A Word about the founder
Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising amongst the sons of Rao Jodhaji , the ruler of Mewar.
Realising that a struggle for his paternal inheritance was not likely to bear fruit, the prince was determined to chart out his own destiny.
Rao Bika gathered a force of young warriors who were willing to take on the hazards of the desert. At Deshnoke he sought the blessings of the mystic Karniji , a ‘Charan’ woman held in esteem by the people of this region. Karniji blessed him and also prophesied his victory. Moving to the desert tract of Junglu he took possession of villages abandoned by the Sankhlas and started extending his domain.
In 1488 AD the foundation of the city of Bikaner was laid.
The city of bikaner is encircled by imposing battlements and stands at a slight eminence.
The regal fortified city of Bikaner possesses a time less appeal. An integral part of the Desert Triangle, it still retains much of its medieval charm.
It is said that Rao Bika walked out of the durbar of Jodhpur after having been caught whispering and thus was admonished by his father. He then took of 100 horsemen and 500 foot soldiers and reached the desert tract of Janglu where he took possession of 84 villages abandoned by the Sankhlas and began extending his domain. When he died in 1504 AD his kingdom had extended over 3000 villages.In the 16th century, during emperor Akbar’s regign, the ruler of Bikaner became a close ally of the Mughals and in 1818 AD Maharaja Surat Singh negotiated a treaty with the British and Bikaner become a protectorate of the empire.
Bikaner underwent a transformation under its enlightened ruler- Maharaja Ganga singh ( 1880 -1943 AD). He promoted the Ganga Canal Project which converted large tracts of desert-land inti rich farmland. He also extended the railway lines in the state for easy accessibility.Biakner is well Known for its school of Miniature paintings. The Paintings are a fine blend of the Rajput and Mughal styles.
Places to Visit in Bikaner
JUNAGARH : Raja Rai Singh (1517-1611 AD ), an outstanding general of Mughal emperor, Akbar, built this imposing fort. It is encircled by a moat and contains palaces made of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals.Suraj pol , or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. Har Mandir is the majestic chapel where the royal weddings and births were celebrated.
The palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal , Karan Mahal , Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or Palace of Pleasure. And some of the most beautiful palaces are Chandra Mahal or the Mood Palace is more elaborately decorated with inset mirror – work, These palaces were built by Maharaja Gaj Singh ( 1746-87). The Palaces within, are adorned with gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens. The façade of the monuments visible above the high invincible walls, offer a splendid view of pavilions protruding out, arrow of balconies , kiosks and towers at intervals from a distance.
LAL GARH PALACE : It was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh to commemorate his father Maharaja Lal Singh. A Spell- binding piece of dextrous carving in red sandstone marked brilliantly by intricate filigree work.There is a marvelous collection of old photographs and trophies of wildlife, well preserved and exhibited in the old banquet hall. Nature too has enhanced the beauty of this monument. The sprawling lawns are dotted with dancing peacocks and blooming bougainvillea.
GANGA GLODEN JUBILEE MUSEUM : A museum that has amazing collection, in fact, it is one of the best museums in Rajasthan. There are brilliant examples of Harappan civilization, the Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. It houses a rich collection of terracotta, pottery, carpets , paintings, armory and coins. There is a separate section for arts and craft of this region.
GARDENS AND PARKS : There are many pretty parks in city, Ganga Mahal Public Park, Ratn bihari Temple park , Laxmi Park ,Nathji Park , There is a zoo in the Ganga Niwas Public Park. All these places deserve inclusion in the itinerary.
BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLES : 5 Km, beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tvithankara Parsvanathji.
CAMEL BREEDING FARM : 8 km. This Farm, phehaps the only one of its kind in Asia, is managed by the Central Government. Bikaner Camal Corps ( Former Ganga Risala ) was a famous fighting force and still maintains the importance in desert werfare and defence through the Border security Force ( B. S .F).
DEVI KUND : 9 km It is a royal crematorium with several cenotaphs. Many decorated chhatris have been built in memory of the rulers of the Bika dynasty. Maharaja Suraj Singh’s Chhatri is built entirely of white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling.
GAJNER WILDIFE SANCTURAY : 32 Km.It is located on Jaiselmer Raod. The lush foliage of the woods have a number of nilgai or the blue bull. Chinkara , black buck , wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse living here.
The Gajner Palace , a summer resort of the kings, on the banks of a lake, has now been converted into a hotel.
DESHNOK’s KARNI MATA TEMPLES : 30 Km. It is a famous temple devoted to Karni Mata, an incamation to Durga, situated on Jodhpur Road.The Temple offers a haven to rats as they are believed to be incarnated as future bards. Thus the rats considered to be sacred , room freely in the temples precincts.Maharaja Ganga Singh donated intricately carved and elegantly designed massive silver doors, to this temple.
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