NEW DELHI — An exhibition that opened on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the National Museum showcases the art, architecture and history of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region. Organized by a consortium of heritage bodies, the display aims to present the area’s 18th‑century fresco tradition and its influence on contemporary cultural identity.
Historical backdrop
Shekhawati, a semi‑arid belt spanning the districts of Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu, emerged in the early 1700s as a network of princely estates ruled by the Shekhawat clan. Wealth generated by trade routes linking Delhi and the western ports funded the construction of elaborate havelis, whose walls were painted with mythological, courtly and everyday scenes. Over time, the region’s frescoes became a distinctive visual record of Rajasthan’s social fabric.
Exhibition highlights
The show features more than 150 artefacts, including original fresco fragments, scaled models of havelis, period photographs and contemporary paintings inspired by the traditional motifs. Interactive stations allow visitors to explore the pigments and techniques used by 19th‑century artisans. A series of short films documents ongoing restoration projects in villages such as Mandawa and Nawalgarh, where local NGOs collaborate with the Archaeological Survey of India.
Curatorial perspective
According to the exhibition’s curatorial team, the intent is to situate Shekhawati’s visual culture within broader narratives of Indian heritage conservation. The organisers stress that the region’s murals, long overlooked by mainstream scholarship, illustrate a synthesis of Rajput, Mughal and European artistic influences. The display also highlights recent efforts to train young craftsmen in traditional fresco techniques, a move intended to sustain the skill set for future generations.
Public response
Visitors on the opening day included scholars, tourists and local residents. Museum officials reported steady footfall, noting that school groups have been scheduled for guided tours throughout the exhibition’s run. Feedback collected at the exit indicated strong interest in the region’s lesser‑known history and a desire for more programmes that connect heritage sites with community livelihoods.
Preservation implications
Heritage experts say the exhibition underscores the need for systematic documentation of Shekhawati’s murals, many of which are deteriorating due to environmental exposure and neglect. The show coincides with a government‑led heritage audit announced earlier this year, which aims to allocate funds for structural stabilization of at‑risk havelis. By bringing the region’s artistic achievements to a national audience, the exhibition seeks to galvanise support for policy measures that protect fragile cultural assets.
