Rajasthan first Protestant church, St. John Baptist Church in Bandikui, was established in 1883.

Side view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

Other side view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

Front view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

Roof view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

From inside the left hand side view St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

A Glimpse into the Past: Bandikui's Forgotten Church.

The old church in Bandikui, Rajasthan, is more than just an abandoned building; it's a silent monument to the town's unique history as a significant British-era railway junction. This heritage site, often identified as the St. John Baptist Church (Protestant), stands in the Railway Colony, telling a story that dates back over 140 to 150 years.

The British Legacy and the Railways

Bandikui became a major railway hub after the Delhi-Bandikui line opened around 1874. As the railway expanded, so did the community of British Christians and Anglo-Indian families, mainly railway employees, who settled in the town. These families needed a place of worship, and their demands led to the construction of this church.

The church's establishment is often associated with the legacy of Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of the British Government around 1870, who may have played a role during his tour of the region. Spanning about 10 bighas of land, it was a central spiritual and social point for the colonial community. During its peak, Christmas here was reportedly a month-long celebration!

Architecture and State of Disrepair

Architecturally, the church showcases a beautiful, though now crumbling, example of Gothic Revival style. You can still see hints of its former glory in the remaining majestic Gothic arches and the remnants of what were once elegant stained-glass windows—some reportedly depicting portraits of Mother Mary and Jesus.

Sadly, today the church stands in a deteriorated, ruined condition. After India's independence, as many British and Anglo-Indian families moved away, the church fell into neglect.

From inside the right hand side view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

Back side view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

Front view from inside of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

Back side view of St. John Baptist Church Bandikui

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Glimpses of old Bandikui Locoshed (1883).

"LOCOSHED BANDIKUI" A priceless vintage shot of the dedicated staff proudly posing in front of two majestic steam locomotives at the Bandikui Locoshed. The men who kept the wheels of Indian Railways turning in this historic division. Steam, soot, and sun! A vibrant color photo showing a YP-class metre-gauge steam locomotive (YP 2316) at the Bandikui shed yard. The air was thick with the smell of coal and oil—the unmistakable atmosphere of a busy railway operation in its heyday. The Heartbeat of "Rail Nagari": A Detailed History of the Bandikui Loco Shed. Bandikui is not just a city in Rajasthan; it is a monument to the golden age of Indian Railways. Nicknamed "Rail Nagari," its very existence and prosperity are a direct result of the tracks laid down in the 19th century. At the core of this railway empire stood the magnificent Bandikui Loco Shed, a pivotal hub that breathed life into the iron horses of the Bo...

Picture of some old locos from Bandikui Locoshed .

Bandikui, more than just a junction, was once a thriving hub of the Western Railway, home to a loco shed that housed some magnificent steam engines. Back to 1993 at Bandikui Junction! Here, a majestic steam locomotive begins its journey to Agra. A beautiful glimpse into the golden era of Indian Railways from our very own Bandikui. These powerful machines were the lifeblood of the metre gauge network, hauling everything from critical goods to the most luxurious passenger trains. According to a historical listing from the 1970s for Metre Gauge (MG) steam sheds, the Bandikui Loco Shed had an allocation of: YP class locomotives (20 units) YG class locomotives (34 units) WD class locomotives (13 units) WD 1506 : A Global Design in Bandikui. Meet the rugged WD 1506. This isn't just any metre gauge loco; it's a piece of international railway history. Built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), its design o...

Chand Baori : India's Masterpiece of Geometry.

A Hidden Marvel in the Desert. Tucked away in the small, arid village of Abhaneri, Rajasthan, lies one of India's most extraordinary and visually arresting architectural wonders: Chand Baori. This colossal stepwell, or baori, is a breathtaking testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient Indian civilization, built not just as a utilitarian water source but as a stunning piece of monumental art. Stepping into its presence, as seen in the wide-view photos is like looking into a perfectly symmetrical, inverted pyramid that plunges into the earth. History: A Royal Legacy of Water Conservation. Dating back to the 8th or 9th century AD, Chand Baori is one of the oldest and deepest stepwells in India. Historical accounts attribute its construction to King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty (sometimes referred to as the Chandela dynasty or Gujara Pratihara clan). Its creation was a critical response to the extreme aridity of the Rajasthan region; ...

Bandikui History

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