This city lies on the northern point on the triangle of desert cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was established by a Rathore prince, Bika and came to be called Bikaner after him. Bika was the eldest son of the founder of Jodhpur state Rao Jodha. Bikaner was well protected from its enemies by the harsh desert which surrounded this rich city. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route, which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. Other outside influences were minimal and this city was able to Keep its medieval flavour alive in fact, this is true of the city even today. "The main shopping area lies around Kote Gate which has interesting bazaars where it is possible to see rustic men and women in their traditional clothes rub shoulders with their 'modem' counterparts as they go about their daily chores.

While other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect. Given its severe climatic conditions, the wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples.

The oldest structures are the 14th century Jain temples built by two brothers and named after them - the Bhandeshwar temple and the Sandeshwar temple. Wile the former is rich in mirror work and frescoes, the latter has stylized enamel and gold leaf wall paintings.

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