Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in western India. Here is a temple where rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding. The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D, when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and Havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.

The city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District. It was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Ganga Canal completed in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal completed in 1987 have allowed the farming of crops such as mustard, cotton and wheat.Other industries include wool production and the-
mining of gypsum, plaster of Paris and bentonite.

A Brief History
Prior to Bika's rule, the region that is Bikaner was a barren wilderness called "Jangladesh". The territory forming the boundaries of Bikaner was possessed by Jat and Rajput clans: The north-eastern and north-western Rajasthan, known by the name Jangala Desh since Mahabharata times, was inhabited by Jat clans ruled by their own chiefs and largely governed by their own customary law. Whole of the region was possessed by six or seven cantons namely Punia, Godara, Saran, Sihag, Beniwal, Johiya and Kaswan. Besides these cantons there were several sub-castes of Jats, simultaneously wrested from Rajput proprietors for instance Bagor, Kharipatta, Mohila or Mehila, Bhukar, Bhadu, Chahar. According to History of Bikaner State and by the scholars, the region was occupied by Jats with their seven territories. It is said about Jat territories that Saat Patti Sattavan Majh (means seven long and fifty-seven small territories).

Tourist Attractions
Karni Mata temple is a 600-year-old temple at Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India. Karni Mata is believed to be the incarnation of Hindu goddess Durga. The peculiarity of this temple is that thousands of rats are worshipped here. The temple in its present form was completed in the early 20th century in late Mughal style by Maharaja Ganga Singh.This temple is dedicated to Karni Mata. There is a legend that she prophesied the victory of Rao Bika. The rats are seen
as holy, owing to the belief that the souls of the followers of Karni Mata are in these rats and thus they must be looked after. The huge silver gates to the temple, and the marble carvings were a donation of Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Throughout the year pilgrims from anywhere come to pay religious tribute to Karni Mata. Outside Rajasthan she is respected and loved in areas like Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana. During Navratri thousands come to the temple on foot.

Gangaur is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Rajasthan.The young girls pray to the Goddess Parvati for grooms of their choice, and newly married women pray for their husbands' well being. They dress in their best clothing for the celebration. Gangaur is an 18 day festival, and on the last day, a colourful procession takes place in Jaipur and at other places in Rajasthan.

Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace is a palace in Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 according to Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 - 1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions.The building features magnificent pillars,elaborate fire places, Italian colonnades

and intricate latticework and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum as well as the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still live in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel operated by the WelcomHeritage Group.