History of Shekhawats

Shekhawat is a sub-clan of Kachwaha Rajputs found mainly in Rajasthan, India. The Shekhawat clan claims descent from the great rajput warrior Maharao Shekha Ji. The Shekhawats were the most prominent among all sub clans of Kachwaha of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Shekhawats were the rulers of Shekhawati.

History

Vansh: Suryavansh
Descended from: Dhundhar, Amber/Jaipur
Sub-clan of: Kachwaha/Kachawa/Kushwaha.
Branches: Bhojraj Ji Ka, Girdhar Ji Ka, Jagmal Ji Ka, Achaldas Ji Ka, Rao Ji Ka, Ladkhani, Bhairo ji Ka, Taknet, Ratnawat, Khejdoliya, Milakpuriya, Tejsi Ka, Jagmalji Ka, Sahasmalji Ka, Lunkaranji Ka, Ugarsenji Ka, Sanwanldasji Ka, Gopalji Ka, Chandapota, Parsuramji Ka, Tajkhani, Hariramji Ka etc.
Ruled in: Shekhawati
Princely States: Shahpura (Head Seat of Shekhawats)
Khetri
Dundlod
Nawalgarh
Mukandgarh
Mandawa(Pana-1),(Pana-2)
Mehansar
Bissau
Alsisar(Pana-1),(Pana-2)
Malsisar
Mandrella
Chowkari
Heerwa & Sigra
Surajgarh
Udaipurwati
Parsurampura
Taen
Sikar
Kasli
Shyamgarh
Jahota
Khandela-Bara Pana and Chhota Pana
Danta
Khood
Khachariawas
Khatu
Pachar
Mundru
Sainswas
Chirana

The Shekhawat Rajputs ruled over the Shekhawati region for over 500 years. The Shekhawats are the most prominent among all the sub-clans of the Kachwaha Dynasty of Jaipur. Sir Yadunath Sarkar in his book Fall of The Mughal Empire, wrote that Shekhawats were the bravest among the sub-clans of Kachawaha Dynasty of Jaipur.

Following is a brief historical and genealogical outline of the Shekhawat clan, being one of the 65 branches of the Kachhawa ruling clan of Jaipur, and the most prominent of all the Kachhawas, and are the descendants of great Rajput warrior, Rao Shekhaji. The early rulers paid allegiance to their overlords, the rulers of Amber, but Rao Shekhaji declared himself independent in 1471 and established a separate principality for his descendants. The Shekhawats ruled over the Shekhawati region for over 500 years and are honoured with the hereditary title of “Tazimi Sirdars”, whom HH the Maharaja of Jaipur receives by rising from his seat. The Shekhawat rulers built more then 50 forts and Palaces during their rule over the Shekhawati region [land of Shekhawat rulers], which was the largest Nizamat [District] within Jaipur State, almost the whole of which is occupied by Shekhawats, Col. J.C. Brooke in his book, Political History of India, wrote that “For the recruitment of Horse-army there is no region in India at par with Shekhawati.” Shekhawat is a very common surname in the Indian military. Many members of the clan have won gallantry awards including the Param Veer Chakra (the highest Indian award for bravery in a time of war), the Mahaveer Chakra, etc.

