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Bikaner

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Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in western India. The city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District. It was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Gang Canal completed in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal completed in 1987 have allowed the farming of crops such as mustard, cotton and wheat. Other industries include wool production and the mining of gypsum, plaster of Paris and bentonite.

History

Geography

Bikaner is located at 28°01′N 73°18′E / 28.02°N 73.3°E / 28.02; 73.3[1]. It has an average elevation of 243 metres (797 feet).

Climate

Bikaner is situated in the middle of the Thar desert with very little rainfall and extreme temperatures. In summer, temperatures exceed 50 °C and during the winter it dips to freezing point.

Politics

Bikaner is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency of Rajasthan.

Bikaner Music


Education in Bikaner

Bikaner is growing as a big centre for education. Good schools and coaching facilities provide students with plenty of opportunities.

The notable Universities and colleges :

For notable schools see List of schools in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Culture

Bikaner is famous for its "Bikaneri Bhujia" and its sweets. Bikaneri Bhujia is a spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil. Bikaner is also known for its handicrafts and leather articles, for its palaces and for having the biggest camel farm of Asia.

The city is also known for its intricately carved Jharokas. These stone screens are found on the windows of forts and havellis - traditionally, women would use the screens to watch the world whilst remaining hidden.

The red sandstone for these stone window screens is supplied by the nearby village of Dulmera.

Bikaner is also a centre for Usta art. The work for the prosperity of the Usta art is being done in Bikaner for centuries. Usta art is characterised by miniature paintings and gold embossing done on, ceilings, pillars , walls, marble, wooden & Glass wares and ivory. But its real beauty and charm can be seen on the pieces of camel hide. The products of Usta art have been the acquaintance of Bikaner for centuries.

Fairs and festivals

  • Karni Mata fair
  • Gangaur
  • Kapil Muni fair
  • Camel festival: each January the state government organises a camel festival with camel races, various cultural events and a fire dance performed by the Sidh people.

Animals

Apart from camels and an abundance of deer, there is little animal life in this part of the Thar Desert.

Tourist Attractions (in Bikaner)

  • Junagarh Fort
  • Lalgarh Palace
  • Raj Ratan Bihariand Rasik Siromani Temple
  • Laxminath Temple
  • Bhandasar Jain Temple
  • Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
  • Rajasthan State Archives
  • Havelis

Tourist Attractions (near Bikaner)

Junagarh Fort

The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. Rai Singh had conquered part of Marwar and had been granted territory in Gujurat and Burhanpur by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a reward for his services as military commander. This, as well as funding from Jodhpur, enabled him to build the fort. Rai Singh held high rank in the imperial courts of both Akbar and his successor, Jehangir. During his imperial service he travelled extensively, giving him an appreciation of art and architecture. These ideas have been incorporated meticulously into the architectural style of Junagarh Fort.

Lalgarh Palace

The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 according to Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 - 1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The building features magnificent pillars, elaborate fire places, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum as well as the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still live in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel operated by the WelcomHeritage Group.

Laxmi Nath Temple

Laxmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. The foundation of the city was laid here in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. The temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and was added to by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Shiv Bari Temple

Built from red sandstone by Dungar Singh in the late 19th century, the temple is surrounded by a wall with battlements. It has a four faced black marble statue of Shiva and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam. There are also two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris. The temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (Feb) especially on Mondays.

Kolayat

Kolayat is a famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni who, according to his devotees, sat in meditation near the lake.

Karni Mata Temple

The shrine of Karni Mata can be found in the town of Deshnoke 30 Km south from Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Demographics

According to the 2001 India census Template:GR, Bikaner had a population of 529,007. Males constituted 53% of the population and females 47%. Bikaner has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 74% and female literacy of 57%. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.


Notable people from Bikaner

References

  1. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Bikaner
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