Bikaneris

Bikaneris are the residents and natives of Bikaner, a city and district in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. Located in the Thar Desert, the region has an arid climate and is known for its forts, palaces, and distinctive cultural traditions. The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika Singh, a prince of the Rathore Rajput clan, and became the capital of the princely state of Bikaner, which joined the Indian Union in 1949 and became part of Rajasthan.

The Bikaneri community is diverse, with major groups including Rajputs, Jats, Brahmins, and various other castes. Marwari is commonly spoken, as part of the broader Rajasthani language family, with Hindi also widely understood. Hinduism is the majority faith, and Jainism has a historic presence in the region. Bikaneri culture is characterized by traditional crafts such as Bandhani textiles, leatherwork, and puppet theater, along with music and folk dances that reflect desert life and royal heritage.

Culinary traditions are a notable aspect of Bikaneris, with Bikaneri bhujia, a spicy, deep-fried snack made from moth beans and chickpea flour, being the region’s most famous food product and a symbol of its cuisine.

Notable landmarks include Junagarh Fort, the historic fortress of the city, and the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke nearby, which draws visitors for its sacred rat population and associated rituals. The economy traditionally centers on agriculture in the arid zone, along with handicrafts and food-processing industries, and tourism is a significant contemporary sector.