History Mandawa Haveli in Shekhawati

The painted Walls of Shekhawati by Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg inadvertently gave birth to a tourism fantasy coming true. Old havelis (mansions) were turned into hotels in Rajasthan. Dominique Lapierre having reaped in the success of his book Freedom at Midnight, wanted to treat his French publisher and co-writer to a unique holiday. Having learnt of the Shekhawati region from Aman’s book, he requested Randhir Singh Mandawa for a private lunch at his ancestral haveli. Randhir, keeping true to Rajput hospitality, made it special for them. There was the regal paraphernalia of traditional welcome by a procession of chariots, camel carts, horses, ‘dhap’ music and dance.

The guest went back home and wrote about the novel experience they had had. Nouvelle Frontiers, one of the biggest tour operators in France at that point, picked up the idea and a new trend was born. Randhir asked his grandparents for their blessings. They were, according to him, apprehensive about the fact that one from the family will ever want to go back to Mandawa. This idea came as godsend for them and they started with six rooms being let out at the Mandawa Haveli. It has grown to 85 rooms now and the haveli still maintains its charm. Every bit of the original interiors was used; they even kept the family colours – red and orange, playing with them their binding factors.

Apart from the mystical magic and romance, which pulsates through Mandawa, the place also speaks of a bygone era in all its quaintness. Driving into Mandawa is a typical experience, which runs common to any place in the Shekhawati region. It’s like being in Venice without the canals. The streets are in themselves works of art; you rub shoulders with history and despite the rude intrusion of urbanity, the streets have a feel that reconfirms continuity of old tradition – it is refreshing and invigorating.