Fatehpur

Fatehpur is a town located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. It is a crowded little place known for its grand havelis, baoris and frescoes that were built by rich merchants who settled here. It was founded by the Muslim Nawabs in the year 1451, but was taken over by the Rajputs in the 18th century. During the reigns of Fateh Khan, a Muslim Nawab, the town served as an administrative capital while his son Jalalkhan founded another village to its south, which is called Jalalsar.

Fatehpur is located midway between Jaipur and Bikaner, on National Highway 11. Due to poor facilities for the tourist, it would be better to come here for a day trip only, from where you can go to Mandawa and Lakshmangarh.

Sights:
Haveli Nadine Prince:
The first name in the list of highlights of Fatehpur include Haveli Nadine, built in 1802 by the Devra family of traders. In 1999, it was purchased by a French artist named Nadine Le Prince, who successfully got the haveli back its former glory after a three year restoration process. Today it is more a cultural centre and artistic gallery than a mere mansion. The haveli features original wood carvings and gold work on the ceilings. There are also impressive rooms like a special winter room for couples which have steep steps for children.

The art gallery has exhibits of paintings by French artists and some beautiful creations by the Indian modern artists too. The traditional paintings of Rajasthan are showcased in the Saraswati Gallery, while the Tribal Art Gallery displays tribal art, such as Madhubani and Patachitra.

Chauhan Well:
To the south of Haveli Nadine Prince is located the Chauhan Well or Baoli, which was built by a Rajput wife of a Muslim nawab in the 18th century. The symmetrical element present in the courtyards, minarets and floral designs of the pavilions here is worth appreciating.

Jagannath Singhania Haveli:
Belonging to the Singhania family, an opulent merchant family of the area, Jagannath Singhani Haveli was built in the year 1855. Like other havelis, this one too was a status symbol, and not just a residence, for the family. There are thematic murals on its walls that have friezed the transitions in society of that time, like some paintings encapsulate the love of Krishna and Radha, while other paintings have portrayed Britishers with their guns and other arms.

Chaudharia Haveli:
Chaudharia Haveli, built in 1451, is located on the south of Mandawa Road in Sikar district. It is a worn out reflection of the Rajput period preserving their artistic skills in the form of murals and frescoes. With the passage of time, the exuberance of the colors have faded and with them have faded the legends of the Rajput era, but art lovers can still find the charm of yesteryears in its courtyards.

Harikrishnan Das Saraogi Haveli:
Das Saraogi Haveli too is an art-lover's delight. Built by an opulent merchant of the area, Harikrishnan Das, it is adorned with miniature paintings depicting Lord Krishna's tales, some scenes from artist's imagination and vibrantly hued frescoes. One can also see carved screens or jharokhas meant for the noble women to have a glimpse of the outside world. It also has a huge hall meant for welcoming guests.

Vishnunath Keria Haveli:
Close to the Harikrishnan Das Saraogi Haveli is located the Vishnunath Keria Haveli. Its courtyard walls are filled up with colorful paintings and floral motifs, representing the marvelous artwork of that era. In one of the paintings you can see Krishna and Radha on weird flying objects, one has an animal head on its front while other is in the shape of a vintage car, which seems to be straight out of the artist's imagination.

Sleeping & Eating:
Only few options are available for the tourist to enjoy a night stay at Fatehpur. On the Churu Bypass is located Hotel Ashirwad Palace, which is a little distant from the main town. You can also stay at the RTDC Hotel Haveli, which is located 500 m away from the bus stand on the Churu-Sikar road.

Getting There & Around:
From the Roadways Bus Station, you can catch a bus for Jaipur, Bikaner or Mandawa. From the private bus station on the Churu-Sikar road, buses leave at regular intervals for nearby destinations like Jhunjhunu, Mandawa, Churu and Sikar.