FORT OF RAJASTHAN( Bikaner)
FORT OF RAJASTHAN( Bikaner)
RAO BIKA, the founder of the Rathore principality of Bikaner in Rajasthan, built the fort in 1485 and the city three years later in 1488. According to Tod, a Jit who had the hereditary right on the spot selected by Bika for his capital, said that he would concede it only if his name was associated in perpetuity with the fort. Naira or Nera was the name of the proprietor, which Bika added to his own : thus the name became Bikaner (Bika + Ner).
The fort, cn an elevation of about 730 feet above sea level, is surrounded by a stone wall four and a half miles in circuit, and is six feet high and two feet thick. It has five gates, namely Kot, Jassusar, Nathusar, Silla and Goga, and eight sally ports. A ditch 15 feet deep and 20 in breadth surrounds it on three sides only. When Bika was away, he left Napo, the Lankha chief, in charge of the fort of Bikaner. In 1537 during Rao Jaitsi's period the Mughuls under Kamran, marched on Bikaner and demanded not only overlordship but also payment of a large sum as tribute. Upon this Rao Jaitsi became indignant and sent back the messenger. Next morning the Mughul army surrounded the fort but the Rao attacked them in the night and completely routed them. At day break, the remnants of the Mughul hordes were seen fleeing for their lives. In fact Kamran retreated in such a hurry that he did not stop even to pick up his umbrella which he had dropped at Chrotriya.
Bikaner subsequently developed good relations with the Mughuls as it needed protection from the invasion of Jodhpur. In 1541 when Maldeo, chief of Jodhpur, invaded Bikaner and captured the fort Jai Singh fled. But three years later Rawat Kishan Singh, a noble of Bikaner, not only took possession of the thanas set up by Maldeo but also captured the fort He proclaimed Kalyanmal as the governor.
