When we visit Rajasthan as tourists—exploring cities such as Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bundi—we are captivated by their magnificent forts, palaces, and museums. However, we are often confronted with the names of numerous dynasties and rulers, making it difficult to understand the history behind what we are seeing. Who built these forts? Which kingdom did they belong to? What challenges did their rulers face? How did the royal line of succession work? And how did these kingdoms come into existence?
This article is an attempt to answer these questions and provide a simple overview of the kingdoms of Rajasthan. My goal is to gain a better understanding of their history so that every fort, palace, and museum can be appreciated in its proper historical context.
Before exploring each kingdom in detail, let us first take a broad look at the major Rajput kingdoms of medieval Rajasthan and the regions they ruled.
The Rajputs of Rajasthan were divided into several independent kingdoms, each governed by its own ruling dynasty.
Kingdom of Mewar
- Kingdom of Marwar
- Kingdom of Jaisalmer
- Kingdom of Bikaner
- Kingdom of Ambar of Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunum, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur
then small kingdoms like Bundi, Chauhans of Ajmer, Banswara, Alwar, Dungarpur, etc.
This is calling Rajasthan kingdoms based on their geography, not by names like Parmar, Chalukya, Pratihar, Chandel, etc.
Rajasthanis managed to keep their culture and dances alive, using them to attract tourists from all over the globe, which is usually not seen in other parts of India.
I’ve traveled a lot across various states in India with a curious mindset. Whenever I explore Rajasthan, I notice that the locals have a deep connection to their history and their rulers. Whether it’s hotel staff or a rickshaw driver, they can name their kings without hesitation. In museums, I observed many villagers visiting from nearby areas, checking out the photos that showcase the lives of their kings and queens.
Mewar Dynasty
Mewar is the ONLY dynasty in Rajasthan who opposed the Mughals to the best of their power and were so proud of their blood that they never married any of their royal daughters to Mughals. They entered into a treaty with the Mughals with the precondition that there will be no nuptials between the two ever. While other neighboring Rajputs were bowing to Mughals, Mewar had no other alternative than to give all attention to their security by building forts. So today we can find many forts as heritage in the Mewar region.
Period – 8th century to 1949
Founder – Bappa Rawal in the 8th century. Allauddin Khilji destroyed this Guhil branch and handed over Chittor to Maldev of Jalore. Maldeo married his daughter to Hammir I and became head of the Sisodia clan.
From here Sisodia clan started.
Origin—Less is known about their origin. Vassals of Gurjar-Pratihar from 8th century
Clan – Rawal (Rana) Rajputs till 1303 and then Sisodia branch
Prominent kings – Bappa Rawal, Rana Hammir I, Ranan Lakha, Rana Kumbha, Uday Sing I, Rana Rai Mal, Rana Sanga, Uday Singh II, Maharana Pratap, Jai Singh I, Sawai Jay Singh II
Religion – Hindu
Fall – Merged with Union of India in 1948.
Marital relations—Rana Raimal, married daughter of Rao Jodha of the Marwar dynasty. Amar Singh married his daughter to Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber. The Rajput family of Mewar made it an honor not to enter into matrimonial relations with the Mughals in contrast to other Rajput branches.
Alliances – Accepted Mughal and British suzerainty in 1615 and 1818 respectively.
Monuments – Chittorgarh fort, Kumbhalgarh fort, City palace Udaipur, Ranakpur temples, Delwara temples, Lake Pichola
Where are present kings – Arvind Singh Mewar is the 76th generation and owns 10 hotels under HRH group. They live in Udaipur city palace part of which is open for tourists.
Marwar Dynasty
Unlike Mewar, most of the land in Marwar is desert. Mewar built a number of forts due to their constant scuffles with Mughals, neighboring Rajput states, and the Delhi Sultanate, while Marwar had quickly accepted Mughal suzerainty and thus could save their wealth, which we see today in the form of heritage.
Period – 1243 – 1948
Founder – Rao Siha
Origin—Jaichand, ruler of Kannauj, was defeated by Mohammed Ghori, and after this one branch of Gahadavala moved out and settled in Pali. Rao Siha is regarded as the first emigrant in the region to establish his kingdom in Pali in 1243 when he helped locals drive away Medas and Meenas and assumed the title of Rao. Later they shifted to Jodhpur.
