HISTORY OF BIKANER

HISTORY OF BIKANERBikaner's history dates back to 1488 AD when a Raj put prince Rao Bika ji a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD)., Rao jodha ji 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.

rcheological surveys and excavations have established beyond doubt that civilization flourished here even before the Harappa period .

Excavated statues, coins and carvings of stones and clay stands as testimony to this fact.

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.

HISTORY OF BIKANER

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".

In the modern period Bikaner produced the most outstanding Ruler, namely Maharaja Ganga Singh who ruled for 56 years.

He was a strong and able ruler who renovated the traditional administration, modernized the army, separated the judiciary from the executive, constructed the famous "Gang Canal" and provided a number of welfare schemes, hospitals. His son and successor Maharaja Sardul Singh, who ascended the throne in A.D.

HISTORY OF BIKANER

ANUP MAHAL

1943, played a conspicuous role in the merger of the princely states in the Indian Union.

His Nationalistic outlook shall ever be remembered by the citizens of Bikaner. His son Dr. Karni Singh made a mark in Indian politics and in the field of sports.

Ever since 1952 General Elections he had been elected as member of Parliament continuously for five terms.

He attained international fame in shooting arena.

At present the city is developing fast into an industrial and tourism center.

BIKANER Palaces

Junagarh Fort

JUNAGARH FORTBIKANER

The fascinating piece of architecture was built between 1588 -1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571 - 1611 AD) , a general in army of Mughal emperor, Akbar.

The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances.

The Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) is main entrance to the fort.

The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.

A measure feature of Junagarhfort is the superb quality of the stone carving-it rivals the best anywhere in the world.

Junagarh FortAmong the places of interest are the Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace, with paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels.

The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace is decorated with glass and mirrors.

The Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb.

The Anoop Mahal is famous for it's gold leaf painting.

Other palaces worth visiting are the Dungar Niwas, Ganga Nivas, Gaj Mandir, Rang Mahal, Bijai Mahal. Gigantic columns, imposing arches and graceful scenes, minarets and pavilions, in fact, make it worth a repeat visit.

Lallgarh Palace

LALLGARH PALACEBIKANER

The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh between 1902 -1926.This magnificent palace is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture.

Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions.

The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles , Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom , adding to the magic of this jewel of the desert.

Walls of palaces are reminiscent of the past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits.

The treasure trove where the guests can spend hours 'walking in the past'.

Lallgarh PalaceThe palace has it's own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges.

Palace has wild peacocks spreading their feathers at almost every step flowering rows of bougainvillea.

Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace.

A portion of palace is now a hotel.

Gajner Palace:Gajner Palace -a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'.

Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .

GAJNER PALACEBIKANER

The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment.

Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace.

The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding.

Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing.

Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand grouse.

BIKANER HOTALS

THE LALLGARH PALACEBikaner's history dates back to 1488 AD when 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.

THE LALLGARH PALACE

BIKANER

Archeological surveys and excavations have established beyond doubt that civilization flourished here even before the Harappa period .

Excavated statues, coins and carvings of stones and clay stands as testimony to this fact.

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.

THE LALLGARH PALACEAnother 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".

In the modern period Bikaner produced the most outstanding Ruler, namely Maharaja Ganga Singh who ruled for 56 years. He was a strong and able ruler who renovated the traditional administration, modernized the army, separated the judiciary from the executive, constructed the famous "Gang Canal" and provided a number of welfare schemes, hospitals.

His son and successor Maharaja Sardul Singh, who ascended the throne in A.D. 1943, played a conspicuous role in the merger of the princely states in the Indian Union.

His Nationalistic outlook shall ever be remembered by the citizens of Bikaner.

His son Dr. Karni Singh made a mark in Indian politics and in the field of sports.

Bhanwar Niwas

Bhanwar NiwasDEEP IN THE THAR DESERT, behind endless waves of sand dunes lies Bikaner, one of the most interesting centers of later Indian art.

In this great town of red sandstone, with richly decorated houses rising high over its bustling streets, stands Bhanwar Niwas, the most magnificent of the famed havelis belonging to the Rampuria family.

