Bikaner used to be the center of art and culture of medieval
India. It is 237 m. above sea level. Much of Bikaner is desert
but the water of Ganga Canal has ushered the development of
Bikaner.
The city derives its name from Bhatti Rajput Rao Jodha's fourteenth
son Bika. This dynasty ruled Bikaner for three hundred years.
In the 19th century a friendship treaty was signed between
Bikaner's King and the British as a result of which in the
1857 war of independence, the British were provided shelter
in Bikaner.
One of Bikaner's attraction is the Dhala Maru or Camel Festival
which is held every year in the month of January. Camels from
many countries take part in the festival.
The principal attraction of Bikaner is the Junagarh Fort.
Raj Singh built this majestic fort in 1587-93, which is very
much similar to Jaipur Fort. The fort is built of red and
pink sandstone. There are as many as 37 palaces inside the
fort built at various times by a variety of rulers like Gurjars,
Pratiharas, Rajputs, Chauhans, Bhalli, Rathore to name just
a few.
The Junagarh Fort is surrounded by high walls and there is
a 30 feet deep trench around the fort. There are two entrances
to the fort, which is 986m in length. There are 37 domes built
inside the fort. By all accounts, the Junagarh Fort used to
be an invincible fort.
There is also the Lalgarh Palace which is built in memory
of king Lal Singh. The palace was designed by the renowned
European architect Sir Suinton Jacob. The palace is built
of sandstone and is a fine blend of Western opulence and Eastern
artistry. Be it the Belgium Chandeliers, the exquisite engravings,
the fine collection of paintings or the magnificent flower
garden, Lalgarh Palace is indeed stunning.
Apart from the Lalgarh Palace, the Jain temples of Bhandeshwar
and Sandeshwar are well worth visiting, while Bhandeshwar
is adorned in intricate glasswork and frescoes, Sandeshwar
is renowned for its gold enameled wall paintings.
There is also the Devi Kunda Sagar where the statues of the
rulers of Bikaner's past are exquisitely displayed in sandstone.
Among the memorial pillars, the one of Rao Kalyan Mai is the
oldest.
For the spiritualists, a visit to Karnimata Temple located
in the outskirts of the city is a very rewarding experience.
Here the deity is Karniji who happens to be an incarnation
of Goddess Durga. This temple is a double storied building
with the parasol made of golden umbrella. The marble carvings
and the silver gate are a treat to the eyes. The temple is
famous for its resident rats and according to local folklore,
if a rat touches a visitor, it is considered to be very auspicious.
Bikaner is camel country and a visit to the Camel Breeding
Farm located 10 kms. south of the town can be a very unique
experience. Apart from the customary camel rides one can also
taste camel milk.
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