Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Shekhawati’s Painted Havelis Enter India’s UNESCO Tentative List
Shekhawati is a region in northeastern Rajasthan known for its painted mansions called havelis.
Their walls, courtyards and rooms contain colourful frescoes.
The paintings show mythology, local traditions, people’s daily lives, animals, plants and changing technology.
The buildings also have decorated gateways, balconies and carved details.
Fourteen towns and locations are included in the nomination.
UNESCO has placed the Painted Haveli Towns of Shekhawati on India’s Tentative List.
This means the area is being considered for possible World Heritage status in the future.
Officials hope the recognition will help protect the buildings and bring more heritage visitors.
The Painted Haveli Towns of Shekhawati have been added to India’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
The nomination covers historic havelis and heritage properties across 14 locations in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region.
The havelis are known for colourful frescoes depicting mythology, traditions, daily life, technology and foreign influences.
Architectural features include ornate gateways, balconies, courtyards, carved elements and decorative façades.
Officials say the inclusion could support conservation, restoration, heritage tourism and eventual World Heritage recognition.
- Who
- The Painted Haveli Towns of Shekhawati, UNESCO, Rajasthan officials and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- What
- The Painted Haveli Towns of Shekhawati were added to India’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
- When
- In the latest update to India’s UNESCO Tentative List; the articles do not provide a date.
- Where
- The Shekhawati region of northeastern Rajasthan, India, across 14 listed locations.
- Why
- The inclusion recognises Shekhawati’s distinctive architecture, frescoes, historic townscapes and cultural heritage, while supporting conservation and tourism efforts.
- Listed site
- The Painted Haveli Towns of Shekhawati
- Status
- Added to India’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List
- Locations covered
- 14 locations, including Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Churu, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu and Sikar
- Architectural features
- Painted façades, ornate gateways, balconies, courtyards, carved elements and decorative interiors
- Fresco subjects
- Religious and mythological themes, portraits, everyday life, flora, fauna, traditions, technology and foreign influences
- Potential benefits
- Greater documentation, conservation, restoration, sustainable management and heritage tourism
- Other sites added
- The Colonial Penal Settlement of Andaman Islands, Nicobarese Cultural Continuity in the Central Group of Nicobar Islands, and the Rangpur-Sivasagar Historic Ensemble