Maharaja
Ganga Singh constructed the Lal Garh Palace of Bikaner in 1902. It was built
to commemorate Maharaja Lal Singh Ji, the father of Maharaja Ganga Singh. An
architectural splendor of red sandstone, the palace was designed by Sir
Swinton Jacob. Bikaner Lalgarh Palace is a unique blend of Rajput, Mughal
and European architecture on the outside. At the same time, the interior of
the palace has a touch of oriental architecture. Adorning the palace is some
fascinating latticework and filigree work. The palace has now been converted
into a hotel. Adding to the magnificence of the palace are its terraced
lawns the Bougainvillea bushes. If lucky, you may also spot peacocks roaming
around the palace. The Palace also houses a rich collection of
well-preserved paintings, hunting trophies and old photographs. There is
also a library in the Lal Garh Palace of Rajasthan. It is believed that the
library has the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on
parchments, copper and gold and silver plaques. The palace also comprises of
a museum, displaying an amazing collection of miniature paintings,
manuscripts, weaponry and even a World War I bi-plane. Also a part of the
museum is a unique collection of books, photographs, manuscripts and albums
dating back to the old times.
The intricate filigree work and
latticework exhibit the refinements and delicacy of craftsmanship. The
palace museum displays well preserved hunting trophies and old photographs.
The library of the Lalgarh palace is supposed to have the largest collection
of original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold or silver
plaques. Built in the memory of maharaja Lal Singh, Lalgarh Palace has a
graceful facade of red sandstone, and is one of Maharaja Ganga Singh’s
great achievements. The maharaja ruled for a period of 56 years. The state
especially prospered under his rule.
In the fort museum which is
housed in the red sandstone Ganga Niwas, built during the reign of Maharaja
Sir Ganga Singh, here can be seen a unique collection of miniature
paintings, manuscripts, weaponry and even a world war I bi-plane. The
Lalgarh palace has now been converted into a beautiful hotel. The large and
airy rooms point towards a pervasive British influence, even though the
Welcome group took over it's management in 1993 and made numerous
renovations. The shri Sadul museum forms a part of the palace, and houses
vast collections of books, photographs, manuscripts and albums that span
several generations.
| » Other
Attractions in Bikaner |
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.
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.
| » Places to
Stay in Bikaner |
There are several budget hotels and paying guest accommodations
available in Bikaner.
Air : Jodhpur (243 Km) is the nearest Airport
while Jaipur (321 Kms), the capital of Rajasthan is well connected to the
metros cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
Rail : Bikaner is connected by rail to cities like
Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad.
Road : Bikaner
is connected by road with major cities in Rajasthan and North India. Delhi
is 456 Km, Jaipur 334 Km and Jaisalmer 333 Km from Bikaner.
Situated at a height of 228 m, the city of Bikaner experiences a
typically desert climate. In the summer time Bikaner weather is quite hot.
The average temperature in summers falls in the range of 41.8° C to
28.0° C. In winters, the climate of Bikaner is quite pleasant. The
average temperature in the winter season falls in the range of 23.2° C
to 5.0° C. Regarding the climatic conditions of Bikaner, Rajasthan in
the monsoon season, the rainfall averages between 26 cm and 44 cm. The
period of October to February provides the best time to visit the city of
Bikaner.
Lalgarh Palace
