|
Rajput prince Rao Bikaji, a descendent of the Rao Jodhaji, founded the city of Bikaner in 1488 AD. Archeological excavations have proved that people inhabited this place even before the Harappa period. The city was a major trade center on the old caravan route, which linked central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. Statues, coins and stone and clay tablets were excavated from this region. Rao Bikaji seek the blessings of a great female mystic, Karni Mata, whom he had met along the way. After toiling for thirty years in the desert, he was able to carve out a kingdom called Bikaner approximately the size of England.
In the 16th century AD, the Maharajas of Bikaner came into regular conflict with the Mughal emperor in Delhi. By the end of the century, however, they were able to win the confidence of Emperor Akbar; as a result they were conferred with important positions in the administration. Raja Prithviraj Singh, a poet and a warrior, was one of the "Nine Gems" of Akbar's court.
With the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, the fortunes of Bikaner also fell. Bikaner signed the instrument of agreement with the East India Company in 1818 AD along with other princely states in Rajasthan. Bikaner proved a true friend at the time of the Revolt of 1857, Afghan War and the Anglo Sikh Wars.
After the Independence, Bikaner merged with other princely states to form the state of Rajasthan and became the part of the Indian Union on 30th March 1949.
Tourism of Rajasthan offers tour booking and tour packages for Bikaner, Rajasthan. To book a tour or for more information, please fill up the form below.
|