Commissioned by the late Seth Bhanwarlalji Rampuria in 1927, the architecture of the haveli and its interiors is a fascinating blend of Indian and European styles.

Now a heritage hotel, Bhanwar Niwas offers its guests an experience of the lost flamboyant world of Rajputana.

BHANWAR NIWAS

BIKANER

Basant Vihar Palace

Basant Vihar PalaceSituated on the Northern point of the triangle of Rajasthan's desert cities, Bikaner is a royal, walled city dating back to 1488.

Founded and established by a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, the city came to be named after him.

A fusion of history, religion, music, dance, arts and crafts, desert sands, exotic wildlife, blue-blooded royals and friendly civilians, Bikaner's medieval charm attracts tourists from far and wide.

BASANT VIHAR PALACE

BIKANER

GAJNER PLACE

GAJNER PLACE

The Grandeur and sweep of Gajner Palace takes one by surprise.

It's overpowering and yet so warm and welcoming in a typical Rajasthani way.

Gajner Palace, just a 30-minute drive from Bikaner, is today a grand heritage palace hotel of HRH Group of Hotels.

In the early decades of the twentieth century it was a sprawling summer palace of Sir Ganga Singhji, one of the greatest Maharajas of Bikaner.

British viceroys, political agents and military commanders were his special guests at Gajner Palace where 'a jolly good time' was had by all.

Built on the shores of the Gajner Lake, the red sandstone architecture of the Gajner Palace contrasts sharply with the blue skies above and the abundant greenery of the Palace.

GAJNER PLACEBIKANER

GAJNER PLACE

Its historic suites are well appointed with four-poster beds, period furniture and mirrors.

The Fireplace evokes a cozy feel of the English manor.

Gajner Palace has been developed both as an ideal getaway for leisure travellers and a venue for corporate meetings.

Karni Bhawan Palace

Karni Bhawan Palace

DR KARNI SINGHBHAWAN PLACE

Strategically located in the residential area and near to the major tourist attractions of the city like the Junagarh fort, this palatial heritage retreat is built in a luxurious art deco style that comprises Doric pillars, ornamental staircases and large windows, which testify an aesthetic brilliance of the past. There are 10 Art deco suites and two regular rooms to choose from.

Karni Bhawan Palace was home to Maharaja Karni Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, and built in the deluxe art deco style, popular in the 1940s in the US and Europe. Its Doric pillars, ornamental staircases and large windows bear testimony to the artistic brilliance of the past. While its well-preserved paintings, old photographs (of the royal houses of Bikaner and Mewar), period furniture and curios lend a distinctive ambiance that relaxes the travel-weary guests.

Bikaner, the walled city on the Rajasthan border is famous for its forts, palaces, temples, fairs and festivals, arts and crafts, folk music and wildlife.

Karni Bhawan PalaceA large number of tourists visit this impressive and captivating city to explore its beauty and timeless charm as evident in various monuments.

Bikaner dating back to 1488 AD was established by the Rajput prince Rao Bika ji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha ji. Bika ji selected this barren land called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an impressive city, called Bikaner.

As per archeological records civilizations flourished in this region much before the Harappan period.

The city wraps layers of history and interesting anecdotes within its narrow streets lines with havelis and palaces.

Property also offers facilities of Dry cleaning, Lobby, Reception and Squash court.

BIKANER TAMPLES

LAXMINATH TEMPLE

LaxmiNath Temple BIKANER

Lakshmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner.

The foundation of Bikaner was laid here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji.

It being a historical monument has special identity.

This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans .

It was later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji.

Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi - have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half centuries.

DESHNOKE KARNI MATA TEMPLE

Karni Mata was endowed with divine powers.

Deshnoke Karni Mata Temple

The daughter of Meha Ji Kiniya, Karni Ji incarnated on 28th Sep.,1387 at Suvap Village in Tehsil Phalodi of Jodhpur District.

She was marrid to depaji.

The present deshnoke was founded by her on Baisakh Sudi Dwitiya Samvat 1476.

