My Glorious City: Jhunjhunu

Jhunjhunu: My Glorious City

The district falls within Shekhawati region, and is bounded on the northeast and east by Haryana state, on the southeast, south, and southwest by Sikar District, and on the northwest and north by Churu District.

Jhunjhunu town is located at 28.13°N 75.4°E. It has an average elevation of 323 meters (1059 feet).

An official Census 2011 detail of Jhunjhunu, a district of Rajasthan has been released by Directorate of Census Operations in Rajasthan. Enumeration of key persons was also done by census officials in Jhunjhunun District of Rajasthan.

Jhunjhunu (झुन्झुनू) is an ancient and historical town in the state of Rajasthan in India and now the administrative District headquarter of Jhunjhunu District. It is located at State Highway-8, 180 km far from Jaipur and 245 km far from Delhi. It lies in the core of the well known erstwhile Shekhawati province that is famous for the fresco painting on its grand Havelis, a special artistic feature. It is called Shakhawati after the name of Rao-Shekha. He was a great warrior. He established his kingdom far and wide. He ruled over this territory for many years and died in the year 1488, near Ralawta.

Jhunjhunu district was named on ruler Jhunjhar Singh Ji (From Shekhawat clan of Rajput), although no authentic proof as yet, when this city was founded and by whom.

It is said that it was ruled over by the Chauhans in the Vikram era 1045. In the year 1450 Mohammed Khan his son Samas khan defeated the Chauhans and conquered Jhunjhunu as Mohammed khan was first Nawab of Jhunjhunu. After Mohammed khan in 1459 Samas khan ascended the throne. He founded the village Samaspur and got Samas Talab constructed. Kaimkhani Nawabs ruled Jhunjhunu till 1730(for 280 years). Rohilla Khan was the last Nawab of Jhunjhunu. Rohilla Khan had imposed a great faith in Shardul Singh and he acted as his Diwan.  He occupied Jhunjhunu after the death of Rohilla Khan in 1730. Shardul Singh was a very courageous, bold, brave and efficient administrator as his ancestor Rao Shekha ji was, It was by dint of his subtle political demeanor that he occupied (usurped) Jhunjhunu ruled over it for 12 years. After his death the estate was divided equally among his five sons. Their descendants continued to rule over it till Indian Independence (India achieved freedom in 1947).

Shardul Singh's religious belief was instrumental in him (he was a man of religious bent of mind) as he built many temples such as Kalyan Ji Mandir, Gopinath Ji Ka Mandir at Jhunjhunu. To commemorate the sweet memory of his father (Maharao Shardul Singh), his sons made a monumental dome at Parasrampura adorned with fresco paintings. That fresco painting is worth seeing.

A poetry made by the Charan of Shekhawats in the Rajasthani language –

Satrahso Satashiye, Agahan Mass Udaar,
Sadu linhe jhunjhunu, Sudi Athen Sanivaar.

Another poem in Rajasthani language on Shardul Singh -

Sade, linho Jhunjhunu, Lino amar patai,
Bete pote padaute pidhi sat latai.

The above poetry was composed by the Charan of Shekhawats after Jhunjhunu was conquered by Shardul Singh. The translation is that Shardul Singh has taken Jhunjhunu on a lifelong lease. Now the succeeding seven generations would be benefited.

Shardul Singh had three marriages. He had six sons from them namely Jorawar Singh. Kishan Singh, Bahadur Singh, Akhay Singh, Nawal Singh and Keshri Singh. Unfortunately, his son Bahadur Singh had expired in his life time in a early age. As a result his estate was divided into five equal shares. The administration by his five sons was cumulatively known as “Panchpana”.

All the five sons of Shardul Singh Ji were very brave, capable and efficient rulers. They raised many new Thikanas, Towns, Forts and Palaces. They encouraged the Seths / Baniyas (Merchants) for trade. As a result they grew rich and made many Havelies. The fresco-paintings of these havelies clearly speak about that glorious period prosperity. Moreover the rich merchants made the Wells, Ponds, Bawaries, Temples and Inns at various places. They are the examples of industrial architectural excellence. These havelies hails a large number of tourists every year. They keep wonder struck at the paintings etc.

The fresco-painting probably came in to existence in the eighteenth century. It was during the period of Shardul Singh Ji that fresco painting was in much vogue.

There are hundreds of such havelies in the prominent towns of the district such as Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Mukundgarh, Dundlod, Chirawa, Bissau, Mahansar, Pilani etc. which bear the wonderful fresco painting in various everlasting colours and designs. In tourism view these all kind of things are very precious.

 In Nutshell Jhunjhunu is very rich in presenting the glorious ancient monument. The Temples, Mosques, Forts, Palaces, Tombs. Wells, Step wells, Cenotaphs and Havelies of excellent fresco-paintings which speak with full throated ease about the glorious past of Jhunjhunu. They are the master pieces of art and architecture, Shekhawati region offers many resorts of beauty to the tourist.

As this district lies in the core of well known erstwhile Shekhawati province. It’s every con speaks its own history of bravery and valour. Innumerable spots and monuments are connected with lives of these warriors. Moreover, the palacial buildings of the rich people, adorned with fresco paintings in different colours and shades are a great source of attraction for the tourists. The paintings of these havelies have not only become our attraction for the tourists but also a subject of serious studies. They seem to be depicting the culture, history and flora fauna of an age.

Now a days these havelies are lying vacant. The owners have left them for big cities and they visit on very rare occasions. They are boarded and watched by the Chowkidars or Munims.

Currently the famous Rani Sati Dadi Mandir is a main tourist attraction apart from its religious significance. It receives more than 1 lac footfalls a day. Due to this temple the city has earned an importance in serving the tourist and "yatris". The term "mela" is used to represent the "Bhadi Mawas" day, a day of religious importance at this temple. People from all over the India gather in this mandir to offer prayer on this day.

In today’s contrast Jhunjhunu district shines unique among all the districts of Rajasthan. It has a brilliant trail of brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the defence of their country. It is a district of the business-magnets and advanced farmers. It is one of the prosperous districts of Rajasthan.

In Geographical view it's area is 5929 Sq. Kms and Most of the part is semi-desert. The Aravali ranges are embracing the south-eastern part of the District. The huge and magnanimous copper fields are lying in the bowl of these ranges in Singhana and Khetri suburbs. The lush green valleys and beautiful natural scenes captivate the tourists.

In Spiritual view Lohargal, the holy shrines of pilgrimage, also lies in the lap of these ranges. There runs and anecdote that Pandwas, the heroes of the Mahabharata took bath and bathed their weapons in the Surya Kund, thereby they got salvation. A large number of the people throng every year to take a holy dip in its water on the occasion of the Bhadrapad Amavasya every year.

Higher and Technical Quality Education

Famous Personalities of Jhunjhunu

Place of Interest in Jhunjhunu

1. Rani Sati Temple
2. Podar Haveli Musium
3. Jorawargarh Fort, built by Thakur Jorawar Singh son of Thakur Shardul Singh Shekhawat.
4. Khetri Mahal, built by Thakur Bhopal Singh of Khetri.
5. Gilo sati dadi temple in mandrella. 20 km from jhunjhunu.
6. Ramakrishna Mission, Khetri Center lies in the Khetri town of the district.
7. Jorawar Garh
8. Mansha Mata
9. Laxmi Nath Temple
10. Moda Hill Resort – Sunrise Point
11. Samas Talab
12. Makbara of Nawab Rohilla Khan

Big Industries in Jhunjhunu