The rulers of Bikaner have always objected to commercial exploitation of their heritage, and have therefore forbidden traders to set up shop in the fort. However, the royal principles have been relaxed for a good cause in the case of a handicrafts shop, Abhivyakti , inside the main fort gate. Abhivyakti was established with the aid of funding from the local Urmul Trust and from Oxfam in England. The high-quality rugs, bags, clothes, cushion-covers, shawls and stools sold here are made in 150 villages around Bikaner. In the past, all proceeds from sales of these unique handicrafts went directly to the villagers who produced them. Sadly, it seems that these days the dark hand of the commission racket is at work, with rickshaw-wallahs and middlemen routinely taking their cut.