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| {{ClanInfo}} | | {{ClanInfo|clan_name=Rathore|vansh=Suryavanshi|descended_from=Kannauj (Gahadvala)|branches=Mertiya, Jaitawat, Sindhal, Bhadawat, Udawat, Champawat, Kumpawat, Jodha, Bika, Jaimalot, Patawat, Vadher, Rupawat, Balawat, Chandawat, Raipalot|ruled_in=Kannauj, Marwar, Jangladesh, Malwa|princely_states=* Marwar (1226–1949) |
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| The Rathores are a Rajput clan of the Suryavanshi lineage, tracing their ancestry to Rama, the legendary hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, and, through him, to the sun god, Surya. This connection is why the Rathores identify as Suryavanshi, or "descendants of the sun." The Rathores associate with the Rashtrakutas as ttraditional genealogies connect them to the ancient kingdom of Kanauj and its last ruler, King Jayachand of the Gahadavala dynasty. Rathores originating from the Marwar region in western Rajasthan, the Rathores are also present in small numbers in Gujarat's Idar state and the districts of Chhapra and Muzaffarpur in Bihar.
| | * Bikaner (1488–1949) |
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| | * Bat-Dwarka (Gujarat) |
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| | * Kishangarh (1611–1949) |
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| | * Idar (1728–1949) |
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| | * Ratlam (1651–1949) |
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| | * Sitamau (1701–1949) |
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| | * Sailana (1730–1949) |
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| | * Kotra (1350–1755) |
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| | * Alirajpur (1701–1949) |
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| | * Manda |
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| | * Poonch (1596–1798) |
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| | * Amritpur (1857–present)}}Rathore dynasty is a Suryavanshi Kshatriya lineage, believed to be descended from Kusha, the son of Lord Ram. In some accounts, they are also described as descendants of Luv, another son of Lord Ram. |
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| ==History of Rathores== | | ==History of Rathores== |
| The story of the Rathores, a martial clan that ruled Marwar from Jodhpur until the Princely States merged with the Dominion of India in 1949, traces back to 1194. In that year, far to the east, Muslim invader Shahabuddin Mohammed Ghori defeated the powerful Jaichand of Kanauj. Jaichand’s great-grandson, Sheoji, ventured to Marwar in 1226, seeking new battlefields and his own path to glory. It is Sheoji’s descendants who proudly carry the name Rathore.
| | Rathores are descendants of one of the sons of King Sumitra, served as the Viceroy of Mathura under the Magadh Empire. The Rathore lineage developed from his descendants. In the 5th century CE, the Rathore dynasty ruled over Kannauj, and during that period, it was referred to as the Rashtrakuta dynasty. |
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| | Later, thirteen branches of this dynasty spread across different regions of India. In the 8th century, one of its southern branches founded a kingdom known as the Rashtrakuta Empire, established by Emperor Dantidurga. When the descendants of Dantidurga expanded their empire in the north, they appointed their relatives as feudatories in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. |
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| | == Gahadavala Branch == |
| | One branch of the Rathore dynasty established itself in Badaun and later captured Kannauj, renaming it Gadhipur, from which the Gahadavala name originated. Prominent rulers from this lineage include: |
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| | * King Chandra |
| | * Maharaja Govindachandra |
| | * Maharaja Vijayachandra |
| | * Maharaja Jayachandra |
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| | == Migration to Marwar == |
| | After the Muslim conquest of Kannauj, one of the descendants of Maharaja Harishchandra, son of Maharaja Jayachandra, migrated towards Rajasthan. He is known as Rao Siha Ji Rathore, the founder of Marwar. |
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| | The following rulers—Rao Siha, Rao Asthan, Rao Dhuhad, Rao Raipal, Rao Kanha, Rao Jalansi, Rao Chhada, Rao Teeda, Rao Salakha, Rao Chamundray—all attained martyrdom in battle. Due to their warrior legacy, the dynasty came to be known as Ranbanka Rathores (valiant Rathores). |
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| In 1226, the main cities of Marwar were Mandore, just a fifteen-minute drive from Jodhpur, and Pali, an hour’s drive to the south. It was Pali, a prosperous commercial hub, that Sheoji first conquered. Over the years, the Rathores steadily expanded, but it was not until 1395, during the reign of their twelfth ruler, Rao Chunda, that they acquired, rather than conquered, Mandore.
