Deora Chauhan

Deora (also spelled Devda, Devra) is a branch of the Songara (Sonegara) Chauhan Rajput clan in India. The Songara Chauhans historically ruled Jalore, a region named after Swarngiri (literally "Golden Mountain"), which influenced the clan’s name, "Songara." The Songara Chauhans are noted for their resistance against Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi. Rao Deoraj is recognized as the founding ancestor of the Deora clan. In earlier times, rulers of Chandravati and Sirohi were from this lineage.

History

According to their genealogical records, the Deora or Devda trace their lineage back to Rao Lakhan of Nadol in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. These texts mention that Rao Lakhan’s queen was renowned for her beauty, kindness, and generosity likened to a Devi (goddess). Consequently, her sons were called Devi-ra ("sons of the goddess"), which later evolved into the names Deora, Devra, and Devda. Their Kuldevi (family goddess) is Ashapuri Mata, worshipped in Nadol.

The Chauhan dynasty, which once ruled over Delhi, Ajmer, and nearby regions during the time of Prithviraj Chauhan, faced significant invasions from Muslim rulers. As a result, many Chauhans dispersed throughout northern India. One branch moved southward to the borders of modern-day Rajasthan, where Jalore and Chandravati (located near the Banas River) became important centers for the Songara Chauhans. It was in this region that Rao Deoraj, a semi-legendary figure of Chauhan descent, was born. The entire Deora clan claims descent from him.

Rao Lumba, a grandson of Rao Deoraj and member of the younger line of Chauhan rulers from Jalore, captured Mount Abu in 1311 AD, establishing a local dynasty that lasted until Indian independence in 1947.

In 1347 AD, Rao Rarmal, a descendant of Rao Deoraj, established the town of old Sirohi. He is considered the founder of several Deora sub-branches, including the Lakhawat, Dungrawat, Tejawat, and Bajawat lines.

Later, in 1405 AD, Rarmal’s son Rao Sobhaji founded Shivpuri on the eastern slope of the Siranwa Hills, in an area called Khuba. However, his son, Rao Sahasmal, abandoned Shivpuri and built the fort of Sirohi on the western slope, which became the new capital. Eventually, the territory ruled by the Deora clan evolved into the princely State of Sirohi.