Sub clans of the Shekhawats

  • Bhojraj Ji Ka
    • Udaipurwati [Pentalisa]
      • Jhajhar, founded by Kunwar Purshottamdas, elder son of Raja Todarmal.
      • Gudhagaurji, founded by Thakur Jhunjhar Singh.
      • Chirana, site of a magnificent castle.
      • (Descendants of Thakur Salehdi Singh 1687-1767): Kedh, founded by Kunwar Gopal Singh son of Thakur Jagram Singh.
      • Nangali, founded by Thakur Saledhi Singh.
      • Khirod, founded by Kunwar Amar Singh and Kunwar Ram Singh, sons of Salehdi Singh, they built a castle in 1825 samwat.
      • Moonwari [Mohanwari], founded by Thakur Saledhi Singh.
      • Jakhal
      • Chapoli
      • Gura
      • Paunkh etc.
    • Panch Pana – Thakur Shardul Singh, had six sons, who received shares of their fathers estate. One son died young, and his share was divided equally amongst his brothers (these five shares were known as Panch Pana), another son died without issue and his share was given to the surviving brothers.
      • (Descendants of Thakur Zorawar Singh): Chowkari, founded by Thakur Bakhat Singh in 1745, son of Thakur Zorawar Singh of Jhunjhunu. Site of a castle.
      • Malsisar, founded by Thakur Maha Singh in 1745, son of Thakur Zorawar Singh of Jhunjhunu, started the construction of Malsisar Fort in 1762.
      • Mandrella, founded by Thakur Daulat Singh in 1751/1791, third son of Thakur Zorawar Singh of Jhunjhunu. Site of a fort.
      • Chanana, founded by Thakur Ranjit Singh, son of Thakur Daulat Singh, he constructed the Fort of Chanana.
      • Gangiyasar, granted to Thakur Medh Singh. Site of a fort.
      • Tain, founded by Thakur Salim Singh, son of Thakur Zorawar Singh of Jhunjhunu. Site of a fort.
      • Sirohi, founded by Thakur Salim Singh, son of Thakur Zorawar Singh of Jhunjhunu. Site of a fort.
      • Dabdi, founded by Thakur Kirat Singh, son of Thakur Zorawar Singh of Jhunjhunu.
      • (Descendants of Thakur Kishan Singh): Khetri, founded by Thakur Kishan Singh in 1742, second largest Thikana in Jaipur after Sikar. Site of the kaleidoscopic Bhopalgarh Fort, Bagore Fort and a Palace. Thakur Bhopal Singh constructed the Khetri Mahal in 1770.
      • Alsisar I, site of a fort, founded by Thakur Chattar Singh in 1853.
      • Alsisar II, founded by Thakur Ganpat Singh in 1853.
      • Heerwa, founded by Thakur Ramnath Singh. Thakur Pahar Singh constructed the fort of Heerwa in 1763.
      • Sigra, founded by Thakur Mehtab Singh, site of a small Castle.
      • Arooka, site of a fort, the estate was founded by Thakur Duleha Singh in 1796.
      • Badangarh, site of a fort, the estate was founded by Thakur Badan Singh.
      • (Descendants of Thakur Nawal Singh): Nawalgarh, founded by Thakur Nawal Singh in 1737 at the village site of Rohili. Nawalgarh has two forts, Bala Kila Fort, built in 1737, and Fatehgarh or Kachiagarh Fort, as well as Roop Niwas Palace.
