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 Bikaner-the
desert town in the north of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Bika.
Bika was the son of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Being
stronger and able amongst his brothers, Bika was perceived as a
threat to them. Rao Jodha gave his son Bika a small army and
sent him away to establish his own kingdom. Bika chose this arid
land which later came to be known as Bikaner, after his name.
The imposing Junagarh Fort in Bikaner was built by Raja Rai
Singh, a contemporary of Akber. The foundation of the fort was
laid in 1588 and the work was completed in 1594. The fort having
circumference of 986 meters, houses 37 palaces, temples and
pavilions in its precincts. Unlike many other forts built on the
hilltop for security and vigil, Junagargh fort is on the ground
level. A moat was constructed around the fort as a security
cordon. The fort is one of its kinds, which remained
unconquered. The main entrance to the fort is through Suraj Pol.
The fort complex that houses palaces built by successive rulers
is an architectural marvel. The places within the fort are on
southern side. An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the
fort. The important feature of this fort is magnificent stone
carving. The fort is adorned with gigantic columns, arches and
graceful screens. Exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble,
the palaces are ornate with impressive mirror work, carving and
beautiful paintings. Among the magnificent palaces are Anup
Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal and Ganga Niwas. Anup Mahal
recreates the pietra dura inlay preferred by the Mughals at less
expense by simply creating the look without the actual use of
expensive marble or semi precious stones. The large door of Anup
Mahal has fine orientation. Frescoes on the walls still have the
originality of design. Phool Mahal is elaborately decorated with
inset mirror work. Har Mandir is the majestic chapel where royal
family worshipped the gods and goddesses. Royal weddings and
birth were celebrated here. There is a 500 years old idol of
Radha and Lord Krishna. A huge gold plated swing dedicated to
Lord Krishna and bearing idols of Gopies decorates the palace.
It was so machinated that when the swing was in operation, the
metallic idols of Gopies revolved around signifying their dance
with Lord Krishna. A part of the fort has been converted into a
museum. The museum houses invaluable miniature paintings and
collection of Rajput weapons. An old WWI biplane presented to
Maharaja Ganga Singh by the British has been kept in the museum.
This is believed to be one of the two models in the world.
Three kilometres north of the city centre is Lalgarh. Built in
red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in
memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace was designed
by Sir.Swinton Jacob. Lalgarh Palace now a heritage hotel is
said to be one of the most exquisite of Rajput Palaces. No
account of Bikaner is complete without the mention of
illustrious ruler of Maharaja Ganga Singh. He was astute
administrator and most enlightened ruler of his time. He
transformed the topography of Bikaner with the Gang Canal, which
brought the water of Sutlej River to Ganga Nagar. Gajner by the
side of a lake is another beautiful palace.
Not only are the palaces inside the fort are decorated but even
the sanctum of Karni Mata, the presiding deity of the house of
Bikaner has been lavished with the same beauty. The temple of
Karni Mata is located at Deshnok, 32 kms on Bikaner-Jodhpur
Road. The temple offers protection to mice for the popularly
held belief that those who serve Karni Mata are born in her
refuge as mice. There are thousands of holy mice seen around in
the temple and one does not sense any kind of smell. It is also
believed that if you happen to spot a white mouse, any wish
taken is fulfilled. Devotees feed rats here and seek the
blessings of Karni Mata.
Bikaner's fort, palaces, temples, bazaars and havelis are a
living manifestations of its cultiral hertage. Some of these
palaces have been converted into finest hotels that give you
experience of royal comfort and lifestyle The spectacular Camel
Festival in January every year makes Bikaner famous for the best
riding camels in the world. Camel races and camel dances are the
part of the celebration. Gangaur Festival in April is dedicated
to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand processions
of the deity accompanied by dancing women are a part of
eighteen-day celebration.
The turbaned men with proud moustaches and veiled beauties,
ancient relics of glorious past and the melodies that drift in
the air, takes you to the magnificence of a bygone era. Bikaner
is one of the stone-sculpted cities of Rajasthan where romance
of the desert overwhelms. Junagarh Fort is an added attraction
to the city, which invites foreign
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