Murmuria Haveli

Murmuria Haveli in Mandawa (celebrated across Rajasthan's Shekhawati region as one of the most innovative, visually striking, and historically fascinating painted merchant mansions, renowned for its rare 1930s European influenced fresco art depicting Italian gondolas on the canals of Venice, early steam locomotives, vintage biplane aircraft, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on horseback holding the Indian tricolor flag alongside classical Rajput lore), situated in the historic heritage quarter of Mandawa in Rajasthan, is one of Western India's premier painted haveli landmarks.

Constructed in the 1930s by affluent Marwari merchant Seth Baldevdas Murmuria, this splendid four story haveli showcases the fascinating transitional period of Shekhawati art, where traditional Rajasthani architectural craftsmanship meets modern European technological wonder through rich exterior and interior fresco paintings.

It's the home of the famous panoramic wall fresco depicting a gondolier steering a gondola through the Grand Canal of Venice before Italian palazzos, the historical mural of young Jawaharlal Nehru mounted on a galloping horse carrying the Indian National Flag, the whimsical depiction of a puffing steam engine train crossing an arched bridge while passengers wave from carriage windows, the elegant carved sandstone archways with brass studded wooden doors, the expansive twin courtyards (Mardana and Zenana chowks) preserving breezy natural desert cooling, the scenic rooftop terrace overlooking the painted skyline of Mandawa, and a deeply nostalgic heritage atmosphere where early 20th century Marwari merchant cosmopolitanism comes alive.

It represents a rich Shekhawati merchant trading history, Indo European transitional fresco painting, and Marwari haveli architecture where Venice gondolas, steam railway murals, nationalistic Nehru portraits, and double courtyards unite in Murmuria Haveli Mandawa.

Located within walking distance of Mandawa Main Bazar, it sits just 28 km from Jhunjhunu, 45 km from Sikar, 14 km from Mukundgarh Railway Station, and 170 km from Jaipur International Airport (JAI), easily accessible by walking tours, cycle rickshaws, and private taxis.

The Venice Canal, Steam Train & Biplane Murals

What draws art historians and world travelers to Murmuria Haveli is the merchants' fascination with Western technology and overseas travels.

A prominent southern wall fresco captures a graceful gondolier rowing through Italian architecture in Venice, while nearby panels showcase early British steam trains, Ford motorcars, and early propeller aircraft.

Truth is, viewing European gondolas and Wright Brothers' flying machines painted on a 1930s Rajasthani desert mansion is utterly striking.

Patriotic Fresco of Nehru & Classical Indian Epics

Nationalist Art: Painted during the height of the Indian Freedom Movement, one of the courtyard walls proudly features a young Jawaharlal Nehru on horseback holding the Congress tricolor flag.

Epic Mythologies: In contrast to the modern scenes, adjacent friezes portray Lord Krishna dancing with gopis, Lord Rama's coronation, and scenes from the romantic desert folklore of Dhola Maru.

Twin Chowks & Rooftop Skyline Views

Courtyard Separation: The haveli features the outer Mardana chowk (men's business courtyard) and the secluded inner Zenana chowk (women's private living quarters), designed for comfort and privacy.

Panoramic Rooftop: Visitors can climb to the top terrace to enjoy sweeping 360 degree views across Mandawa Fort Castle and the labyrinth of painted haveli rooftops.

After exploring Murmuria Haveli, visit neighboring Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, tour the frescoed Thakurji Temple, or discover the royal suites at Mandawa Castle Fort.