      • Mandawa, founded in 1791 by the third and fourth sons of Thakur Narsinghdas of Nawalgarh in 1791. Castle Mandawa was built by Thakur Nawal Singh, in 1755.
      • Mahensar, founded in 1768 by Thakur Nahar Singh, second son of Thakur Nawal Singh of Nawalgarh. Mahensar has a magnificent castle.
      • Parasrampura, founded by Thakur Bhawani Singh, son of Thakur Nahar Singh. Site of a small Castle.
      • Mukundgarh, site of a fort, the estate founded by Thakur Mukand Singh in 1859, son of Thakur Nathu Singh of Nawalgarh.
      • Dorasar, founded by Kunwar Prem Singh.
      • Pacheri, founded by Kunwar Prem Singh.
      • Ismailpur
      • Jakoda
      • Kolinda etc.
      • (Descendants of Thakur Kesari Singh); Dundlod, founded by Thakur Kesari Singh, who constructed Dundlod Fort in 1750. The fort has the majestic Diwan Khana.
      • Bissau, founded in 1746 by Thakur Kesari Singh, site of a fort.
      • Surajgarh, founded in 1778 by Thakur Surajmal.Site of a fort.
  • Ugarsen Ji Ka
  • Gopal Ji Ka
  • Achaldas Ji Ka
    • Jahota, granted to Thakur Achaldas, son of Thakur Bhagwan Das.
  • Bhairo Ji Ka
  • Tejsi Ji KA
  • Taknet
  • Khejroliya
    • Khejroli, granted to Kunwar Bharmal, younger son of Rao Shekha.
  • Milakpuriya
    • Milakpur, granted to Kunwar Trilok, younger son of Rao Shekha.
  • Dundawat
  • Girdhar Ji Ka
    • Khandela Senior, site of the Bara Pana Fort, the estate was founded by Raja Udai Singh in 1697.
    • Khandela Junior, site of Chhota Pana Fort, the estate was founded by Raja Fateh Singh in 1683.
    • Danta, founded by Thakur Amar Singh, later Thakur Bhawani Singh, constructed the fort of Danta in 1754; Danta was in Sambhar Nizamat of Jaipur.
    • Khood, site of a fort, the estate was founded by Thakur Shyam Singh.
    • Surera, site of a Castle.
    • Banuda
    • Ralawta
    • Palsana
    • Ramgarh (near Danta), site of a strategic Fort, built by Guman Singh Shekhawat [Ladkhani] in 1733AD.
    • Bawari etc.
  • Rao Ji Ka
    • Sikar, site of a fort and a palace, namely the Madho Niwas Palace, the estate was founded in 1687 by Rao Daulat Singh, son of Rao Jaswant Singh of Kasli.
    • Kasli, founded by Rao Tirmal, who was granted the title of Rao and the parganas of Nagore and Kasli (84 villages).
    • Shyamgarh
    • Sarwari etc.
  • Ladkhani
    • Khachariawas, site of a fort, the estate was granted to Thakur Lad Singh in 1618. Khachariawas was in Sambhar Nizamat of Jaipur.
    • Khatu, founded by Kunwar Kesari Singh, son of Thakur Lad Singh of Khachariawas.
    • Lamia, site of a fort, the estate was founded by Kunwar Maya Singh, grand son of Thakur Lad Singh of Khachariawas.
    • Dhingpur
    • Vajiwas
    • Roolana
    • Singhasan
    • Pachar, site of a fort.
    • Bidoli etc.
  • Tajkhani
  • Hariram Ji Ka
    • Mundro
    • Abhawas
    • Lasada, some of these thikanas are also Bhomias.
  • Parasram Ji Ka
  • Ratnawat

