Building Construction In Princely State Bikaner: Form, Style And Architecture

Abstract

This article explores the significance of building construction in the evolution of human civilisation, tracing its origins from mountain caves to sophisticated structures in the Indus Valley Civilisation. It highlights the advancements in materials and techniques, noting the grandeur and artistic merit of ancient and medieval buildings. Focusing on the princely state of Bikaner, it details the use of local resources like red sandstone from Dulmera and Khari. The Khari quarry stone was a key construction material in Bikaner from the era of Rao Bika Ji to the nineteenth century. In Besides Khari, stones from Dulmera and other villages such as Hansera and Aalsar were used. The involvement of various professional castes and artisans such as gajdhar, karigar, chejara, usta, Sika, Suthar, Luhar and labourers in construction could be seen. The raw material for building construction was available locally. Brick-making was another important activity in building construction, which was done by potters mixing yellow clay with straw. Other important materials were lime, kankar, and murad, which were managed by the Kumhar and Chungar communities. Fuel for lime kilns came from local sources such as dry khejri wood. Colouring materials such as lime-based kalli were obtained locally. Water for construction was supplied from wells, which were managed by malis and sikas. Iron, obtained locally from outside states, played an important role, with blacksmiths making the necessary tools. Various professional castes were involved in the construction process, reflecting a mix of local resources and skilled labour, leading to distinct architectural features in Bikaner buildings. This article emphasises the durability of pre-modern buildings due to natural materials and examines archival documents like Kamthana Bahis for insights into the eighteenth–nineteenth-century Bikaner’s construction practices. These documents provide comprehensive information on building methods, materials and the socio-economic aspects of construction, illustrating the structural and aesthetic differences between government and non-government buildings. The study underscores the cultural heritage and architectural legacy of Bikaner, offering a detailed analysis of its historical building techniques and materials.