|
WHERE THERE WAS SAND AS FAR AS THE EYE COULD see the only vegetation that thrived was the wild acacias, where the summers were scorchingly hot and the winters severely cold; where the traders transported their precious merchandise by camel caravans to the sea ports of Gujarat; there in the kingdom of the Raja of Dundlod, in the region called Shekhawati, in Rajasthan, Seth Arjun Das Goenka built his house (haveli) in the year 1875 AD.
Discover UsThe name Rajasthan brings to mind the images of massive forts on the top of the Aravalli hills such as at Amber, Jodhpur, Kumbhalgarh, Chittorgarh; the magnificent palaces like those at Jaipur, Udaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bikaner; and the gorgeous temples such as Jag Mandir at Kotta, Jagadeesh Mandir at Udaipur, the temples at Ranakpur and Mount Abu. One is also reminded of the tall, sturdy men with big colourful turbans, twirling their moustaches and beautiful women in enchanting costumes. Also, very familiar is their love of music and dance that go with joyous celebrations of various fairs and festivals. We are talking about the state situated in the South West of Delhi, the Capital of India. The Thar desert runs through most of the western Rajasthan.
Find MoreIt was a rapid phenomenon around 1850-1900. These new-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 decoration for attraction and prestige.
Large inner courtyards were provided for the privacy of the women folk. They could carry out their daily chores more freely out of the sight of outsiders. Tall, metal fortified gates and a majestic frontage displaying large colourful murals became the norm. Today, over 20 towns in Shekhawati have these beautiful houses. Books have been written on them and tourists throng to see this "open art gallery" of Shekhawati.
Amongst those who went to Kolkata were the "Goenkas" who trace the origin of their name to an ancestor, Goyendas, by name. They were already well established in several Shekhawati towns as successful businessmen. In the 8th generation was Hunat Ram Goenka, well settled in Nawalgarh and who commanded great influence, socially and politically. The jealous local Raja could not tolerate this. So, Hunat Ram moved 8 kms away to neighbouring Dundlod. The Raja of Dundlod welcomed him with open arms knowing his entrepreneurial success and social graces. In time to come the Goenkas built magnificient havelis, dharamshalas (rest houses), a school, a hospital, wells, a temple and chhatries (cenotaphs). Dundlod became known as the "town of the Goenkas".
Read More
Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli was carefully constructed for efficient functionality and aestheticism. After much research, consultation, and review best men were hired to construct the haveli with water storage rooms, kitchens, a pooja room, copper urns, corners for grinding stones and churning butter, pulley-and-rope fans, water harvesting provisions, and special ladies' quarters (zenana) for privacy.
Know More View Gallery
The artefacts in the haveli reveal Seth Arjun Das Goenka’s likes for all things elegant and beautiful. The unique jhoola (swing) in the pooja room for baby Krishna, the ‘Sword of Honor’ from the Raja of Dundlod, four-wheeler rath, bullock carts, hukka, beautiful paintings, big jars, and books that talk about old Ayurveda were meticulously restored for the tourists to get an idea and glimpse of the traditional Rajasthani lifestyle.
View Gallery
The Chhatri of Ram Dutta Goenka was built in the year 1890 by the Goenka family in memory of their ancestors. The Chhatri (cenotaph) hosts wall paintings of Krishna-Lila, Mahabharat, and Vishnu Purana. The Chahatri of Shiv Baksha Goenka and Dharmashala was built in 1903 with Rs. 18,361, 8 Annas, and 2 Paise.
A magnificent and tall mandir that was built in 1911 by the Goenka family. It has the idol of Shri Satyanarain on a swing and daily pujas have been performed 5 times a day. The decorative domes, jharokhas (balconies), and the flight of steps at the entrance make it an exquisite and classic structure.
Umesh Kumar Mishra ( Care Taker )
+91 90013 73159
Monday to Saturday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Dundlod Fort Built in 1750 by Thakur Keshri Singh, it has a beautiful Durbar Hall in Mughal style furnished with Louis the 14th furniture. A well-stocked library has some original manuscripts. Presently it is run as a heritage hotel by the family, allowing guests to play polo, do horse riding and tent pegging, ect.,
Shri Satyanarain Mandir Was constructed in 1911 by the Goenka family, a maganificent tall construction. It has the idol of Shri Satyanarain on a swing.
Chhatri of Ram Dutta Goenka Was built in 1890 by the Goenka family. There are well paintings based on Krishna-Lila, the Mahabharat and Vishnu Purana.
Shiv Baksha Goenka Chhatri and Dharamashala Was built in 1903. The construction took four years and two months and cost was Rs. 18,361, Annas and 8 and 2 Paise.
Nawalgarhia WellWas built for the convenience of Dundlod inhabitants. Like most Shekhawati wells it has the popular 4 minarets.
