|
There are a
number of tourist attractions of Bikaner. Some of the main
places to see in Bikaner are:
Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort is one of the forts in India that has
never been conquered or seized. Raja Rai Singh, a general in
the army of Emperor Akbar built, it in 1593. Enclosed by a
moat, the fort has a number of gates. Karan Pol (gate)
provides access to the fort. Next to it is Suraj Pol (sun
gate). There are a number of buildings within the fort like
Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal. There is also a Har
Mandir, the royal temple for worshipping gods and goddesses.
Built in red sandstone and marble, these palaces house
numerous courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.
Prachina Museum
Situated in the Junagarh For, the Prachina Museum houses a
rich collection of royal costumes, textiles and accessories.
There are also Poshaks (the traditional ladies ensemble) in
the museum. Also on display are family portraits of the
former rulers of Bikaner.
Lal Garh Palace
A Bikaner, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include the Lal
Garh Palace. Maharaja Ganga Singh built the palace in the
memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh in 1902. Constructed
in red sandstone, the palace is an architectural delight.
The architecture is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European
architecture. Ornamenting the palace is amazing latticework
and filigree work. The palace also houses a rare collection
of paintings and hunting trophies.
Rajasthan State Archives
This Directorate has in its possession some very precious
administrative record of Mughal period like Persian Farmans,
Khatoot, Akbarat, Vakil Report, Nishans, Manshurs, Arzdasht,
etc. Also housed are the records created during
administration of the princely states of Rajasthan such as
Chithiat, Parwanas, Pattas, Rukkas, Bahiat, etc. The
directorate also provides facilities like microfilming,
reference library and research rooms to the researchers.
Ganga Singh Museum
Ganga Singh Museum exhibits an array of archaeological
discoveries dating back to the prehistoric Harappan and
early Gupta period. The display includes paintings, arts and
craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient
Rajput weaponry.
Bhandeswari Jain Temple
This temple was constructed in the fifteenth century and
Bikaner' s oldest monument. Mirror work, frescoes and gold
leaf paintings adorn the temple.
Havelis
The nobles and the wealthy people of the bygone era used to
live in huge mansions known as Havelis. Exquisite carvings
and sprawling courtyards adorn these havelis. The most
famous havelis of Bikaner are those belonging to Kotharis,
Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas. |
