The Marwari merchants of Shekhawati, who had ventured out to new emerging commercial centers of India, built these mansions. With the growing prosperity of Marwaris came the spirits of one-upmanship, and each sought to outdo the other with the lavishness of his haveli. As a result of the ensuing competition, Shekhawati, today, has gained worldwide fame as the open-air art gallery, having the largest concentration of frescos in the world.

Places to visit
Nawalgarh
It has finest frescoes and has dozens of exquisitely painted havelis. The Bala Qila fort have the finest frescoes painted predominantly in blues, maroon, yellow, green and red that adorn their walls and one can feel the influences of European paintings in the famous "Aath Haveli".

Mandawa
The oldest frescoes of Shekhawati are found here. The Mandawa Castle, now a heritage hotel has magnificent frescoes, which are well maintained. The havelis of rich merchants (Saraf, Chokhani and Ladia Havelis) are splendid examples of the art and architecture.

Jhunjhunu
Capital of Shekhawati region, was founded in 15th century by the "Kayamkhani Nawabs". The Tibdiwal, Modi, Khatri and Chhe havelis are very elegant in their artistic approach.

Mahensar
Small but one of the most rewarding town of Shekhawati region. "Sone-Chandi ki Haveli" (Haveli plated with gold and silver) has the finest of frescoes in Shekhawati region. Raghunath temple with its beautiful paintings is also worth a look.

Ramgarh
Havelis with exquisitely painted frescoes specially the Poddar and Ruia's havelis can be seen here. The scenes from the Ramayana are worth to notice. Marvelous Cenotaphs of poddar families with their delicately painted ceilings makes us have a feel of the rich architecture of historical times.