Rajasthan • 4 monuments
Since 1937, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum in Bikaner has been mesmerizing the visitors with rich collections of artefacts in numerous categories. Among the most distinguished exhibits are the terracotta masterpieces dating back to the Golden Gupta Period. Artefacts from the Indus Valley and Harappan excavation sites are the earliest specimen of the human evolution. Another amazing collection is that of lacquer work done on wood, stone, glass, leather, metal and surfaces as interesting as ostrich eggshells. Jain marble sculptures and bronze images discovered form the Rajasthan villages have spellbinding appeal. Equally charming are the artistic carvings done on wood and stone. When in Bikaner, you are never far from some splendid painting work and the miniature paintings from various regions of Rajasthan at the museum confirm this fact. Also displayed are the coins, royal farmaans (messages written on rolled fabrics), royal silk robes and jade and diamond studded royal weapons. Mesmerizing carpets and gilded leaf work on camel hide are simply outstanding. Stuffed lions and tigers are reminiscent of the courage that royal hunters exhibited. You can also explore ancient Sanskrit manuscripts, old photographs and Litho prints dating back to the British Era.
If you have heard extensively about the grand forts of India and have visualized outstanding images of these historic marvels, Bikaner’s Junagarh Fort will fulfil your expectations most appositely. Built from 1589-1594 under the supervision of royal minister Karan Chand, the fort remains unconquerable till date. Boasting of strong fortification, the fort has marvellous palaces and temples crafted from red sandstone and marble and adorned with tiles, mirrors and other exquisite materials. Stone carvings done on red and golden sandstone reflect the unbeatable craftsmanship of the bygone era. The fort is described as a composite structure with architectural influences from styles like Rajasthani, Gujarati, Mughal and British. Numerous gateways, massive and remarkable in construction, like Karan Pol, Suraj Pol, Chand Pol and Daulat Pol greet the visitors. One can find 41 hand imprints of women who sacrificed their lives in the funeral pyres of their husbands (representing the now abolished practice of sati). The most outstanding sections in the fort complex include Karan Palace (with intricately carved elegant balconies, stained glass windows and mirror patterns), Anup Palace (with inlaid mirror work, gold leaf paintings, Italian tiles and lattice screens, Chandra Palace, Badal Palace, Phool Palace and Ganga Palace. Royal mansions (havelis) with enthralling paintings extend the grandeur of the fort further. Bikaner Cultural Centre and Museum within the complex is another must-visit site. Galleries dedicated to contemporary arts, ritual crafts, miniature paintings, wall paintings, textiles and costumes and cut glass items offer exciting expeditions. Doll houses, weapons and armoury, furniture, war drums and transportation modes are also on display. Har Mandir and Ratan Behari Temple are other attractions worth exploring.
Laxmi Niwas Palace is an erstwhile residential palace of Maharaja Ganga Singh, the king of Bikaner. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the British architect, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the palace was built in 1902, which was later extended to the sprawling Lalbargh palace later on. The imperial red stone structure has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Constructed around a central courtyard, this palace is well noted for its fine carvings that expend till its mighty domes. The interiors are also elegantly designed and decorated, which adds up to its milieu. At present it serves as a luxury hotel owned by Golden Triangle Fort & Palace P. Ltd.
Lalgarh palace is a majestic red stone palace built by Indo-Saracenic style Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father. The intricate carvings and the archways inside contradict the typical Rajput style architecture outside. The palace has played host to many dignitaries. Set in a sprawling lawn, garden and lush green surroundings, the palace is a visual delight. Open corridors and well-decorated rooms flaunt old drawings and vintage art, while the covered corridors attached to the rooms are lined with hunting trophies. The three-storey complex made from red sandstone quarried from the Thar Desert stands tall as one of the finest Rajput architectural masterpieces ever. It has all the amenities including drawing rooms, smoking rooms, cupolas, grand halls and dining areas and pavilions apart from an imposing darbar hall and an art deco indoor swimming pool. A huge but compact one, Lalgarh Palace stands out for its intricately carved stone screens that keep the desert sun away all the while letting in fresh air. At present, the palace houses two hotel complexes, apart from the wing that consists of the living quarters of the royal family.
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