Karni Ji developed the area into a sanctury and anyone seeking asylum in this area was put to no harm.

DESHNOKE KARNI MATA TEMPLE

People accused of crime used to come here and adop sanityto get themselves absolved of their sins.

Karni mata witnessed the accession to royal thrones by three consecutive generations of rulers Rao Ridmal , Rao Jodha and Rao Bika.

She was instrumental in enabling those three kings to get the reins of power .

Rao Bika beseeched her blessings and founded a new empire in 1488A.D.

Rao Bika beseeched her blessings and founded a new empire in 1488A.D.

The marriage procession arrived and as the presence of bride's father was essential in the circuit ceremony, Karniji flew-off to Multan in the shape of an eagle , brought Shekha with her and caused him to complete the ceremony.

DESHNOKE KARNI MATA TEMPLE

Rao Bika sought her advice for each and every important issue and worked according to her instructions.

Rao Bika sought her advice for each and every important issue and worked according to her instructions.

Several instances show that whenever the kings of Bikaner found themselves in trouble , they remembered Karniji and with her blessing succeeded in getting over their turmois.

The royal family of Bikaner always held Karniji in great esteem.

The 'Garbh Griha' of deshnoke temple was founded by Karniji herself .

The marble construction was completed in the time of Maharaja Ganga Singhji with superb architectural and artistic designs.

SHIVBARI TEMPLE

ShivBari Temple

Built by Dungar Singhji in the late 19th century.

The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall.

The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall.

There are two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris.

This red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (Feb) especially on Mondays.

NAGNECHIJI TEMPLE

NAGNECHIJI TEMPLE

Situated in the south-east of Bikaner city, has a historical importance.

The statue of 18 armed Goddess having different weapons in her arms was brought here from Jodhpur by Rao Bikaji.

It was one of the 18 heirlooms which the founder king got after a confrontation with the then king of Jodhpur.

SRI KOLAYATJI TEMPLE

SRI KOLAYATJI TEMPLE

A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) is situated 50 kms from Bikaner on highway leading to Jaisalmer.

Kapil Muni sat in meditation near lake.Muni was propounder of Sankhya Philosophy The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when the thousands of devotees gather in a large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake( Kapil Sarovar) on the full moon day.

Lake is considered to have the effect of washing off the sins of devotees.

A cattle fair ,especially for the trading of camels is a part of he festivities.The town is connected to Bikaner by road as well as rail.

KODAMDESAR BHAINRUJI

KODAMDESAR BHAINRUJI

Kodamdesar Bhainru Ji was installed by Rao Bikaji during the first three years of his arrival from jodhpur.

It is another place of worship and is situated 24 kms from Bikaner on highway leading to Jaisalmer.

It was here Rao Bikaji, the founder of Bikaner, first choose to lay foundation of Bikaner.

But later in consultation with Napo, a Sankhla Rajput who was great believer in omens, he chose another site.

Every year a huge fair is held here in the month of Bhadrapad.

Temple is built in white marble. Here are also two Sati cenotaphs.

BHANDASHAH JAIN TEMPLES

Bhandashah Jain Temples

This temple is oldest existing structure in Bikaner.

The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1514A.D. by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandheswar and named after them.

This marvel piece of architecture is dedicated to 23rd teerthankar "PARSVANATH JI“.

he seth was very particular about every penny in his personal life but when it came to religious point he ordered hundreds of maunds of Ghee (Clarified Butter) and coconuts to be freely used in the foundation.

This temple is Carved in red sand stone and white marble - its famous for carvings ,wall paintings , structural beauty and artisticly designed statues.

The rich mirror work, decor and frescoes of Bhandashah: and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

BIKANERS CULTURE

GANGAUR BIKANERThe cultural wealth of Bikaner becomes manifest in its simplicity, grace and creativity.

he un-artificial and loving nature of life is the main essence of its cultural heritage.

The regions love for color and joyous celebrations is proved by elaborate rituals and the gay abandon with which it surrenders to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region.

In addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and the others ,there are also other traditional fairs.

