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Travel
Rajasthan
Bikaner
:
Bikaner retains the medieval
grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily
called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the
best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one
of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world.
The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A
camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on
wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets
on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a
distance.
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.
Places to Visit :
Junagarh
:
It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been
conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the
most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the
fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat.
The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate], that is
east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the sun gate.
The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces like
Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure.
The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for
worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces,
constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque
ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted
all over the structure. The premises also houses a museum
which is an array of a rich collection.
Prachina
Museum :
It's a museum located in the great Junagarh Fort. The museum is dedicated to
royal costumes, textiles and accessories. 'Poshaks' or the ladies ensemble
displayed are perhaps the last remnants of the traditional designing styles and
workmanship. The museum also reveals a study of changing cultural settings in
its display of family portraits of the former rulers. Changes embarked by the
western influences appear strikingly. The vivid glimpses of legacy that survived
in the contemporary Bikaner are also visible.
Lal Garh Palace :
This grand palace is an
architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was built by
Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja
Lal Singh Ji in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental
fantasy. This architecture is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal
and European architecture. The exterior contrasts dramatically
with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has
beautiful latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks
of a great craftsmanship.
The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained
paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming
bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make a visual extravagance.
courtesy - rtdc
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