Clan – Gahadwal from Kannauj genealogically Rathod
Prominent kings – Rao Siha, Rao Chunda, Rao Jodha, Rao Ganga, Maldeo Rathod, Chandrasen Rathod
Religion – Hindu
Fall – Merged with Union of India
Marital relations – Rao Jodha married his daughter to Mewad’s Rana Kumbha’s son Rai Mul. Udai Singh I married his daughter to Jahangir. Jodha Bai was her mother in law. Ranmals sister Hansa Bai had been married to Rana Lakha of Mewar so he was able to become a powerful member of the Mewar court.
Allaiance –They fought against Mughals till it was annexed in 1581. Thereafter they assisted Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and fought against Aurangjeb in battles.
Monuments – Mehran garh fort, Ummaid Bhawan, Jaswant thada, Kairadu temples, Devka sun temple, Jagdambe Temple, Barmer Fort, Nagaur fort, Deepak Mahal, Hadi Rani Mahal, Amar Singh’s Cenotaph, Jalore fort, Sundha Mata Temple, Sire Mandir, Adishwar Temple
Where are present kings – Maharaja Gaj Singh II lives in Umaid Umaid Bhawan palace. He has served once as rajya sabha member and was also ex High commisioner of Trindad and Tobago.
Specific Information
Bikaner Dynasty
Period – 1478 – 1948
Founder – Founded in 1478 by Rao Bika (1472-1504)
Origin—He was the son of Rao Jodha, king of Marwad. He was the third son, so his chance of securing the throne was bleak. Once hurt by a remark of his father, he left Marwar and settled himself in jungles of Bikaner and gradually developed the city now named Bikaner on his name.
Clan – Rathore
Prominent kings – Rao Singhji (1571-1611), Karan Singh (1631-1669), Anup Singh (1669-1698),
Maharaja Surat Singh (1787-1828), Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887-1943), and Sir Maharaja Sadul Singh as the last king.
Religion – Hindu
Fall – 1948 merged with the Union of India.
Marital relations—Rao Kalyan Mal (5th ruler, 1541-1571) married his two nieces to Akbar, Prince Jahangir married the daughter of Rao Singhji (6th ruler, 1574 to 1611).
Allaiances – Accepted suzerainity of Akbar, Jahangir, Aurangzeb and British.
Historical Monuments – Junagarh fort, Karni mata temple, Rampuria haveli, Seth Bhandasar temple, Devi kund, lalgarh palace, Gagesar palace
Where are present kings – The current princess Rajyashree Kumari lives in part of Lalgarh palace which is converted to a heritage hotel. She is shooter and Arjun awardee. She is also trustee of many charitable trusts in Rajasthan.
Specific Information
Jaisalmer Dynasty
Period – 1153-1948
Founder – Rawal Jaisal Singh (1153-1168)
Origin—The Bhati Rajputs are one of the oldest and most prominent Rajput clans of western India. They are traditionally regarded as Yaduvanshi (Jadon) Rajputs, claiming descent from the legendary Yadu lineage associated with Krishna. They had migrated from Mathura after losing their earlier territories.
Clan – Bhati Rajputs. Early Bhati ruled Gazni to Sialkot, Lahore, Rawalpindi once upon a time
Prominent kings – Rawal Jaisal Singh(1153-1168), Rawal Jaitsi Singh I (1276-1294), Rawal Lunkaran Singh (1530-1551), Rawal Harraj Singh (1562–1578), Maha Rawal Akhi Singh (1722-1762), Rawal Mulraj Singh (1762-1820).
Religion – Hindu
Fall – 1948 merged with Union of India.
Marital relations – Maharawal Harraj Singh married his daughter to Akbar.
Allaiance – Accepted suzerainity of Akbar, Jahangir, Aurangzeb and British.
Monuments – jaisalmer fort, Tazia Tower, Salim Singh ki Haveli, patwo ki haveli, Tanot Rai mata temple, Gadisar lake, Surya ghat, maharaja palace, Kuldhara
Where are present kings – 44th king Chaitanya Raj Singh (2020–Till Present) is 28 year old is car, dog and horse enthusiast.
