Jaipur: Iconic Shekhawati havelis have moved a step closer to securing global heritage status, with the region’s historic and richly frescoed havelis being included in UNESCO’s Tentative List.Deputy chief minister Diya Kumari said havelis and heritage properties across 14 prominent locations — Alsisar, Bissau, Chirawa, Churu, Dundlod, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu, Khetri, Laxmangarh, Mandawa, Mahansar, Nawalgarh, Ramgarh and Sikar — have been included in the list.The inclusion is seen as an important milestone to secure a place for Shekhawati’s architectural heritage on the UNESCO World Heritage List.Kumari said Shekhawati region is renowned worldwide for its distinctive fresco art, ornate architecture and merchant-built havelis. Their walls and facades are covered with vibrant murals depicting mythological themes, everyday life, social customs and contemporary events, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich artistic and socio-cultural history.Making the cut for the UNESCO Tentative List is an important stage in the process of seeking World Heritage status. The inclusion is expected to provide further momentum to efforts for conservation and promotion of Shekhawati’s heritage architecture and pave the way for its eventual nomination to the World Heritage List.
