentative listing is just one of the important preliminary stages before a country can propose a heritage site as the World Heritage Site to UNESCO.
Thus, further work and evaluation should be done to include the site in the World Heritage List.
Therefore, for Shekhawati, this listing might encourage more efforts to protect its historical buildings and to restore them in their authentic state.
How Would It Help Increase Tourism to Rajasthan?
The UNESCO inclusion would make for a boost to heritage tourism in Rajasthan, especially the cities of Mandawa, Nawalgarh and Fatehpur that already attract tourists owing to their heritage houses and historical streets.
Increased global visibility would help those involved with tourism in the area in terms of guides, artists, handicrafts producers and hotels.
While Rajasthan is famous globally for its forts and palaces, Shekhawati provides something different, an architectural landscape wherein the walls and facades speak volumes about the merchants, culture and changing times in the area.
The Importance of Inclusion by UNESCO
The deputy chief minister of Rajasthan, Diya Kumari, welcomed the news and stated how it was a significant achievement for the state. This will help preserve the architectural heritage of Shekhawati and make it visible to a larger section of the world.
There is more to this inclusion than just tourism. Conserving the havelis will help preserve not only the artwork and architecture but also social and cultural history of Rajasthan.