| | == Founding of Marwar == |
| | Rao Chamundray is considered the true founder of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar, as he expanded the kingdom from Hisar to Gujarat. Other prominent rulers include: |
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| Mandore, Marwar's most historic city, now in ruins, was once the capital of several great dynasties. According to legend, Ravana, the Demon King of Lanka who opposed Lord Rama, married a princess from Mandore, his beloved queen Mandodri. In 1292, the Parihar Rajputs lost Mandore to the Khilji Sultans of Delhi, and the city remained under Delhi’s control until 1395. That year, the Governor of Mandore, Aibak Khan, demanded both fodder and a grain tax, which led to his downfall. The Parihars, weary of this autocratic ruler, devised a plan as clever as the Trojan Horse, but with even greater bravery. Five hundred Parihars secretly infiltrated the fortified city hidden in a hundred cartloads of grass. These carts were checked, with some men being pierced by spears but remaining silent, even wiping the blood from the spears as they were withdrawn. Once inside, the Parihars attacked the Muslims, and within an hour, Mandore was reclaimed. However, the victorious Parihars knew holding the city would be a different challenge. It was then suggested that they arrange a marriage alliance with the young Chunda, and so, Mandore, the capital of Marwar, was secured for the Rathores through a dowry.
| | * Rao Jodha |
| | * Rao Ranmal |
| | * Rao Bika |
| | * Rao Lunakaran |
| | * Rao Jait Singh |
| | * Rao Maldev |
| | * Rao Chandrasen |
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| As the undisputed rulers of Mandore, Sheoji’s descendants established the Rathores as the most dominant clan in the region. It was Rao Jodha, the grandson of Chunda, who secured the Rathores' place in Indian history by building one of the country’s most magnificent forts and founding one of its most captivating cities. The foundation of the fort was laid by Jodha on 12 May 1459 on the rocky hill of Bhakurcheeria, just six miles from Mandore. Perhaps influenced by Cheeria Nathji’s curse, Jodha had a young man named Rajiya Bambi buried alive in the fort’s foundation to ensure its success. Rajiya was promised that his family would be cared for by the Rathores, a promise that has been honored. Rajiya’s descendants, who still reside in Raj Bagh, Rajiya’s Garden, continue to maintain a special connection with the Maharaja.
| | == Rathore Princely States and Folk Deities == |
| | Major Rathore princely states included Bikaner, Kishangarh, Ratlam, Idar, Multan, and Jhabua. The dynasty also gave rise to revered folk deities such as: |
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| Rao Jodha’s citadel, constructed with a budget of nine hundred thousand rupees, was quite different from the one inherited by his descendant, the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh II, nearly five centuries later in 1952. It was smaller, and of the seven gates now in place, only one—Jodha’s own gate—was built during his time. As the Rathores grew more powerful, Mehrangarh fort, a symbol of their glory and strength, expanded. Every ruler added something, contributing to the fort’s unique beauty. Today, it is a magnificent blend of different eras, styles, and influences, reflecting the might and ambition of its rulers. The towering battlements, standing at 120 feet, and the stone walls, some six meters thick, bear testament to Maldev’s reign (1532-1562), when the Rathores reached the peak of their power. The palaces within the fort, grand structures of peace and prosperity, whisper tales of political machinations, immense wealth, and royal pleasures under the Mughal reign (1583-1739). The main gates, Fateh Pol and Jai Pol, commemorate the Rathores’ victories—against the Mughals in 1707 and the Jaipur forces a century later—while the ramparts, adorned with Maharaja Abhaya Singh’s cannons (1724-1749), proudly declare these victories to the world. | | * Rao Mallinath Ji |
| | * Rao Tallinath Ji |
| | * Rao Rupnath Ji |
| | * Rao Pabu Ji |
| | * Rao Kallaji |
| | * Sawai Singh Ji |
| | * Om Banna |
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| As Jodhpur emerged as the new center of power and potential prosperity in the Thar Desert, people began migrating there. Like other significant medieval cities, Jodhpur was initially a walled city, with Jodha’s walled city featuring four gates, or Pols, three of which still stand today, though in poor condition. To the north was Bhagi Pol, to the south, the Singh Pol (The Lion Gate), and in the south-east, the Bhomiaji Ki Ghati Ki Pol. The most frequented gate, facing east, was Phoolelao Pol, which remains in relatively good condition. Jodha's capital was small, with these gates standing almost at the foot of Bhakurcheeria. From the modern outskirts of the expanding city, Mehrangarh now appears as little more than a distant silhouette.
