Background of the Town: Fatehpur is a small town located in the district of Sikar. Location of Fatehpur is towards the north of Rajasthan in India. This place is almost 300 year old and a foundation stone laid by Nawab Fateh Khan in the mid of fifteen century. Later on Rajput rulers of Rajasthan taken over the control of this place.
Near to the Fatehpur, another town Mandawa is situated (21 KM from Fatehpur). This place is more famous than Fatehpur for its Haveli’s. Mandawa is in the bucket list of tourist as several Haveli’s are converted in to hotels and preserved from the damage (This was not in the case of Fatehpur)
Fatehpur town is famous for its Haveli’s and you can found many of them over here. They are still there to tell us stories. The characteristic feature of these Haveli’s are the fresco paintings on the walls. Most of the Haveli’s were constructed during the British Empire. The time period ranges from mid of 19th century to the beginning of 20th century.
Nadine Le Prince Haveli: Everybody know the “Nadine Le Prince Haveli” in Fatehpur. This Haveli was purchased and reconstructed by a French artist “Nadine Le” in 1999. Earlier this Haveli was known as a “Nand Lal Deora Haveli”. Renovation and reconstruction was done professionally and now this Haveli got the original look as it have around 130 Year ago. Now this Haveli looks decent and attractive. Now this Haveli is converted in to the Hotel and tourist tours are available. You can plan your stay in this Haveli with decent amenities. The climate here is very hot from April to the July, so you need a swimming pool and you will find it here. Not too large and deep but it will work for you. You can found the fresco paintings all over the walls. These paintings are telling stories about Indian society and religious beliefs. Work is still in progress as restoration of fresco paintings need time.
Havelis’ other than “Nadine Le Prince Haveli” are not in a good conditions. Nobody is there to maintain them. Most of them are closed and locked. Most of them are damaged and deteriorating by each passing day. Near to Fatehpur a town Laxmengarh is located. This town also have many Haveli’s. A “Char Chock ki Haveli is famous but have the same fate as others. The Main reason of destruction is migration. Most of the owner were traders of that time. Changing circumstance forced them to leave these towns and settled in emerging big cities of 20th century. They migrated for new business opportunities in the cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai (earlier these cities were known as Bombay, Calcutta and Madras). In the business community of Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai you will find the many names of businessmen belongs to this region likeModis’, Poddars’, Goenkas’, Singanias’ and many more.
Fresco paintings: Fresco paintings are typical in its construction as these were made on the plaster of lime paste on walls. Plaster was done for finishing on the stone-brick wall (Skeleton).When a plaster coating of lime paste was done on the walls it is humid and have water content. This freshly done coating of lime paste is used as a base for fresco paintings. At this time colors/Pigment used for paintings are absorbed by lime paste and become an integral part of the plaster. When lime paste dries, it holding the pigments in its position and showing the arts on the wall. This technique help in the retention of colors for longer period of time. Not only in India but around world, fresco paintings are surviving since thousands of year. Fresco paintings of Ajanta describes the Jatak Tales and were there since 4 thousand years.
Making of fresco painting is a tedious process and its need time and hard work to create the base for painting. Apart from the fresco painting an art gallery was established by Nadine Le in “Nadine Le Prince Haveli”. This workshop provided her a space and calmness to create paintings other than Fresco.
Making of Lime Paste: Lime stone (CaCo3) was mixed thoroughly with water and sand. This mixture leads to the formation of lime paste. This paste is similar to the modern day cement, water and sand paste (Cement Mortar). In lime paste we use lime stone instead of cement. Lime paste was the only construction paste before the invention of cement. It was used around the world from Europe to Asia. In Rajasthan it is still in common practice and many home were made by using lime paste. Homes build by lime paste are feels cooler than the homes made by cement mortar.
Bawadis’: This area is also well-known for open structures to store and conserve the rain water. In earlier time these structure are the main source of drinking water. Average rain fall is very less in this area and monsoon only stays few days. So people of that time constructs such structures which hold the water. The soil of this area is cannot retain the water and water trickle down so fast. So pond like structure were not successful over here (Ponds do not have Solid floor. They are constructed in an area of clay soil). The floor of Bawadis’ were solid and constructed with stone and lime paste. These structure are made in an area where topography is such which attracts water from surrounding. So Bawadis’ were made in an area which is low when compare to the surrounding. Thus rain water naturally flows towards the Bawadi.
Such water structure were the essential part of desert life. We cannot think about a human settlement without availability of water. Over a period of time a non-concern of society is reflecting towards these traditional structures. Now most of Bawads’ are deserted and damaged. The flow of water is clogged, hence they become nonfunctional. A wider social connection and concern is required to preserve these structures. Awareness amongst people will help to do so. Some concerns have been seen by administration and people to preserves such structure. Now government started the renovation of these structure to restore their old glory.
Thanks for reading
Prakash S. Shivran