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15 the king of Jalore. He entered the service of Rao Ridhmal, chief of Mandore, where his tact and good fortune helped him to the position of " diwan” When Ridhmal was slain by a relative of the infant Rana Kumbha, Bachchharaj invited his eldest son, Jodha to Mandore and proclaimed him king. Later on, Bika, son of Jodha, in his ambition to carve out a new kingdom for himself set out northward from Mandore. Bachchhraj attached himself to the adventurous- prince and accompanied him in his quest for a kingdom His step was one in the right direction. It marked the beginning of a bright and prosperous era in the history of the Bachchhavat family. Fortune favoured Bika and crowned his efforts with success Having secured possession of a tract of land belonging to the Sanklas of Janglu, he carried his arms westward ind conquered Bhagore from the Bhatties Here he Founded his capital, Bikaner, in A D 1488, thirty years efter his departure from the parental roof at Mandore ind settled in his new environments as an independent monarch Bachchhraj also settled down' with his family in the new city. Following the example of his master, he founded a village which he called, after his name, Bachchhasar Bachchhraj was a man of great piety and love, and did much to fựrther the glory of the Jaina religion He made pilgrimage to Mount Shatrunjaya and died full of years and honours. - Through the kind and generous 'offices of my guide
