The royal walled city of Bikaner, the northern most point on the triangle
of desert cities, was founded in 1488 AD., by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of
the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha. Like Jaisalmer, in the south, it was,
once, an important trade centre. The old city is bolstered, by 7 km long
imposing walls, with 5 entrance gates, built in the 18th century. The fort
and palace, made of the same reddish-pink sandstone, as the famous
structures in Jaipur, lie outside the city walls. The influence of the
outside world is minimal here, and the traditional lifestyle of yore
endures.
A region coveted by several Rajput clans, Bikaner is well known as the land
of the finest riding camels, in the world. Home to the famous Camel Research
Centre, Bikaner also has several Jain temples and monasteries outside the
fort.
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History of Bikaner
KA” (1465-1504 AD) by the blessing of Goddess “ Karni Mata”
in the year 1488 AD. In those days, this vast tract of desert country was
called ‘JANGALDESH’. Prince Bika of the Rathore clan of Rajputs
was the valiant son of Rao Jodha-the founder of Jodhpur. Encouraged and
provoked by his father, Prince Bika moved out of Marwar (Jodhpur). On as
ambitious military adventure, with a small contingent of Rathore warriors
(500 soldier and 100 cavalrymen). His brave uncle, Rawat Kandhal, who always
stood by him as his guardian and politico-strategic adviser, supported him.
Those were the days when different clans of Jats & Rajputs inhabited
this land and their chiefs enjoyed fairly good amount of autonomy, of course
owing their allegiance to the sultanate of Delhi. Bika subdued all the
contemporary chiefs and the Indian union after the British left this country
in 1947 AD.
In the beginning the neighboring Bhati chiefs were suspicious of the new
growing power in their vicinity. Karni Mata brought the rivalry between the
Rathore & Bhatis to an end by inspiring Rao Shekha- the powerful Bhati
chief of Pugal, to give the hand of his daughter in marriage to Rao Bika.
This consolidated the power of Rathore in this region and proved to be a
mile stone in the history of the state.
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Rao Bika laid foundation of the city of Bikaner in 1488 AD and first
constructed a small fortress in RATI GHATI area. Today this site is situated
at the southwest end of the old walled city near Laxminath Ji temple. The
royal family of Bikaner lived there, till Raja Rai Singh Ji built a new fort
called “CHINTAMANI” (now Junagarh) between 1589 to 1593 AD. The
rule of Bikaner had a prominent and glorious role in history of India. They
held high ranks as Mansabdars of special order in the court of the imperial
Mughals. As imperial military commander of various campaigns of the Mughals,
they were posted all over the Indian sub-continent. Raja Rai Singhji is the
sixth ruler of Bikaner was among the first Rajput Chiefs to join the Mughal
alliance. The Mughal power in India declined with the death of Emperor
Aurangzeb in 1707 AD, the bonds of Mughals-Rajput relationship slowly
dissolved.
The new era of Rajput-British relationship with the advent of “British
East India Company” ushered in. this European contact later played a
vital role in the history of Bikaner as the ideas of industrial west started
floating in. the reign of Maharaja Sri Ganga Singhji is marked for great
Socio-Political and economic development in every sphere of life viz. -
Education, Health, Sanitation, Water Supply, Power Generation &
Electricity, Irrigation, Post & Telegraph. Roads & Railways, Trade &
Commerce and so on- there is no subject untouched by this foresighted
Maharaja. When the British left this country, this state was ruled by
Maharaja Sadul Singhji. Among the heads of princely state of India, he was
the first to sign the instrument of Accession by which this state merged
into Indian union and become an example for other princes. In the
independent India, Maharaja Dr. Karni Singhji enjoyed a prestigious position
for his skill as a sportsman of Olympian order and also had an important for
representing the constituency of Bikaner in the parliament (Lok Shabha)
continuously for five terms (25 Years).
Apart from the royal family this beautiful city has its own glory that
makes it only of its type. This gorgeous city known not only for its fairs
and festivals, picnics and outings, temples and havelies, kite flying and
its proud and fearless people but also for their ornaments, colorful
costumes quaint customs, sheep’s wool, camel races, awesome sunset and
SAWAN - BIKANERI - that glorious time of year when the desert city blooms in
beauty.
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Places to see:-
Lalgadh Palace
Lalgadh Palace - Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this
palace dispalys a magnificient blend of oriental and european style. The
imposing red sandstone monument is designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for
Maharaja Ganga Singh.
Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort - One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh
Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th
century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai
Singh.
The Ganga Golden Jubilee Temple
It is one of the best in Rajasthan, houses an interesting collection of
sculptures, terracotta ware, paintings and also musical instruments.
The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
It is 32 kms away and located on the Jaisalmer road. Bluebull, chinkara and
blackbuck can be found. There are flocks of imperial sand grouse too.
The Camel Breeding Farm
It is 10 kms away from the city and probably the only one of its kind in
Asia and managed by the government.
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