Khetri

Khetri in Rajasthan was ruled by Shekhawat sub-clan of Kachawa dynasty of Jaipur. The king of Khetri Maharaja Ajit Singh of Khetri gave name of Swami Vivekananda, to Narendra. The saffron turban and clothes was given to Vivekananda by Raja Ajit Singh. King also helped Vivekananda financially for going to Chicago Convention, from where swamiji became well known world over. Raja Khet Singh Nirban of Nirban-Chauhan Rajput clan founded the town, later this town was conquered by Shekhawat Rajputs and awarded to Thakur Kishan Singh Ji by his father Maharao Shardul Singh Ji of Jhunjhunu. Khetri is also a part of Panchpana.

Raja Ajit Singh Shekhawat of Khetri was a far sighted and wise ruler, he built many forts, palaces and temples. Swami Vivekanand was also a close friend of Raja Ajit Singh. A statue of Swami Vivekanand is installed on a street roundabout of Khetri as a memorial. Raja Sardar Singh was the last titular Raja of Khetri. A long time ago, the King (Raja) of Khetri was the boss (employer) of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru’s family unit. An interesting fact is that Nandlal Nehru, the uncle of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was once the Diwan (chief minister) in the Khetri stately court. Moreover, Motilal Nehru (father of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru) lived in Khetri during the early stages of his life.

The main attraction in Khetri is the fort built by Raja Ajit Singh Shekhawat Saheb Bahadur. It is the highest point of Khetri for a panaromic view of the town and surroundings. A wind palace was also built in Jhunjhunu by the rulers of Khetri. There is a minor influence of frescos in Khetri buildings; these are plain but very artistic as far as sculpture is concerned.