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This city
lies on the northern point of the triangle of desert
cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back
to 1486 AD. It was, however, a major trade centre as it
stood on the ancient caravan route which linked central
Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. While
other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure
pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect.
This desert town in the north of the state was founded
on 1488 by Rao bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder
of Jodhpur. Bikaner has a superb fort, camel safaris and
30 kms to the south is the extraordinary Karni Mata
temple where thousands of holy rats are worshipped. |
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A Rajput
prince Rao Bika ji a descendent of the founder of
Jodhpur (1459 AD)., Rao Jodha Ji established his kingdom
here. Bika Ji chose a barren land called "Jungladesh"
and shaped it into an impressive city, called Bikaner
after the founder's name. Ever since the foundation of
Bikaner till its accession into Indian Union in 1947
A.D. and there after it's integration in Rajasthan state
in 30-3-1949 A.D., Bikaner has played a notable role in
the history of the country. Bikaner state has produced
several able Generals and warriors and distinguished
Rulers and just to name of few Raja Rai Singh Ji-One of
Akbar's most distinguished Generals. Another famous name
is Raja Anup Singh who ascended the throne in AD 1669 a
scholar and warrior. His period has been described as
"the golden time of Bikaner valor and fame". Bikaner has
many magnificent buildings made of reddish-Pink
sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren
wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner
has been able to preserve it's traditional aura of the
medieval era. |
