Sikar: A Tapestry of Heritage, Culture, and Modernity

Sikar, situated in the Shekhawati region of the Rajasthan state in India, serves as the administrative headquarters of the Sikar district. Positioned approximately 281 km away from New Delhi, the capital city of India, Sikar is strategically located on National Highway 11, making it a midway point when traveling from Bikaner to Agra. The city is surrounded by other notable cities in Rajasthan, with Jaipur at 115 km, Jodhpur at 306 km, and Bikaner at 218 km.

Sikar's historical significance dates back to the Mewar era when it served as the largest estate (Thikhana) under the rule of the Shekhawat king, Daulat Singh. The foundation of Sikar's fort was laid by Daulat Singh, and his son Shiv Singh further fortified it, transforming the village into a splendid town with a formidable boundary wall. Today, the royal family of Sikar continues to reside in the same fort.

Tourism in Sikar thrives on its rich history, showcasing numerous old havelis and notable landmarks. Among these are the Sikar Fort, Laxmangarh Fort, and various captivating temples such as Harshnath Temple and Khatu Shyamji Temple. The city boasts several tourist spots, including Ganeshwar Village, Jeenmata Village, and Madho Niwas Kothi, to name a few.

Geographically situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan, Sikar district experiences a Koppen climate, characterized by hot semi-arid conditions. The average elevation is 427 m, and temperatures can soar to 50°C in May and June. Monsoon brings rains from June to September, and winter temperatures range from 15–18°C. As of the 2011 census, Sikar's population was 237,579, with a sex ratio of 929 females per 1000 males.

Sikar's administration is managed by the Municipal Corporation, overseeing 45 wards in the city. The District Collector heads the district administration, supported by an additional District Magistrate. Sikar district is further divided into sub-divisions and tehsils for streamlined governance.

The city celebrates various festivals, including Holi, Deepawali, Makar Sankranthi, Raksha Bandhan, Teej, Gangaur, Gauga Peer, and the popular 'Khatu Shyamji Fair,' dedicated to Lord Krishna, drawing thousands of devotees. Transportation in Sikar is facilitated by a well-connected network of roadways and railways, with the Sikar Bus Depot serving as a central bus stand.

Sikar is part of the North-Western Railway, connecting it to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner. The national highway NH-11 passes through the city, and plans for a four-lane expansion are underway. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, with daily flights to various destinations.

Shopping enthusiasts can explore markets like Govindam Market, Laxmi Market, Diwan Market, and Harichand Market, offering a diverse range of products. Sikar also embraces the 'Mall Culture,' featuring shopping malls like Shyam Square Mall and Paharia Tower.

Facts and figures about Sikar include a total area of 22.57 km2, latitude ranging from 27.21°E to 28.12°N, longitude from 74.44° to 75.25°, and an elevation of 1,401 ft (427 m). The population in 2011 was 237,579, with an average temperature between 16-30°C. Languages spoken include Hindi, English, and Rajasthani, and the predominant religions are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Jain. The pin code is 332001, and the STD code is 91-1572.