The Shekhawati Project was born in January 2016 in Fatehpur to preserve the cultural heritage of Shekhawati. After discovering the painted monuments of the region, Cécile Charpentier, conservator-restorer of paintings, brought together a team of experts to restore the derelict havelis and chhatris (cenotaphs) of Shekhawati and raise awareness about this forsaken heritage.

 

Their goal is to establish a protocol which follows both the modern rules of conservation and the ancient fresco methods, so that it can be passed on to other people who are concerned about preserving the painted monuments of Shekhawati. Indeed, the ancient fresco techniques and the materials used in havelis and chhatris represent a unique know-how, the conservation of which is essential to the preservation of Indian heritage.

 

Therefore, they decided to create an international training workshop with European and Indian students to transmit their knowledge of restoration in an authentic way, preparing new generations to become the guardians of their own heritage.

 

By attracting people's attention, The Shekhawati Project also aims at boosting the economy of the Shekhawati region, while at the same time promoting tourism.