Nawalgarh, Shekhawati

(2010)

 

Nawalgarh is a small town in Jhunjhunu District of North Rajasthan. A true blue specimen of the Shekhawati region, Nawalgarh is famous for its frecoed grand Havelis bearing testament to the oppulence and affluence of the Marwari merchants. Up until the mid 19th century, the rulers and barons commissioned the construction of grand structures such as fortresses, palaces, temples, cenotaphs, etc. The great era of painted havelis and temples started in the mid 19th century and carried on till the mid 20th century, as the Marwari Merchants became the greatest patrons of the fresco art to express their rising status. This affluence was due to subsequent historical and social developments which sealed Nawalgarh’s crucial domain on several caravan trade routes.

The palatial mansions of the merchants displayed a unique architectural style which evolved around the courtyard thus ensuring safety from the long and harsh summers. The earlier paintings from 1830 AD to 1900 AD were largely based on the mythological themes depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life. In order to meet the changing taste and in keeping with the arrival of European prints and art objects the painters created acres of wall paintings covering every conceivable subject- from religious works to erotic texts, from court scenes to street scenes and scenes of religious festivities to circus and tamasha. No wonder then, that a native called the fresco paintings in Nawalgarh a form of “local-television”. Now cars replaced elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with the naturalism of western paintings to produce interesting hybrids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shri Jairamdas Morarka commissioned the construction of Morarka Haveli in 1900 AD. The Haveli is since considered a landmark in Nawalgarh and showcases the fine examples of art and architecture. Shri Kamal Morarka, has not only restored and conserved his ancestral heritage but has also opened its doors as a Museum for all to understand and imbibe the values and expressions of an era largely unseen in printed memory.

 

Furthermore, Shri Kamal Morarka has created a functional platform for experts to continuously work on the field and devise effective conservation strategies, in order to periodically organize workshops for spreading awareness and also most importantly to instill a feeling of pride in the region’s multi-faceted heritage. It is for this purpose that Morarka Foundation and its Director, Shri Mukesh Gupta entrusted Tadaamyaham to undertake the production of a Documentary Film and Coffee Table Book. The Film was screened at the Shekhawati Festival in nawalgarh, and has since garnered the active interest of International Tourists as an important information resource on Shekhwati and its painted heritage.