Overview

Mandawa is a historic town located in the heart of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, celebrated for its richly painted havelis, grand architecture, and deep-rooted merchant heritage. Once a flourishing stop on the Silk Route, Mandawa was home to wealthy Marwari traders who built lavish mansions adorned with frescoes, mirror work, and intricate carvings to showcase their prosperity and patronage of the arts.

Founded in the 18th century, Mandawa was established as a trading outpost and fortified settlement by Thakur Nawal Singh. Over time, it developed into a cultural gem, with nearly every street showcasing walls painted with mythological scenes, royal portraits, British influences, and local life.