History of Bikaner in Rajasthan

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History of Bikaner in Rajasthan

History of Bikaner

History of Bikaner: Bikaner is a city located in the northwest part of Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the seven former princely states that merged into the state of Rajasthan on November 1, 1956. The city has a Population of 677,762 (2011 census). Bikaner city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. The city was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. The state of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Yaduvanshi Rajput chieftain who migrated from the vicinity of Pilani village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan.

The state of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Yaduvanshi Rajput chieftain who migrated from the vicinity of Pilani village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. He established himself at the site of an abandoned Fort, known as Rikhabdeo, which he rebuilt and renamed as Bikaner after himself. The city flourished under the rule of Rao Bika and his succeeding descendants, who took great interest in its development and made it one of the most prosperous cities of Rajasthan. Much of the present-day city’s architecture dates from the time of the rulers, with impressive forts, palaces, temples and havelis (traditional mansions) that have earned Bikaner the sobriquet, the ‘camel country’.

Under the British Raj, Bikaner became one of the predominant centres of trade in camel products such as wool, hides and dung. The city also earned a reputation for the quality of its leatherwork, carpet-weaving and crafts. Bikaner remains an important trading centre for these products, although its share of international trade has declined since the days of the British Raj.

The city was severely affected by an earthquake on 19 September 1926, which caused considerable damage to properties and took a heavy toll of human lives. The old city was completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt.
Bikaner is located in the northwest part of Rajasthan, in the Bikaner District. It is situated 330 km northwest of Jaipur, the state capital, and 200 km northeast of Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan. The city lies in the area between the Thar Desert and the Aravali Range, and is one of the largest cities of Rajasthan.

Bikaner is built on an elevated platform of sandy land at an elevation of 330 m (1,080 ft) above mean sea level. The city covers an area of 22.30 km2 (8.6 sq mi). It is one of the desert cities of Rajasthan and boasts of a brilliant history.

Bikaner has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh) with long, hot summers and cool winters. Temperatures remain extremely high during summer from April to early July. The average daily maximum temperature in summer is about 41.6 °C (106.9 °F). The average daily minimum temperature in summer is about 28.3 °C (82.9 °F).

The southwest monsoon arrives in the first week of July and continues till September–October. Average annual rainfall is about 243.5 mm (9.58 in).

Bikaner has a rich cultural heritage. The city is well known for its traditional arts and crafts, which include camel leather products, carpet-weaving, block printing and others. Bikaner is also home to a number of temples and palaces, which are popular tourist destinations.

TheJunagarh Fort, one of the most imposing forts in Rajasthan, is located in Bikaner. It was built by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century and houses a number of palaces and temples within its walls. The Lalgarh Palace, built in the 19th century in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, is another popular tourist destination. The Bhandasar Jain Temple, built in the 12th century, is another major attraction of the city.

Bikaner is well connected to other parts of India by road, rail and air. The city has an airport, which offers regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Bikaner is also connected to Delhi and Mumbai by rail.

Top 10 rulers of Bikaner

1. Rao Bika – He was the founder of the princely state of Bikaner. Rao Bika established the city of Bikaner in 1488 AD and ruled for nearly 40 years. He was succeeded by his son, Rao Duda.

2. Rao Duda – Rao Duda succeeded his father Rao Bika and ruled for about 20 years. He expanded the kingdom of Bikaner by conquering neighbouring territories.

3. Rao Lunkaransar – Rao Lunkaransar was the third ruler of Bikaner. He ruled for nearly 30 years and expanded the kingdom further.

4. Rao Doomal – Rao Doomal was the fourth ruler of Bikaner. He was known for his valour and achievements in battle. He ruled for about 15 years and expanded the kingdom even further.

5. Rao Dulaji – Rao Dulaji was the fifth ruler of Bikaner. He was an able administrator and strengthened the kingdom. He ruled for nearly 20 years.

6. Rao Ratan Singh – Rao Ratan Singh was the sixth ruler of Bikaner. He was a great warrior and conquered many neighbouring territories. He ruled for about 25 years.

