Rao Bika (5 August 1438 – 17 June 1504) was a Rathore prince who founded the city and state of Bikaner in present‑day Rajasthan. He expanded his domain to cover about 40,000 square miles and established the Bika Rathore lineage.
Early life
Rao Bika was born on 5 August 1438 as the fifth son of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. He belonged to the Rathore clan of Rajputs.
Life and work
In 1465, at age 27, Rao Bika left Jodhpur with a force of about 100 horsemen and 500 foot‑soldiers to conquer the Jangladesh region, which was then inhabited by Bhatis, Jats, Bhattis and Johiyas. With the support of his uncle Rawat Kandhal, other uncles, brothers, and allies such as Karni Mata, Charans and Godara Jats, he established control over the area.
He founded the city of Bikaner and expanded his realm to include Sirsa, Ladnu, Bhatner, Bhatinda, Singhana, Rini, Nohar and Pugal, ultimately controlling an area of 40,000 square miles that comprised 3,000 villages.
Legacy and memory
Rao Bika is the ancestor of the Bika Rathore clan within the Rathore dynasty and the founder of the Bikawat Rathore House and the Royal House of Bikaner.
After his death in 1504, his elder son Rao Nara succeeded him briefly, followed by his younger brother Rao Lunkaran in 1505, continuing the lineage he established.
Based on: the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0) — facts from that source; edited and translated by Times of Rajasthan.