Jaipur, Sept. 7 -- The historic havelis of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region have been included in UNESCO's Tentative List, a key step towards securing World Heritage status for the state's celebrated architectural and cultural legacy. Deputy chief minister Diya Kumari said on Saturday that the listing covers havelis in Alsisar, Bissau, Chirawa, Churu, Dundlod, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu, Khetri, Laxmangarh, Mandawa, Mahansar, Nawalgarh, Ramgarh and Sikar. Inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for a site to be nominated for the World Heritage List. Diya Kumari said the development was an important milestone and the state would intensify efforts to take the nomination process forward. The havelis are known for distinctive architecture and elaborate murals depicting religious themes, social customs, trade, transportation and everyday life, offering a visual account of the region's cultural and commercial history. The listing is expected to boost heritage tourism and conservation and create employment opportunities for local communities....