Bikaner House

Bikaner House is the former residence of the Maharaja of Bikaner State in New Delhi. It is located close to India Gate.

History

After the British Raj set up the Chamber of Princes, the rulers needed a residence in the capital city. A number of palaces were constructed in New Delhi, at the coveted Princes’ Park. Around the statue of Monarchy of [the United Kingdom|King] George V are the Hyderabad House, Baroda House, Patiala House, Jaipur House, Darbhanga House and Bikaner.
It was designed by Charles G Blomfield. After Indian [independence movement|India's independence] in 1947, it was bought by the Government of Rajasthan. The building underwent renovation and reopened in 2015 as a space for arts and culture.

Architecture

It is spread over an 8-acre plot in Lutyens' Delhi. Among the princely residences, Bikaner House was the least grand in design, as it was constructed closer to a bungalow in design than a palace.