| Bika | |
| Rao of Bikaner | |
| Reign: | 1472 – 17 June 1504 |
| Successor: | Naro |
| Dynasty: | Rathore |
| Spouse: | Rang Kanwar of Pugal |
| Issue: | Gadshi Naro Lunkaran |
| Father: | Jodha of Mandore |
| Mother: | Rani Sankhli Narangdeji of Run[1] |
| Birth Date: | 5 August 1438 |
Rao Bika Rathore (5 August 1438 – 17 June 1504), was a scion of the Rathore clan of Rajputs and the founder of the city of Bikaner and Bikaner State in present-day state of Rajasthan in India.[2] He was the fifth son of Rao Jodha, founder of the city of Jodhpur. During his reign he controlled an area of 40,000 square miles, which included 3,000 villages.[3]
See main article: History of Bikaner. In 1465 AD, Rao Bika had come late and taken seat beside his uncle, Rawat Kandhal, with whom he carried a conversation in whisper. Rao Jodha jestingly remarked that they must be making a plan of conquest of new territory, an idea constantly being suggested to him to provide for his large family. Rao Bika and Rawat Kandhal took the observation as a challenge and pledged to win new lands. The land approved by Rao Jodha to conquer through conquest was Jangladesh which had been largely weakened by war as suggested by Napo, a Sankhala Rajput. On 30 September 1465 AD, the 27 year old Rao Bika along with Rawat Kandhal who had sworn to establish his nephew just like he did Rao Jodha in Marwar. With a considerable following of 100 horsemen and 500 foot-soldiers left Jodhpur along with his uncles Kandhal, Rupo, Mandan, Mandalo and Nathu; his brothers Bida, Jogayat; his dhai brother rav chahayad gahlot and others.[4] Jangladesh was then inhabited by the Bhatis, Jats, Bhattis and Johiyas.[5] Bika led an army of around 300 of his clansmen to conquer the Jangladesh area. Bika also had the support of Karni Mata, Charans and Godara Jats.[6] Rao Bika founded Bikaner state and conquered the areas of Sirsa, Ladnu, Bhatner, Bhatinda, Singhana, Rini, Nohar and Pugal. During his reign he controlled an area of 40,000 square miles, which included 3,000 villages. After Rao Bika's death, his elder son Rao Nara became the new ruler of Bikaner, however he died within a year of his reign. Nara was succeeded by his younger brother Rao Lunkaran in 1505.[3]