Bikaner

Dating back to 1486, Bikaner was established by the Rathore prince Rao Bikaji. Surrounded by desert, it was a major centre of commerce and learning, as evidenced by the fine havelis, palaces and university buildings. The Junagarh Fort, which contains some of the finest ‘jaalis’ (stone lattice work) and murals in Rajasthan, was constructed here in 1587. It is one of the few forts in India that has never been conquered.