7. Rao Surat Singh – Rao Surat Singh was the seventh ruler of Bikaner. He was an able administrator and strengthened the kingdom. He ruled for about 20 years.

8. Rao Ganga Singh – Rao Ganga Singh was the eighth ruler of Bikaner. He was a great warrior and conquered many neighbouring territories. He ruled for about 25 years.

9. Rao Karan Singh – Rao Karan Singh was the ninth ruler of Bikaner. He was a able administrator and did many development work in the kingdom. He ruled for about 20 years.

10. Rao Anup Singh– Rao Anup Singh was the last and tenth ruler of Bikaner. He was an able administrator and did many development work in the kingdom. He ruled for about 15 years.

Achievements of top 10 rulers of Bikaner

1. Rao Bika – Founder of Bikaner
Rao Bika established the city of Bikaner in 1488. He was a brave and able ruler who built an impressive fortress, the Junagarh Fort, to defend his people from invaders. He also built many temples and other landmarks which are still standing today. Rao Bika was a great patron of the arts and encouraged the development of the unique Bikaner style of architecture and art.

2. Rao Biram – Expanded the Realm
Rao Biram succeeded Rao Bika and expanded the kingdom of Bikaner to include much of present-day Rajasthan. He was a skilled warrior and led his army to victory against the combined forces of the Rajput states of Amber and Jaisalmer. He also built several forts and temples, including the Brij Raj Bhawan palace.

3. Rao Surjan – Consolidated Power
Rao Surjan consolidated the power of the Bikaner state and extended its borders. He repelled invasions from both the Mughals and the Marathas, and also conquered the city of Jodhpur. He built several ornate palaces and temples, including the Lalgarh Palace and the Shiv Bari Temple.

4. Rao Ganga – Defeated the Mughals
Rao Ganga defeated the Mughals in battle and regained control of the Bikaner state. He also built several forts and temples, including the massive fort of Nokha.

5. Rao Dalpat – Restored Bikaner
Rao Dalpat restored the Bikaner state after it had been conquered by the Marathas. He built several forts and temples, including the Junagarh Fort and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

6. Rao Ratan – Expanded the Realm
Rao Ratan expanded the Bikaner state to include parts of present-day Pakistan. He was a brave and able ruler who defeated the invading armies of the Mughals and the Marathas. He also built several forts and temples, including the Gajner Palace and the Ratan Mahal.

7. Rao Bheem Singh – Defeated the Marathas
Rao Bheem Singh defeated the Maratha army in battle and regained control of the Bikaner state. He also built several forts and temples, including the Laxmi Niwas Palace and the Deshnoke Temple.

8. Rao Surat Singh – Consolidated Power
Rao Surat Singh consolidated the power of the Bikaner state and extended its borders. He repelled invasions from both the Mughals and the Marathas, and also conquered the city of Jodhpur. He built several ornate palaces and temples, including the Lalgarh Palace and the Shiv Bari Temple.

9. Rao Gaj Singh – Built Many Forts
Rao Gaj Singh built many forts to defend the Bikaner state from invaders. He also built several temples and palaces, including the Gajner Palace and the Karni Mata Temple.

10. Rao Lunkaransar – Modernized the State
Rao Lunkaransar modernized the state of Bikaner and developed its infrastructure. He built roads, railways, and canals, and also established schools and hospitals. He was a great patron of the arts and encouraged the development of the unique Bikaner style of architecture and art.

10 important topics to study in “History of Bikaner “

1. The history of Bikaner begins with the Rathore clan.
2. Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika in 1488.
3. Bikaner was a part of the Marwar region.
4. Bikaner was a prosperous city under the rule of the Rathore dynasty.
5. Bikaner was one of the few princely states to remain independent after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
6. Bikaner became a part of the Rajasthan state in 1949.
7. The Junagarh Fort is one of the most important tourist attractions in Bikaner.
8. The camel is the official animal of Bikaner.
9. Bikaner is known for its sweet delicacies, such as ghevar and ras malai.
10. Bikaner is home to a number of temples, mosques and havelis.