The history of Bikaner

Quick Facts

Founder : Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha Ji
Location : Situated in Northeast of Rajasthan
Distance : Jodhpur (245 km), Jaisalmer (330 km), Jaipur (321 km), Ajmer (290 km), Gajner (32 km), Deshnok (40 km), Khimsar (153 km), Mandawa (190 km), Delhi, (460 km)

Area : 38.10 Sq. Km
Population : 6, 42,550 (approximately)
Temperature : Max 45 ºC, Min 30 ºC (summer); Max 23 ºC, Min 5 ºC (winter)
Languages : Hindi, English, Bikaneri, Marwari and Rajasthani
Major Attractions : Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Camel Breeding Farm and Research Center
Excursions : Gajner Palace, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Devi Kund Sagar, Katariasar Village
Best Time to Visit : October to March

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 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, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore.