Parsurampur

Parsurampura, a place 20 km from Nawalgarh, has some of the oldest and the best preserved paintings of the Shekhawati region. The main attraction of the village are Shamji Sharaf Haveli, Chhatri of Thakur Sardar Singh and the Gopinathji Mandir.

Sights:
Shamji Sharaf Haveli:
Close to the bus stand, in the small Parsurampura village, dusty and broken roads will lead you to the 18th century haveli which has appreciable exhibits of Shekhawati frescoes and motifs that have some of the best portrayals of routine lives and ceremonies that shows people engaged in various activities. It is astonishing to see Europeans sharing the space on the haveli walls alongwith Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

This colorful haveli has wooden door leading to open courtyards. Here you are welcomed by painting which depicts a European woman carrying a parasol alongwith a smile, an elderly woman getting her hair done and another one busily engaged in spinning. There are also some of the very unique portraits of Hindu deities including Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu. Goddess Saraswati is shown riding a peacock.

Chhatri of Thakur Sardul Singh:
Another 18th century edifice is the Chhatri of Thakur Sardul Singh, which too features detailed frescoes adorning bright colors and showcasing scenes from the mythological episodes, which look natural and lively. Most of the paintings on its walls represent the life of Thakur Sardul Singh and his sons and Dhola-Maru's love story. To visit the cenotaph, one needs to take prior permission from its caretaker, Sri Banwari Lal, who is a Brahman priest. He is the one who maintains the pretty flower beds that adorn the complex surrounding the Chhatri.

Gopinathji Mandir:
Gopinath Mandir was built by Thakur Sardul Singh in 1742. The paintings decorating this temple were a creation of the same artist who had exhibited his immaculate piece of work in Thakur Sardul Singh's Chhattri. Legend has it that one of the five sons of thakur had lacerated the artist's hands to preserve the exclusivity of his work in his father's chhattri. But the artist's unstirred determination led him to complete his paintings with his feet.

Getting There & Away:
From Nawalgarh, you can catch a bus to Parsurampura, which will take approximately an hour.