| | The Rathore dynasty is also referred to as Kamadhwaj Vansh. |
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| In recognition of the stability and prosperity during Jodha's reign (1438-1488), Jodhpur grew beyond its original walls within fifty years of his death. When Sher Shah, the Afghan who briefly claimed the Mughal throne of Delhi, threatened to invade Marwar in 1543, Rao Maldev, the then ruler, was forced to complete the city’s fortifications. His newly built walls, which encircled Jodhpur once again, stretched for 24,000 feet, were nine feet thick and forty feet high. Maldev constructed six gates: Chand Pol, facing west to honor the ascent of the Lunar God, was the first in that direction.The remaining five gates were named after the prominent Rathore forts they aligned with: Siwanchi Pol (toward Siwana) to the south, Jalori Pol (toward Jalore) to the south-east, Sojati Pol (toward Sojat) and Mertia Pol (toward Merta) to the east, and Nagauri Pol (toward Nagaur) to the north-east. Although the design of these gates and walls was basic and practical, they were strengthened with platforms and towers to accommodate watchmen and archers for the city's defense.
| | == Religious and Cultural Contributions == |
| | The Rathore warriors were known to fight even after decapitation, attributed to their devotion to goddess worship. Rathore rulers also supported Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Under Maharaja Vijay Singh, strict measures were taken against Muslim invaders, and arrangements were made in Bikaner to ensure the safety of Hindus, especially women. |
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| Maldev's fortifications, though strong enough to deter Sher Shah, could not contain the expanding city of Jodhpur for long. During the reigns of Maharajas Abhaya Singh and Bakhta Singh (1724-1752), the gates were shifted outward, with the exception of Chand Pol and Mertia Pol. Today, these gates are well-preserved and painted, but remain unused, as the walled section of the city has been absorbed into the growing urban landscape, making Jodhpur Rajasthan’s second-largest city. The original walls have been dismantled, with their stones repurposed in the construction of homes, shops, and slums.
| | Rathores made significant contributions to the protection of religion, women, and Brahmins, as well as the patronage of universities, gaushalas (cow shelters), and temples. They were regarded as protectors of dharma, even feared by the Mughals. |
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| Mandore, the former capital, was not entirely deserted. It continued to serve as the burial place for the rulers of Marwar until 1873. The Royal Cenotaphs, impressive sandstone structures marking the cremation sites, are elaborately carved, offering a momentary contrast to the somber atmosphere of the surrounding ruins and public gardens. Despite the proximity of modern civilization, Mandore remains a site of historical interest, where it’s said that as many as eighty women, including queens, concubines, maids, and musicians, committed Sati by immolating themselves on their husbands' funeral pyres. In 1895, the royal cremation site moved to a hill near Mehrangarh, when Maharaja Sardar Singh (1895-1911) honored his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II’s last wish by having him cremated there. The Jaswant Thada Memorial, a splendid white marble shrine, is visible from the fort and much of the city.
| | == Modern Era Contributions == |
| | In the modern period, valiant figures like Sir Pratap and Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji played key roles in warfare and state development. Post-independence, Rathore royals continued to serve in the Indian armed forces. Notable military figures include: |
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| With the establishment of Mehrangarh and Jodhpur, the Rathores entered their Golden Age. Their conquests were vast, and Jodha strategically settled his sons and brothers as Thakurs, or feudal lords, in newly acquired lands. These lords became an integral part of Marwar's social structure, consolidating Rathore power across the region. By the time of Jodha's death in 1488, the Rathore rule, or Rathoree Raj, had reached its peak.
| | * Major Sagat Singh |
| | * Havildar Nathu Singh |
| | * Major Hanut Singh |
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| Jodha was succeeded by his son, Rao Satal, the sixteenth Rathore chief, who ruled for only four years but is remembered for his heroic sacrifice. In 1492, he died rescuing 140 village maidens abducted by Muslim invaders, cementing his place in Marwar's history as a martyr and a symbol of Rajput valor. Tragically, his death marked the end of a tradition, as he was the last Rathore ruler to die in battle. Of the fifteen rulers before him, nine had died on the battlefield, six of them in conflicts with Muslim armies. However, of the twenty-one rulers who followed, none met their end in such a manner.
