Bikaner, city in northwestern India, in Rajasthan State. Most of the city lies within a massive, battlemented wall, more than 5 km (about 3 mi) in circumference and from about 5 to 9 m (about 15 to 30 ft) high. Noteworthy edifices include a number of Jain monasteries and a strongly fortified citadel. Bikaner is a famous carpet-weaving and blanket-making center, also known for pottery making and the manufacture of sugar candy. It has several colleges, including a medical school, affiliated with the University of Rajasthan, at Jaipur; a museum housing a collection of terra-cottas, coins, arms, and miniature paintings; and a library holding valuable Sanskrit manuscripts. Founded in the 1480s, the city was formerly capital of the princely state of Bikaner. Population (1991) 416,289.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Bikaner Information info
|
