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Lying in
the north of the state, the city of Bikaner retains the medieval
grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. Even with severe
sandstorms, hostile climate, and scanty rainfall, Bikaner has thrived
for over 500 years. Bikaner originally occupied only about 267 hectares
(ha) enclosed by ancient walls. The strategic location of Bikaner on the
ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime
trade centre in those times. Modern Bikaner is the result of the
foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887- 1943)
whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a
principality to a premier princely state. The population was 130,000 in
1951 and grew to 529007 by 2001. The Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna (IGNP)
bringing Himalayan waters to this desert area has brought a great change
in this area. The city is distinguished for the best riding camels in
the world and boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and
breeding farm in the world. Wholesale trade and commerce with some
small-scale industries (wool and milk) provide the economic base.
Tourism has also a very good potential. |
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