The history of Shahpura House can be traced back to the Shekhawat clan, who ruled over the Shekhawati region in northern Rajasthan. One of the Shekhawats, Rao Manohar, became the founder of Manoharpur during the 1500s, which would later become Shahpura and the main seat of the Shekhawat clan. Around that time, the property began its existence as a royal residence for the ruling family, which would remain in that role over many generations while developing in its prominence and stature.  Despite both World Wars, the property remained undamaged and continued to fulfill its purpose. Even after India transitioned to a republic and the ensuing end of noble rule, the property remained under the ownership of Rao Manohar’s branch of the Shekhawat clan.

By the 1990s, Maharaj Surendra Singh Shahpura, a seventh-generation descendant of Rao Manohar, would reimagine the role of the royal residence to be more open and accessible to the public. Along with his wife Rani Ratna Kumari, Maharaj Surendra Singh Shahpura would renovate the property and convert it into a luxury heritage hotel, envisioning it as a luxury accommodation where visitors could immerse themselves in its rich and lavish heritage. These efforts would be rewarded in 2018, when Shahpura House won in the World Luxury Awards, and in 2023, when it also won in the World Travel Awards, and to this day, it continues to provide world-class hospitality to its visitors and guests.

Design and Architecture

The aesthetics of the Shahpura House showcase regal Rajasthani architecture, with its prominent arched windows and passageways. Ornate pillars and other structural adornments on the facade and the interior also strongly indicate its traditional Rajasthani heritage. Meanwhile, Mughal architectural influences are also strongly apparent in both the exterior and interior of the structure. On the outside, guests can see this influence in the various domes atop certain elements of the building and in the elaborate muralwork done for some of the external surfaces, especially on entrances.

This specific influence is far more lavish and frequent on the inside, where frescoes, murals, and engravings are extensive along walls and edges, in between paintings and photographs of previous generations of the owning family. Engravings and paintings are largely done in intricate naturalistic patterns or directly incorporate images of cultural figures, while the owning family’s seal is carefully engraved on certain surfaces.

The dining experience at the Shahpura House is largely centered around its Rasa fine-dining restaurant. As with the rest of the hotel, guests can savor their meals while experiencing the ambiance of its Mughal and Rajasthani design. This experience is further enhanced by the authentic sarangi music and other live musical performances featured at any given time.

The restaurant features an indoor and outdoor setting, the indoor dining room and bar being a palatial area that is ideal for groups of 3 or more people, and the outdoor terrace usually being open for those who wish to have drinks there. The dining areas overlook scenic views of the surrounding area, with an excellent view of nearby Nahargarh Fort.

In terms of cuisine, guests can expect gastronomic delights featuring Rajasthani and other North Indian delicacies. Dishes served at the Rasa vary based on the culinary choices of the staff, the seasonal availability of ingredients, and other considerations. Among the types of dishes that may be served to guests are soups, starters, accompaniments, Indian breads, rice dishes, main courses, and desserts.