Specific Information
Amber Dynasty
In beginning phase it was known as kingdom of Amber on name of kuldevi of this dynasty. After British declared it a state it was called Jaipur state. If the kings of Amber dynasty not helped Mughals, the history of India could be somewhat different and may be that Mughals could not set their foot. Quite possible that in that scenario Marathas could dominate South and Rajputs in North. King Bharmal of this dynasty married his daugher Jodhabai to Akbar.
Period – 1467 to 1949
Founder – Chandrasen
Origin – It was established by Dulha Rao, possibly the last ruler of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty of Gwalior. Kachchhapaghatas were a Rajput dynasty that ruled between 10th and 12th centuries. They was originally a feudatory of the Chandelas, who were dismissed by Emperor Paramardidev in 1186 CE and the Pratiharas of Gwalior was established under the Chandelas. Their territory included north-western parts of Central India (present-day Madhya Pradesh). The Kachhwaha Rajputs of Amber were from the same family. After 31 generations, they moved to Rajputana and created a kingdom at Dhundhar.
Clan – Kachwaha
Prominent kings – Bharmal , Man Singh I, Jai Singh I , Sawai Jai Singh II,
Religion – Hindu
Fall – Merged with Union of India in
Marital relations – Jahangir married the daughter of Jagat Singh, Akbar married Jodha Bai (Mariam-uz-Zamani), daughter of Raja Bharmal.
Allaiance with Mughals – They were like vassals of Mughal empire from Akbar to Aurangzeb.
Monuments – Amer fort, Nahargarh fort, Jaigarh fort, Hawa Mahal
Where are present kings – His Highness Bhawani Singh was the last titular head of Jaipur. However, due to not having any sons, in his old age, Bhawani Singh adopted his daughter, Diya Kumari’s son, Padmanabh Singh. He is national polo player. He gave part of his Rambag palace to Taj group and partnered with AirBnB for his Jaipur city palace for tourists stay.
Specific Information
Epilogue
- Chahamans of Shakambari (Chauhans of Ajmer) – 10th-12th century. Were Pratihar vassals. This dynasty ended in 1192 after Prithviraj Chauhan by Md. Ghori.
- Tomars of Delhi – They were displaced by Chahamans of Shakambari in 12th century and ruled in Delhi and Haryana region. Anangpal Tomar fortified the city Lal Kot fort, Anangpal tank and dam are attributed to him in 11th century.
- Bundi State – It founder by Rao deva in 1242 and was Hada clan of Chauhans. For 2 centuries it was vassal of Sisodia of Mewar and afterwards it was unofficially under Mughals.They supported Mughals whole heartedly and supported Shah Jehan and Dara Sikoh despite threats from Aurangzeb. In 1818 it became protectoarte of east India Company.They became part of India in 1947. Current king is 34-year-old Vanshvardhan Singh crowned the 26th Maharao Raja of Bundi with indirect lineage.
- Dungarpur state – It was founded in 13th century by eldest son of King Of Mewar Karan Singh I. It is Sisodia branch. It merged in union of India in 1947.
- Kota Dynasty – Clan is Hada rajput. It was founded in 1631 by Kunwar Madho Singh of Bundi. His Highness the Maharao maintains a military force of 949 cavalry, 5756 infantry, and 148 guns, and is entitled to a salute of 17 guns.
- Alwar State – It was a kingdom from 1770 to 1818 and a princely state under British rule from 1818 to 1947. It is from Kachhwaha clan.
In the context of Rajasthan’s major Rajput dynasties
Sisodia → Mewar (Udaipur, Chittor) – Guhila (Gehlot) lineage
Rathore → Marwar (Jodhpur, Bikaner) – Rashtrakuta tradition
Kachwaha → Amber/Jaipur – Kachhapaghata/Kachwaha lineage
Bhati → Jaisalmer – Yaduvanshi (Jadon) lineage
Declaration – This article I wrote for tourists’ information and with the status of understanding of a tourist.
Reference – Wikipedia, Signage boards in museums and forts in Rajasthan and ASI-printed books
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