Bikaner, the desert city of
Rajasthan is famous for its picturesque golden sand dunes, striking red sandstone forts, stunning palaces and havelis. The place is very attractive for its camel safaris. The city has the largest Camel research and breeding farm in the world, hence the name camel country. Bikaner was once an important trade route that was linked with China and Central Asia.
Origin of name of Bikaner
Bikaner is named after its founder, Bika who constructed the city of Bikaner in 1488.
History of Bikaner
In 1465, Bika, a Rajput chieftain of the Rathor clan conquered the city from the
Rajput race. In 1488, he constructed the city of Bikaner. Bika chose a barren land called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder`s name. Archeological surveys and excavations have established beyond doubt that civilization flourished here even before the Harappa period.
In 1504, he died and the city passed on to the hands of his heirs. The state adhered loyally to the Mughal emperors, who ruled in Delhi from 1526 to 1857. In 1571, Rai Singh succeeded as chieftain of Bikaner. He became Akbar`s most distinguished generals and was named the first raja of Bikaner.
There were wars between Bikaner and the princely state of Jodhpur in the 18th century. In 1818 order was restored in the country by British troops. The rebellious behavior of the local thakurs and the subsidiary chiefs, continued, however, until the princely state was made subject to the Rajputana agency in 1883. The state`s military force included the Bikaner Camel Corps, which gained renown in China during the Boxer Rebellion (1900) and in the Middle East during World War I. In 1949 Bikaner became part of the Indian state of Rajasthan and was divided into three districts. Bikaner was a noteworthy princely state. Bikaner played an important part in the
history of Rajasthan.
Geography of Bikaner
Bikaner is located in Northern Rajasthan. The city shares its boundary with Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur,
Nagaur and even Pakistan. The district of Bikaner has a total area of 27,284 sq. km.
Transportation of Bikaner
Bikaner is well connected to other parts of the state by air, rail and road. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport. Bikaner is well connected with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur and other parts of India through rail network. There are also many busses at Bikaner connecting it to other parts of the city.
Demography of Bikaner
Bikaner has a total population of 19.02 lakh, out of which 10.03 lakh are men and 8.99 lakh are women. The literacy rate of the region is 57.54 %.
Economy of Bikaner
Bikaner is an agricultural district with cereals, pulses and oilseeds being the main agricultural products of the region. The district has few registered small-scale industries.
Fairs and festivals of Bikaner
The fairs and festivals of Bikaner are:
The Camel Festival- is organized by Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner during January each year. During this festival camel, the ship of the desert, is adorned with jewels.
Gangaur Festival - The festival of maidens and married women. Married women pray for the well being and long life of their husband and the young ladies seek the blessings for a life partner of their choice.
Karni Mata Fair- is celebrated twice a year in honour of Goddess Karni Mata, the tutelary deity of the Bikaner royal house.
Kapil Muni Fair
Kite Festival - Kite Flying is a cultural tradition of this region bearing special significance because of its direct connection with the foundation of this city.
Places of Attraction at Bikaner
Bikaner is one of the important tourist spots of Rajasthan. The district has many places of tourist interest like:
Junagarh Fort Revel
Lalgarh Palace
Bhandeshwar Jain Temples (dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji)
Lakshminathji Temple
Ratan Bihariji Temple
Shiv Bari Temple
Nagnechiji Temple
The Bhaironji Temple
Camel Breeding Farm
Devi Kund (a royal crematorium)
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Palace
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
Kolayat
Shiv Bari Temple
Havelis
Kalibanga