Shekhawati States Map

Shekhawati Federtion Map

Shekhawat Dynasty Tree

  • Raja UDAYAKARAN, Raja of Amber 1367/1389, married and had (with other issue).
    • Rao Baloji (qv)
  • Rao BALOJI, Rao of Barwara 1389/1430, third son, received his patrimony of Barwara, married and had issue.
    • Rao Mokalji (qv)
    • Rao Khemrajji, his descendants were one of the Bara Kotri.
    • Rao Kharudji, married and had issue.
      • Rao Kumanji, ancestor of the Kumawat clan (said to be nearly extinct in 1823).
  • Rao MOKALJI, Rao of Barwara 1430/1445, married 4 wives, including, 4thly, Rani Nirbanji, and had issue. He died 1445.
    • Rao Shekhaji (by Rani Nirbanji) (qv)
  • Rao SHEKHAJI, Rao of Barwara 1445/1460 and Rao of Amarsar 1460/1488, born 1433, founder of Amarsar in 1460, he declared himself independent in 1471 and established a separate Kingdom of his descendants; married six wives, and had issue, 12 sons. He died 1488 in the battle of Ghatwa.
    • Kunwar Durga, ancestor of the Gadh Taknet clan. He died 1488 in the battle of Ghatwa.
    • Kunwar Ratna, ancestor of the Ratnawat clan.
    • Kunwar Puran Mal, died sp 1488 in the battle of Ghatwa.
    • Kunwar Abha
    • Kunwar Achala
    • Kunwar Trilok, he was given Mallikpur jointly with his two older brothers, and their descendants are known as Mallikpuria.
    • Kunwar Kumbha
    • Kunwar Ridmal
    • Kunwar Bharmal, he was given Khejroli jointly with his two older brothers, and their descendants are known as Khejroliya.
    • Rao Raimal (qv)
  • Rao RAIMAL, Rao of Amarsar 1488/1537, married seven wives, and had issue, six sons. He died 1537.
    • Rao Suja Singh (qv)
    • Kunwar Tej Singh, killed shortly after 1525 by Rao Jaimalji of Uniara.
    • Kunwar Sahas Mal, he was granted the jagir of Siwar.
    • Kunwar Jagmal
    • Kunwar Sheo Singh
    • Kunwar Sultan Singh
    • Baisa (name unknown), married Rao Bida, Thakur of Bidasar, and had issue.
  • Rao SUJA SINGH, Rao of Amarsar 1537/1548, married and had issue, six sons.
    • Rao Lunkaran of Amarsar (qv)
    • Rao Raisal (qv)
    • Rao Gopal Singh, had descendants at Jharli and Karad.
    • Kunwar Chanda Singh of Mahanpur.
    • Kunwar Bhairon Singh of Bassi.
    • Kunwar Ram Singh, died sp.
  • Rao LUNKARAN 1548/1584 of Amarsar, which comprised some 360 villages which was overshadowed by the Junior lines some 200 years later, granted a mansab of 2000 sawars by Akbar, appointed Faujdar of Sambhar in 1571, married (amongst others), Rani Hansa Bai, daughter of Raja Maldeo of Marwar, and had issue. He died 1584.
    • Rao MANOHAR (by Rani Hansa Bai), founder of Manoharpur later renamed Shahpura.
    • Kunwar Natha Singh
    • Kunwar Narsingh Das
    • Thakur Bhagwan Das of Reengus – Mehroli, married and had issue.
      • Thakur ACHAL DAS, founder of the Achaldasji ke Shekhawat clan, ancestor of the Thakurs of Jahota in Jaipur.
      • Kunwar Jagganath Singh, died in Dhauli battle.
    • Kunwar Sanwal Das
    • Kunwar Kishan das
    • Kunwar Dule Harai
    • Kunwar Ishwar Das
    • Kunwar Kalyan Das
    • Kunwar Chitar Das
  • Raja RAISAL Darbari 1584/1614, born about 1538, he was granted the jagir of Lamiya, he was also granted the title of Raja and a mansab of 1250 sawars later raised to 3000, married 1stly, Rani Kesar Kumari, daughter of Raja Lakhdheer Badgujar of Devati, married 2ndly, Rani Kisnawati, daughter of Raja Peetha, the Raja of Khandela, adding that territory to his own, married 3rdly. Rani Mertanji, married 4thly, Rani Hansa Kumari, committed sati in 1614, daughter of Rao Jagmal of Merta, married 5thly, Rani Lad Kanwar, daughter of Raja Kumbha Gaur of Maroth, married 6thly, Rani Indrawati, daughter of Rao Man Singh Songara of Pali, and had issue, 12 sons, the Raisalot clan, including the Sadhani sub-clan. He died about 1614.
    • Thakur LAD SINGH of Khachariawas (better known as Lad Khan) (by Rani Kesar Kumari), ancestor of the Ladkhani sub-clan of the Shekhawat.
    • Thakur Virbhan Singh (by Rani Lad Kanwar)
