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The
historical stretch of land covering the area of
the back portion of Laxmi
Niwas Palace and various quarters of State time
is known as Lallgarh. Situated in this stretch
of royal apartments is the residence of Late
Maharaja Ganga Singh, the maker of modern
Bikaner, who personally conceived, foresaw and
supervised the construction of his personal
residence--The Laxmi Niwas Palace--a
magnificent red sandstone edifice designed by
Sir Swinton Jacob in the Anglo-Scenic style.
This stately building, great & grand, is
built around a central courtyard and is
intricately carved from the skirting upto the
highest dome. The stone 'jali' work (lattice )
is awesome and stunning. The motifs, floral and
geometrical, leave you mesmerised. A lace- like
work of stone on the edges of the entire roof
was devised as a glittering crown on the head of
the palace!!. The royal palace of Laxmi Niwas
Palace has a gigantic principal entrance--The
Clock Tower which is secured by guards and
evokes memories of old grandeur and splendour.
A
long drive flanking the vast lawns with rows of
trees, fairly big pools and red sandstone
quarters take you to the main building. The
great Portico extends a respectful and dignified
welcome to the visitor. The sculptural art on
the pillars supporting this amazing high-
ceilinged Portico, along with the decorative
carving, evokes the senses. The wide retina of
stately staircase lead you up to the reception
which extends a warmth of hospitality to the
visitor. It is the pilot to the extensive
hallways and the vast 'chowk' or
inner-courtyard, hallowed by the memories of
festive occasions and gracious functions of the
past.
The huge area of the 'chowk', with a garden in
the centre and a beautiful fountain, presents a
different angle to view the beauty of the
palace. All round this courtyard are rows of
columns along the long corridors providing an
arresting view. On the walls are hung rare
Trophies, images of the sportive hunting hobby
of the Rajputs. Opening out into these long
corridors are rooms of colossal size, with about
ten feet high doors, which have been
painstakingly restored to their former glory.
The original paintwork, arabesque decoration on
the walls & ceiling have been restored
by local artists and craftsmen. The rooms
have been refurbished with exquisite
soft-furnishings and the bathrooms have been
made ultra-modern keeping in mind the needs of
the modern day travellers. The Laxmi Niwas
Palace still today commands a grand view. It is
a monument of the glorious past, a vista of
bygone times, covering almost a century
of changes ups and downs. It is indeed the
'Crowning Glory' of Bikaner's forts and palaces.
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