| | Even today, royal families and common Rathore Rajputs contribute significantly to Indian politics and public service. |
| Rathore |
| Vansh |
Suryavanshi |
| Descended from |
Kannauj (Gahadvala) |
| Branches |
Mertiya, Jaitawat, Sindhal, Bhadawat, Udawat, Champawat, Kumpawat, Jodha, Bika, Jaimalot, Patawat, Vadher, Rupawat, Balawat, Chandawat, Raipalot |
| Ruled in |
Kannauj, Marwar, Jangladesh, Malwa |
| Princely States |
* Marwar (1226–1949)
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Rathore dynasty is a Suryavanshi Kshatriya lineage, believed to be descended from Kusha, the son of Lord Ram. In some accounts, they are also described as descendants of Luv, another son of Lord Ram.
History of Rathores
Rathores are descendants of one of the sons of King Sumitra, served as the Viceroy of Mathura under the Magadh Empire. The Rathore lineage developed from his descendants. In the 5th century CE, the Rathore dynasty ruled over Kannauj, and during that period, it was referred to as the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Later, thirteen branches of this dynasty spread across different regions of India. In the 8th century, one of its southern branches founded a kingdom known as the Rashtrakuta Empire, established by Emperor Dantidurga. When the descendants of Dantidurga expanded their empire in the north, they appointed their relatives as feudatories in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Gahadavala Branch
One branch of the Rathore dynasty established itself in Badaun and later captured Kannauj, renaming it Gadhipur, from which the Gahadavala name originated. Prominent rulers from this lineage include:
- King Chandra
- Maharaja Govindachandra
- Maharaja Vijayachandra
- Maharaja Jayachandra
Migration to Marwar
After the Muslim conquest of Kannauj, one of the descendants of Maharaja Harishchandra, son of Maharaja Jayachandra, migrated towards Rajasthan. He is known as Rao Siha Ji Rathore, the founder of Marwar.
The following rulers—Rao Siha, Rao Asthan, Rao Dhuhad, Rao Raipal, Rao Kanha, Rao Jalansi, Rao Chhada, Rao Teeda, Rao Salakha, Rao Chamundray—all attained martyrdom in battle. Due to their warrior legacy, the dynasty came to be known as Ranbanka Rathores (valiant Rathores).
Founding of Marwar
Rao Chamundray is considered the true founder of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar, as he expanded the kingdom from Hisar to Gujarat. Other prominent rulers include:
- Rao Jodha
- Rao Ranmal
- Rao Bika
- Rao Lunakaran
- Rao Jait Singh
- Rao Maldev
- Rao Chandrasen
Rathore Princely States and Folk Deities
Major Rathore princely states included Bikaner, Kishangarh, Ratlam, Idar, Multan, and Jhabua. The dynasty also gave rise to revered folk deities such as:
- Rao Mallinath Ji
- Rao Tallinath Ji
- Rao Rupnath Ji
- Rao Pabu Ji
- Rao Kallaji
- Sawai Singh Ji
- Om Banna
The Rathore dynasty is also referred to as Kamadhwaj Vansh.
Religious and Cultural Contributions
The Rathore warriors were known to fight even after decapitation, attributed to their devotion to goddess worship. Rathore rulers also supported Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Under Maharaja Vijay Singh, strict measures were taken against Muslim invaders, and arrangements were made in Bikaner to ensure the safety of Hindus, especially women.
Rathores made significant contributions to the protection of religion, women, and Brahmins, as well as the patronage of universities, gaushalas (cow shelters), and temples. They were regarded as protectors of dharma, even feared by the Mughals.
Modern Era Contributions
In the modern period, valiant figures like Sir Pratap and Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji played key roles in warfare and state development. Post-independence, Rathore royals continued to serve in the Indian armed forces. Notable military figures include:
- Major Sagat Singh
- Havildar Nathu Singh
- Major Hanut Singh
Even today, royal families and common Rathore Rajputs contribute significantly to Indian politics and public service.
