Lakshmangarh

Treasuring the grandeur and the priceless artistic passion of the past is the town of Laxmangarh, situated at a distance of 20 km to the south of Fatehpur. It was founded in the 19th century by Raja Lakshman Singh of Sikar. The main attractions of the town are its fort and the havelis, especially the Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli and the Rathi Family Haveli.

Sights:
Lakshmangarh Fort:
Built by the King of Sikar, Lakshman Singh, the place is named after him and the main fort (garh) which is situated at its centre. The imposing fort, facing the miniature residential complexes on its west, is the identity of Laxmangarh. The fort was later besieged by Kan Singh Saledhi. Climb up to the heights of the daunting fort to stare at the vistas of the township that look so small in front of this man-made structure.

Char Chowk Haveli:
Situated close to the fort is the Char Chowk Haveli, the walls and entrance gates of which are completely filled up with colorful Shekhawati paintings. On the facade itself are gigantic images that have faded with the dust of time. The inner chambers are decorated with mirror work and scenes from Krishna legends. The inner courtyards and passageways of the haveli are well preserved but due to bad lighting it would be difficult to appreciate their actual worth.

Radhi Murlimanohar Temple:
The Radhi Murlimanohar Temple is situated 50 to the east of the Char Chowk Haveli. It is devoted to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The temple was built in 1845 and has some paintings of Hindu deities on its external walls.

Chetram Sanganeeria Haveli:
At a walking distance from the temple, to its south, lies the Chetram Sanganeeria Haveli. The paintings on the worn out walls of this haveli showcase scenes from a local fair, like a woman on a swing, people enjoying rides and a man balancing knives.

Rathi Family Haveli:
Located near the clock tower square is the Rathi Family Haveli which has paintings influenced by the European culture. These paintings have got most of their inspiration from the lifestyles of the Britishers that was seen in the pre-independent India. One of the paintings here shows a pretty European woman in a long frock, sewing on a treadle machine. Another wall has a painted scene of some British soldiers standing on a railway station.

Bazaar:
A bustling 19th century bazaar or market is situated in Lakshmangarh, which was established by a rich Poddar family called Ganneriwala, belonging to the Ganeri village. It is a north-south oriented bazaar, located to the south of Radhi Murlimanohar temple and 50 m to the north of the bus station. A series of uniform shops are lines up here with balconies and arches having latticework.

Getting There & Away:
Regular bus service is available from the Private Bus Station for other Shekhawati towns like Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu and Sikar.

Getting Around:
Jeeps and taxis are the best means to travel around the town. You can also hire a bicycle from a shop near the Murlimanohar Temple.