Folk dances reflect the communism nature and human-beings through physical movements, gestures and various other modes of expression.

The tradition of folk dance in Bikaner region is very old.

GANGAUR BIKANER

GANGAUR BIKANERIt commenced long before the inception of Rathore dynasty in Bikaner and flourished as the time passed culminating in rich and varied styles of popular dances.

The famous dances of ladies are 'Ghumar', 'Saluda', 'Bhav', and 'Mataki', while men perform 'Ger', 'Patta', 'Tandava' and 'Pisach' dances gaily and gleefully on different occasionsMuslims perform 'Patta' dance at the time of Moharram with perfect skill, excellent balance and speedy movements.

The Jasnathis of Bikaner are renowned for their Tantric powers and FIRE DANCE is in keeping with their life style.

A large ground is prepared with wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump on to the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats.

The music gradually rises and tempo reaches a crescendo, the dancers seem to be in a trance like state.

hey are not likely to have any blisters to show for it. These devotional performances are usually to be seen late on a winters night.

FIRE DANCE BIKANERThe tastes and tradititions of folk life of Bikaner are reflected in it's Rammats.

People give free expressions to their feelings of pleasures and pains in Rammats( Folk Drama).

Rammat has come down from early nineteenth century as one of the most popular forms of entertainments.

It has it's own narration, style and methods of presentation.

Several Rammats have been standardized as the monopolized presentation of different mohallas in Bikaner.

People in modern Bikaner region are also known for their pleasure and contentment.

The falgun Holi festivities, the folk dances, camel-rides, Dhamals and Loors etc.

FIRE DANCE BIKANER

BIKANER SWEETS

BIKANER SWEETSEach region in India has its own traditional dishes and specialties.

In the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, as well as most other states, food was very serious business and raised to the level of an art-form. Hundreds of cooks worked in the stately palaces and kept their recipes a closely guarded secret.

Some recipes were passed on to their sons and the rest were lost for ever.

It became a matter of great prestige to serve unusual dishes to guests and the royal cooks were encouraged to experiment.

The tales of how cooks tried to impress their guests by presenting at least one unforgettable item on the menu have now become legends.

The finest cooking in India was derived from the Mughals and did influence the royal kitchens of India, as did European cooking.

BIKANER SWEETS But the common man's kitchen remained untouched, more so in Bikaner.

Cooking here has its own unique flavour and the simplest, the most basic of ingredients go into the preparation of most dishes.

Bikaner cooking was influenced by the war-like lifestyle of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this region.

Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking.

In this desert belt cooks use minimum of water and prefer, instead, to use more milk. buttermilk and clarified butter dried lentils, beans from indigenous plants like sangri, ker, etc. are liberally used.

BIKANER SWEETSGram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad.

Bajra and corn is used all over the region for preparations of rabdi, kheechdi, and rotis.

Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.

Perhaps the best known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available.

Besides spicey flavours, Bikaner is distinguished by its popular sweet Rasogullas, Raj Bhog, GaundPak, Ghevar, Fini, and Rabri.

Bikaneri Bhujia

Bikaneri BhujiaThe origin of Bhujia industry in Bikaner dates back to A.D. 1877 while Maharaja Shri Dungar Singh was ruling the Bikaner princely state.

Since then the item has been manufactured as a special variety with the name DUNGARSHAHI BHUJIA especially for the guests of the king.

Bikaneri Bhujia often simply called Bhujia is a famous crisp snack and is prepared by using besan (gram flour) and spices, originating from, Bikaner, a town in the western state of Rajasthan in India.

Its other ingredients include moth dal, vegetable oil, salt, red chilly, black pepper, cardamom, cloves etc.

it is light yellow in colour. It is famously known to be born in Bikaner, and over the years has not just become a characteristic product of Bikaner, but also a generic name.[

Not only in the city, but in the whole country, especially, in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar and in West Bengal it is a must served item with the regular food.

BIKANER FASTIVAL

BIKANER DEEPAVALIDiwali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India.

Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come.

Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.

There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this day.

According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, Samudra manthan.

