The district of Churu geographically lies on 28º 18' north latitude and 74º 58' east longitude.The district encompasses an area of 16830 sq. km. It is situated in the middle part of north east Rajasthan.The Churu district has a total population of 16,96,039, with 87,08,21 male and 82,52,18 female of the population. Churu has a literacy rate of 67.7%. Renowned for the grand Kothar Haveli and Kanhaiya Haveli, with marvellous life size paintings of Dhola Maru, Sassi Punu etc., Churu is located in Rajasthan state, in northwestern India. Founded in 1620 AD by Churu, a chieftain of the Jats (an agricultural people of northern India), the town has a hospital and a college affiliated with the University of Rajasthan. Churu district (16,829 sq. km) comprises a semi-arid sandy plain, watered only by the Katli River in the northeast. The rolling sand hills of the district's southwest portion form part of the Bagar tract, where the breeding of sheep, cattle, and camels is extensive. Bajra (pearl millet), gram, and pulses are the chief crops; gypsum deposits are worked.
The district is located in the North-Eastern Rajasthan. It is bounded by Sri Ganganagar district in the North, by Sikar and Jhunjhunun and Hissar district of Haryana in the East, by Nagaur in the South and in the West by Bikaner.
The famous wealthy merchants of the town, having business connections all over India, added to its splendour by building beautiful majestic havelis, made of lime and brick and decorated them by the best of the frescoes on the facade as well as inside of the rooms. The best of the masons and 'Chitera' or painters were employed to decorate these buildings. Initially, the Chiteras practised dry and wet methods using mineral and vegetable colours. Later on, around in 1860's they made brighter and colorful paintings with the help of chemical colours. Some merchants, the Mantries, Suranas & Kotharis got few rooms painted in gold with extensive mirror work. The prosperity of Churu reached its zenith in 18th century when the atmosphere of peace and security prevailed and the caravans passed through. Consequently, the business of wool, silk, opium and spices flourished. The merchants moved away to the British India and onwards to Calcutta and other business centers in central India. They made a lot of money using their unique business acumen and decided to raise the palatial houses for their families in Churu.
Churu gives the enchantment of its past glory and treasure to the visitors while one walks through the meandering streets, lined either sides by the largest havelis in the area. There are beautiful temples, chhatries(cenotaphs), the fort, the Johra (water tank) and wells which are all decorated with bright multicoloured wall paintings in various subjects. The city also has a museum named 'Nagarshree'.
The magnificent Havelis, duly decorated by picturesque wall paintings not only add to the beauty of the town but also tell the tales of the famous merchants.
Major Attractions of Churu:
Salasar Balaji: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is located here. Salasar is in district Churu. Situated at Jaipur -Bikaner Highway, it is one of the well-known pilgrimages of India. It is said that Lord Balaji fulfills all desires of devotees. Lakhs of devotees visit this temple every year.
Surana Haveli: The six-storeyed, enormous building has artistic windows and elegant doors that are more than 1,100 in number.
Excursions from Churu:
Dudhwa Khara (36Km.): A sprawling historical village lying in the Thar Desert. Besides enchanting topography, the village has huge, exquisitely designed havelis. One can enjoy the rural life and camel safaris in the village.
Sardar Shahar (46Km.): This enchanting desert town has exquisitely beautiful havelis adorned with colourful wall paintings and carved woodwork.
Tal Chhapar (100Km.): This small lake is abode of the endangered species, black bucks and some migratory birds.
Trnsport in Churu:
Road Transport: The district has good conections within and ouotside the State. National Highway No.11 (Agra-Bikaner) passes through the district. The total length of roads in the district is 3,010 km.
Rail Transport: Churu district is served by meter gauge lines of Northern and Western Railways. Total length of rail line is 363 km.
Air Transport: Nearest airport is at Jaipur (189 km.) |