| Mandawa | |
| Settlement Type: | Town |
| Pushpin Map: | India Rajasthan |
| Pushpin Label Position: | right |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Rajasthan, India |
| Coordinates: | 28.05°N 75.15°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Rajasthan |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Jhunjhunun |
| Government Type: | Municipal Council |
| Governing Body: | Municipal Council Mandawa |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Elevation M: | 316 |
| Population Total: | 23,335 (Males-11,682 Females-11,653[1] |
| Population As Of: | 2011 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Hindi, Rajasthani |
| Timezone1: | IST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5:30 |
| Postal Code Type: | PIN |
| Postal Code: | 333704 |
| Registration Plate: | RJ-18 |
Mandawa is a town, just 29 km from Jhunjhunu city in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. It is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is located at .[2] It has an average elevation of 316 metres (1036 ft). The nearest railway station is Jhunjhunu railway station.[3]
The town of Mandawa was a thikana of Jaipur State. Mandawa once functioned as a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes in Shekhawati for goods from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, then ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa built a fort in to protect this outpost. Over time, a township grew around the fort and soon attracted a large community of traders, who then settled down at Mandawa.[4] [5] The great Ghazal Singer of South Asia Mehdi Hassan was born here and migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India.
The town of Mandawa is known as the "Open Art Gallery" as a whole. During the 18th century, Mandawa was a key stop for wealthy merchants travelling the Silk Road. The majority of them chose to build their homes in this town, resulting in the creation of a plethora of exquisitely crafted large Havelis that are popular tourist attractions in Mandawa.[6] Many Bollywood films like PK (film), Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil among others are shot here.
Mandawa is world-famous for its havleis, wall paintings and frescos. Its historical sites and rich culture entice visitors:
India census,[7] Mandawa had a population of 23,335. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Mandawa has an average literacy rate of 58%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 70%, and female literacy is 45%. In Mandawa, 18% of the population is under 6 years of age.