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"Rajasthan Open-Air Gallery"

Here in the quiet,unhurried semi-desert bordered by Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner, lies the homelands of the Marwari merchant families of Shekhawati. From the 16th to the early 20th century, these men - amassing vast business fortunes in the great Indian cities-poured their wealth into the creation of what has rightly been dubbed, 'Rajasthan Open-Air Gallery'.

Great palaces and villas, or 'havelis' as they are known,temples, wells and monuments were built as a symbol of wealth and pride; and each of them further enriched with remarkable painted decoration that literally cover every surface in glorious, multicoloured display. Scenes typically include the ruling families, elephant fights, images of the gods and, as the centuries progressed, symbols of the British era and the daring twentieth century, English officers and soldiers, trains, cars, paddle-steamers and aeroplanes. Elephants flowing arabesques in red, green and blue cover whole facades with dazzling brilliance.