Junagarh Museum - Antique Collection of Weaponry
The famous “Fort Museum” in Junagarh, Bikaner surely gives its visitors a great chance to peep into the history. Ganga Mahal, the imposing hall of Junagarh Fort now houses the Museum.
Huge Collections of Rajput Weaponry
You will be amazed to see a huge collection of diabolic pistols, swords and weapons, each an exquisite work of art in this museum. Swords with ivory and crystal handles, some in shape of lions and other shapes can also be seen here. Cold and silver howdahs, jhulas, kis and a first world war biplane are also on view.
You should also visit the Diwan-i-khas, which houses an intricately carved mammoth sandalwood throne placed along with three massive arches.
Other important objects include a pair of drums belonging to jamblioji, the saint who predicted the foundation of the dynasty by Rao Bika for 450 years. Photographs and items of personal use by Maharaja Ganga Singh and miniatures are also on view.
Junagarh fort was built under the supervision of Karan Chand the prime minister of Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD. Construction of the walls and associated moat commenced in 1588 and were completed in 1593.
Other Attractions of Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
The Junagarh fort in Bikaner encloses a number of temples, pavilions and 37 palaces. Each of the palaces are a work of art with carved windows, kiosk, hanging balconies and towers.
The Moon palace, the Flower palace, the Karan Mahal, and the Anup Mahal are all unique in their own rights. Each of the rooms of the Junagarh fort including the Rang Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Vijai Mahal, and Dungar Niwas are now living museums of the glorious past and grandeur.
Amongst the temples, Har Mandir is the most important and beautiful. The royal family worshipped their gods and goddesses here for long.
#1 by irfan on February 5, 2010 - 11:32 am
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On left of the Gun
Cheetah and Wild Cat are engraved in gold. Handwork with ivory on Butt Group.
On Right of the Gun
Elephant and lion are engraved in gold. All writings are in Gold. Under the trigger cover JASHPORE STATE is written in gold. Engraved on it in gold is the lion holding an axe and having a crown on the top of the head.
The gun was gifted to my father by one of the Nawabs (statesman) in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) nearly 40 years ago.
According to the information I have gained from various experts, gun manufacturers and antique gun holders from different parts of the world, the gun originates from a place called Suhl in Germany, which is well known for its magnificence in gun making through out the world. The gun, according to the knowledge ,dates almost 90 years back and accounts for only 6 in the world with me being one of the those handfuls who are in the possession.