The second legend (more popular in western India) relates to the Vamana avatar of the big three Vishnu, the incarnation he assumed to kill the demon king Bali.

On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.

BIKANER HOLIThe world’s Lathmar Holi of Braj has its own identity but also the colors of Bikaner in Rajasthan has fun, frolic with the particular style.

The festival of Holi means not only with water balloons, pichhkaris or water guns, gulaal, bhang and mithai but also mutual love and unity in society.

Bikaneri, I like splash of Rammat, playing Tambourine and listening traditional bhajans.

Bikaner’s traditions and customs of the common opinion deeply connects each other and makes a unity.

During Holi in Bikaner, a group of persons belonging different casts dancing, singing, playing tambourine in various places out is to create an atmosphere of fun. Bikaneri Holi has their own glorious history, culture and tradition which still followed by people.

Bikaneri holi has different colors and all Bikaneri spread all over India come their home town to enjoy the color of Holi.

KITE FESTIVAL (AKHA TEEJ)Kite Flying is a cultural tradition of this region bearing special significance because of its direct connection with the foundation of this city.

It serves to commemorate this historical fact and shows gaiety and involvement of people.

Despite sand-storms and slightly hot climate people celebrate the festival with traditional flavour.

Sky remains full of KITES of varying colors, shapes and sizes. People of all ages participate with zeal and vigour in this fest.

It generally falls in April/May ,date relying on Hindu calendar.

TEEJ FESTIVALTeej festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the women in India.

since Teej fall at the outbreak of the monsoons, it is also popularly known as the 'Sawan Festival'.

teej is usually celebrated in the month of July-August. Festival of Teej is dedicated to the divine couple - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

though Teej is celebrated at various places in India and abroad, major Teej celebrations takes place in the highly cultural city of Jaipur.

Here day-long processions and celebrations create a vivid atmosphere.

At the time of Teej, certain rituals and customs are followed by women so as to be blessed by Goddess Parvati.

Married women return back to their parents house to celebrate the festival of Teej.

It is considered very auspicious for married and engaged women to receive Teej gifts from their parents-in-law and to be parents-in-law.

BIKANER ART

BIKANER ARTBikaner, known in the world for it's "BHUJIA & PAPADS", spicy snacks made from fried gram and pulses and also for "RASGULLAS" (a dessert).

Bikaner has attained popularity for items stitched out of camel hide which includes belts, wallets, bags, and Jutties (footwear) etc.

Government Khadi Emporium at Mahatma Gandhi Road for local blankets, rugs, carpets, wood carvings and lacquer work.

Camel and sheep wool woven carpets and woolen items can be purchased from here.

Raw wool produced in Bikaner is renown for its quality and has proved best for making carpets .

Bikaner wool blended with New Zealand wool has approved ideal for making carpets. Bikaner is rich in jewellery and has a unique style.

Some of the traditional designs are Rikhari, Timaniya, Bala, Bajuband,Gajara, Gokharu, Jod etc .

BIKANER ARTit is famous for enameled form of jeweller that is known as Kundan.

Uncut stones, usually diamonds, are set into gold: the back uses enamel ornamentation in the "raised field" technique so that figures and floral designs can be set within hollows created by gold lines within which rich patinas of enamel are painted in.

This same champleve style is extended to ornamentation on everything from swords to condiment boxes and goblets where it's brilliance can be more publicly exhibited.

Also worth buying are 'Nokha Quilts', known for light weight and better insulation.

Beautiful cotton fabrics including sanganeri prints, tie & dies, paintings, embroidered shoes etc.

are the best buys for women.

In Junagarh at the entrance is an excellent craft shop run by Urmul Trust.

Items sold here are of high quality and made by people of surrounding villages. Proceeds go directly to improve health and education projects in these villages.

CAMAL FASTIVAL

CAMAL FASTIVALA lively and colorful event, The Camel Festival, is organized by Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner during January each year.

Camels, the stalwart of the desert give an unmatched performance in the festival, bringing the desert town to life with its spell binding display of graceful parades, camel races, camel dances and many other camel acrobatics.

THANK YOU

ANURADHA VYAS

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