Shekhawati Fresco Haveli Paintings

Shekhawati, the semi-arid region of Rajasthan encompassing Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu districts, contains the world's largest concentration of frescoed outdoor walls — over 1,000 painted havelis built by Marwari merchant families in the 18th and 19th centuries. The frescoes (called chiteras work) depict mythological scenes, royal processions, trains, motor cars, aeroplanes (incorporating new technology as it arrived), and European portraits — all rendered in brilliant mineral pigments on wet lime plaster in a technique adapted from Italian buon fresco. The distinctive Shekhawati palette uses lapis blue, red ochre, and yellow ochre. A handful of master chiteras families still practise the tradition. The Archaeological Survey of India and heritage trusts work to conserve the frescoed havelis. Nawalgarh is considered the open-air gallery centre.