History of the Rathores/Marwar & Bikaner
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Marwar: The Kingdom of the Desert
The Rathores reclaimed the desert sands, establishing a vast empire spanning Jodhpur (now Jodhpur City & Rural) and Bikaner. Their history is marked by the legendary defense of Mehrangarh and the indomitable spirit of leaders like Maldeo and Durgadas.
1. Origins and Foundations
| Category | Historical Detail |
|---|---|
| Clan Progenitor | Rao Siha (1273 AD); migrated from Kannauj to Pali. |
| Mandore Conquest | Rao Chunda; obtained Mandore as dowry from Inda Pratiharas. |
| Jodhpur Founder | Rao Jodha (1459 AD); built the city (now Jodhpur City/Rural) and Mehrangarh Fort. |
| Patron Deity | Nagnechi Mata; idol brought from Karnataka by Rao Dhuhad. |
2. The Era of Expansion
| Ruler | Highlight / Battle | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rao Maldeo | Battle of Sammel (1544 AD) | Defeated by Sher Shah Suri; Jaita-Kumpa became legends. |
| Rao Chandrasen | "Forgotten Hero" | Resisted Akbar; Precursor to Maharana Pratap. |
| Jaswant Singh I | Mughal Era | Fought at Battle of Dharmat; patron of literature (Bhasha Bhushan). |
| Durgadas Rathore | 30-Year Struggle | Protected infant Ajit Singh; "Ulysses of Marwar". |
3. The Bikaner Branch
| Ruler | Achievement | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rao Bika | Foundation of Bikaner (1488) | Left Jodhpur to found a new kingdom in Jangaldesh. |
| Maharaja Rai Singh | "Rajputana ka Karna" | General for Akbar; built Junagarh Fort. |
| Anup Singh | Patron of Art | Collected Sanskrit manuscripts; assumed title "Maharaja". |
| Ganga Singh | Modern Architect | Represented India at Round Table Conferences; brought Ganga Canal. |
[!IMPORTANT]
Rao Chandrasen was the first Rajput ruler to effectively use guerrilla warfare in the desert, a tactic later adopted and perfected by Maharana Pratap in the Aravallis.
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