There was a rapid phenomenon around 1850-1900 in Shekhawati region. Many rich merchants wanted to show off their affluence. Building a fort or palace would have been considered an affront of prestige with the local Rajas. So they built huge houses with several rooms and lavished the construction with maximum of decoration for attraction and prestige.
The Goenka Haveli in Dundload
The Goenka Haveli in Dundload
The Goenka Haveli is built by Seth Arjun Das Goenka in the year 1875 AD. The Goenka Haveli HAS 20 rooms, spread on first and second floors in a square courtyard for their living.
The outer courtyard had ample space for offices on the left hand side and on the right hand side rooms for guests. Adjacent to the Haveli, a garden was maintained to be as self-sufficient as possible to supply flowers, seasonal vegetables and milk.
Finishing Touches – Commanded Special Attention
The finishing touches to the haveli commanded his special attention. The best artists and craftsmen available were hired for their services.
- Carved stone pillars in sand stone, have been used in both courtyards. Other than their beautiful visual appeal they lend an air of temple-like sanctity. Stone carving was also used to advantage above the doors and windows.
The floral and geometrical designs blend beautifully with the architecture. Painting the front walls of a haveli had become fashionable by then. Bright and eye catching vegetable dyes were used that did not wash away in the rains.
Pooja Room
A unique piece in the Pooja room is a jhoola (swing), beautifully carved in wood and painted in shimmering shades of gold, bright yellows and sindhoori reds. Baby Krishna was made to sit in it and sweet songs sung in His praise.
Quick View on Dundlod
A cluster of forts, havelis, and baolis-these words best introduce Dundlod, a small village situated in the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.
There is a fort in Dundlod called “Dundlod fort” which beautifully blends the Rajput and Mughal Art and architecture with portraits, hangings and periods furniture. This fort is now became a heritage hotel. Other attractions in Dundlod include the Jagathia Haveli and Satyanarayan Temple.
If you planning a tour to rajasthan, you can look here at some of the Rajasthan Tour Packages.
It is a prosperous town and much of the affluent business clan of modern India trace their origin to Nawalgarh.