    • Rao Tirmal (by Rani Mertanji), granted the title of Rao and the parganas of Nagore and Kasli (84 villages), married and had issue.
      • Rao Gangaram of Kasli, married and had issue, the Raos of Sikar. He died at Renwal.
    • Rao Bhojraj (by Rani Hansa Kumari) 1621/1640, born 1567, he represented his father, in the battle of Kangra in 1582; he received the village of Kosambi in 1608 as his jagir, it was later renamed Udaipur, granted a mansab of 800 zat and 400 sawars, later raised to 1000 zat and 500 sawars; in 1596, the year of famine, he started the construction of a tank, namely the “Bhoj Sagar” for the relief of famine sufferers; married eleven wives, and had issue, the “Bhojraj Ji Ka” sub clan. He died about 1640 at Khandela where his cenotaph was built.
      • Raja Todar Mal (by Rani Anop Kanwar Yadaviji), succeded his father as the Raja Sahib of Udaipurwati 1640/1658, a generous and noble person, he served as Finance Minister and Prime Minister, and was considered to be one of the nine Gems of India during Padshah Akbar’s reign. He was one of the closest associates of the Mughal emperor Akbar, who sought his services during the conquest of Bengal in 1576. He also led the military campaign against Chitor in 1568. He was famous for his land revenue settlement known as Zabti or regulation system. He divided the cultivable land into four classes on the basis of the fertility of the soil and frequency of cultivation. Once he gave a unique reception and showed hospitality to Bareth Haridas (the Kavi of Maharana Jagat Singh of Udaipur), after testing his generosity, Bareth remarked – Two Udaipurs are glorious,two givers are unhesitating; one is Rana Jagat Singh and another is Raja Todermal; he married 1stly, Rani Sher Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Kalyan Das Nirban of Kharkada, married 2ndly, Tara Devi, daughter of Thakur Raghunath Singh Baghel of Kusambhi, married 3rdly, Parsawati Bidawatiji, daughter of Thakur Dhuraj of Chappar, married 4thly, Rani Sewag Tanwariji, daughter of Thakur Kishan Singh, married 5thly, Rani Udawatiji, daughter of Thakur Kalyan Das of Jaitaran, married 6thly, Rani Chauhaniji, daughter of Thakur Jhujhar Singh of Rampura, and had issue, six sons. He died 1658.
        • Kunwar Purshottam Das of Jhajhar in Rajasthan, married Kunwarani Phool Kanwar Mertani Ji Sahiba of Kuchaman, and had issue, two sons and a daughter.
          • Thakur Hari Singh, married but died sp.
          • Thakur Prithvi Singh, married 1stly, Thakurani Biki Ji, married 2ndly, Thakurani Biki Ji, married 3rdly, Thakurani Udawat Ji, and had issue, four sons. He died in the battle of Devli and Heerapura, north of Sambhar.
            • Thakur Fateh Singh, [Fateh Singh Ji Ka Pana, Jhajhar], married and had issue.
            • Thakur Padam Singh, [Padam Singh Ji Ka Pana, Jhajhar] married and had issue.
            • Thakur Sabha Singh, [Pana Malam Singh Sabhasinghot, Jhajhar], married and had issue.
            • Thakur Karan Singh, [Karan Singh Ji Ka Pana, Jhajhar], married and had issue, two sons.
              • Thakur Badan Singh, married and had issue.
              • Thakur Devi Singh, married and had issue.
                • Thakur Bhairo Singh, he was granted the jagir, later named as “Bhairobas” Raola of Jhajhar; married and had issue.
          • Maharani Sukhroopde Kanwar, married Maharaja RATAN SINGH of Ratlam. She committed sati in 1658.
        • Kunwar Shyam Singh of Chapoli.
        • Kunwar Himmat Singh of Kari.
        • Kunwar Bhim Singh of Moondawarra, Rawao and Girawadi.
        • Raja Jhujhar Singh, Thakur of Udaipurwati 1658/1687, married 1stly, Rani Lakh Kanwar Gauriji, married 2ndly, Rani Rup Kanwar Bidawatiji, married 3rdly, Rani Suhag Kanwar Tanwariji, daughter of Rao Kesar Singhji, married 4thly, Rani Deep Kanwar Jodhiji, married 5thly, Rani Ajab Kanwar Nirbaniji, married 6thly, Rani Kusum Kanwar Tanwariji, and had issue, eighteen sons and two daughters. He died 1687.
