Fatehpur, located in the Sikar district in Rajasthan, India is part of the Shekhawati region. Fatehpur falls midway between Jaipur and Bikaner on NH-11. Fatehpur is famous for grand havelis with frescos, which is specialty of the Shekhawati region. The Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli is one of the best havelis in Fatehpur.
The Mahaveer Prasad Goenka haveli built in 1885, Geori Shankar Haveli, Haveli Nadine, Choudaharia Haveli, Jagannath Singhania and Vishnunath Keria Haveli are the other well known havelis in Fatehpur. The Havelis in Rajasthan usually belonged to the trader class who were quite affluent and maintained huge families. The havelis therefore served the dual purpose of being a status symbol while also housing the large family.
The Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli was built by Harkishen Das Saraogi, a well known trader in the region. His successors still reside in the Haveli. Like all havelis, the Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli opens into a courtyard surrounded by corridors that lead to rooms. The interiors of the Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli are covered with intricate frescos in vibrant colors. Miniature paintings depicting life of Lord Krishna, hunting and war scenes, are to be seen.
Intricately carved filigree screens, locally known as jharokas that were meant to let the ladies of the house have a peek at the outside world, the doors to which were otherwise closed to them, can be seen amply. In fact it is quite clear from the layout of havelis that to keep women away from the public glance was much of the intention that went behind the planning of these buildings. The Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli has a common meeting hall that as used to welcome guests on the ground floor.
