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Bikaner
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Lying in the north of the desert state, the
city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval
grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the
camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in
the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research
and breeading farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an
inseparable part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation
duties, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with
slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even
from a distance.
The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao
Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji
the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most
adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his
father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his
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own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur.
The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive
city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers,
and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'.
When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.
Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler
Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative zeal set the pace for
Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state.
The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that
came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times.
Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a
seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and
palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony
to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colorful
bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting
experience to explore.. |
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Junagarh
Fort
It is an
unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built
in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most
distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the
fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. The main
entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate], that is east
facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the sun gate.
The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces like
Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of
pleasure. The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the
royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These
palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a
picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and
windows dotted all over the structure. The premises also
houses a museum which is an array of a rich collection.
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Lal Garh
Palace
This grand
palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and
was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his
father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob
designed this oriental fantasy. This architecture is a
fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The
exterior contrasts dramatically with the oriental interiors
and amenities. The palace has beautiful latticework and
filigree work, which are hallmarks of a great craftsmanship.
The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained
paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with
blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make a visual
extravagance. |
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Bhandeswari Jain Temple
is a fifteenth century temple and is the oldest monument
of Bikaner. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work,
frescoes and gold leaf paintings.
Havelis are ancient mansions of dwelling of the noble and
wealthy. They are known for their opulent life style and
intricate carvings and craftsmanship along with sprawling
courtyards. Bikaner is full of such havelis and the notable
amongst them belong to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas.
To view these havelis the suggested route is Gogagate,
Daddhon Ka Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk, Mohta
Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk Daga Chowk, BK School and Jassuar
Gate. |
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Gajner
Palace
Gajner is an incomparable Jewel in the Thar. Built by
the great Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner on the
embankment of a lake with a generous dose of flora and
fauna. Basically a hunting and relaxing lodge, the maharaja
and the family shared their passion with their exclusive
guests and hosted exotic holidays for them. Around the
palace is a thick forestation that attracts the guests to
take up a simple walk around admiring the migratory birds in
winters like imperial sand goose, antelopes, black bucks and
the animal species that wander around in the form of Nilgais,
chinkaras, deers etc. The hotel is spread in a large area,
and the ambiance around is as raw and authentic as it was
before. |
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