          • Thakur Jagram Singh, Thakur of Udaipurwati 1687/-, married 1stly, Rani Kandhlotiji, daughter of Thakur Pratap Singh of Rawatsar, married 2ndly, Thakurani Kundan Kanwar, and had issue.
            • Kunwar Kushal Singh of Badao (by Rani Kandhlotiji)
            • Kunwar Gopal Singh of Udaipur (by Rani Kandhlotiji)
            • Kunwar Sukh Singh of Panchlangi (by Rani Kandhlotiji), died 1719.
            • Thakur Sardul Singh (by Thakurani Kundan Kanwar), born 1681, Thakur of Parasrampura from 1715, he conquered the territory of the Kaimkhani Nawabs of Jhunjhunu in October 1730, married 1stly, 1698, Thakurani Sahaj Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Manroop Singh Bika of Nathasar, married 2ndly, Thakurani Sirey Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Mohakam Singh of Nathasar, married 3rdly Thakurani Bakhat Kanwar Mertaniji, daughter of Thakur Devi Singh of Poonota, and had issue. He died 17th April 1742.
              • Thakur Zorawar Singh (by Thakurani Sahaj Kanwar), born 1700 at Kant, married 1stly, Thakurani Hansa Kanwar, married 2ndly, Thakurani Kesar Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Surat Singh Jodha, married 3rdly, Thakurani Jeev Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Himmat Singh Nirban of Jasrapur, married 4thly, Thakurani Akhaya Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Shyam Singh Mertia, and had issue, eight sons. He died 1745.
                • Kunwar Bakhat Singh of Chowkri and Doomra.
                • Kunwar Maha Singh of Malsisar.
                • Kunwar Daulat Singh of Mandrella.
                • Kunwar Jait Singh, died sp in 1752.
                • Kunwar Salim Singh of Taien, Sirohi.
                • Kunwar Medh Singh of Gangiyasar.
                • Kunwar Hathi Singh of Sultanu.
                • Kunwar Kirat Singh of Dabri Dheer.
              • Thakur Kishan Singh (by Thakurani Bakhat Kanwar), born 1709, ancestor of the families of Khetri, Arooka, Seegra, Alsisar and Balaria.
              • Kunwar Bahadur Singh (by Thakurani Bakhat Kanwar), born 1712, died 1732.
              • Thakur Nawal Singh Bahadur (by Thakurani Bakhat Kanwar), born 1715, ancestor of the families of Nawalgarh, Mahensar, Dorasar, Mukundgarh, Narsinghani and Mandawa. He died 24th February 1780.
              • Thakur Keshri Singh (by Thakurani Bakhat Kanwar), born 1729, ancestor of the families of Dundlod, Surajgarh and Bissau, 4th and youngest son, died 1768.
              • Thakur Akhey Singh (by Thakurani Bakhat Kanwar), died sp 1750.
              • Rani Guman Kanwar (by Thakurani Sahaj Kanwar), born 1699, married Rao Chattar Singh of Indergarh in Kotah.
            • Thakur Saledhi Singh of Moonwari and Nangali (by Thakurani Kundan Kanwar), born 1687, married five wives, and had issue, thirteen sons and three daughters. He died about 1767.
              • Kunwar Ajit Singh, died 1785.
          • Baisa Lad Kanwar, married Apji Inder Singh of Indragarh-Kotah.
          • Baisa Hasta Kanwar
          • Baisa Shab Kanwar, married Apji Megh Singh of Indragarh-Kotah.
          • Baisa Janak Kanwar, married Apji Amar Singh of Khatoli-Kotah.
          • Baisa Sukh Kanwar, married Maharaj Shivnath Singh of Sitamau.
        • Kunwar Harnath Singh of Rasulpur.
      • Kunwar Kesari Singh (by Rani Parag Kanwar Nirbaniji)
      • Kunwar Raghunath Singh (by Rani Parag Kanwar Nirbaniji)
    • Kunwar Puras Ram of Bae (by Rani Kesar Kumari)
    • Thakur Hur Ramji of Mundurri (by Rani Kisnawati), married and had issue.
      • Thakur Hardaya Ramji, married and had issue.
        • Baisa Sone Kanwar, married Thakur Sahib Khanji Champawat.
    • Kunwar Biharidas (by Rani Kisnawati)
    • Kunwar Taj Khan (by Rani Kesar Kumari), he died sp.
    • Raja Girdhar Singh (by Rani Mertanji), 7th son, he was granted the jagir of Khandela, by Padshah Jahangir of Delhi.
    • Kunwar Kushal Singh (by Rani Indrawati), married and had issue.
      • Ladi Kanwar, married Amar Singh Rathore, became sati on 26th July 1644.