Chundawat
The Chundawat is a Kshatriya sub-clan primarily belonging to the Sisodiya dynasty of Mewar, Rajasthan. They are descendants of Rawat Chunda Sisodia, the eldest son of Maharana Lakha of Mewar. Over time, the Chundawat became one of the most powerful noble families in Mewar, playing key roles in its administration and military, especially during the reigns of Maharana Kumbha, Maharana Sanga, Maharana Pratap, and Maharana Amar Singh.
The Chundawat chiefs, particularly those of Salumber, were among the top-ranked nobles of Mewar and held significant influence in Rajput politics. They were among the highest-ranking nobles, often serving as commanders, ministers, and governors in the Sisodia court. The Chundawat played a crucial role in battles, including those against the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. They were fiercely loyal to Mewar and were instrumental in its resistance against Mughal domination, particularly during the time of Maharana Pratap. The Rawat of Salumber holds the right to coronate the Maharana of Mewar.
Among the 16 major feudal lords of Mewar, four are Chundawat:
- Salumber (Krishnawat)
- Amet (Jaggawat)
- Deogadh (Sangawat)
- Bengu (Meghawat)
Origin
Rawat Chunda was initially the heir to the throne of Mewar, but he gave up his claim in favor of his younger brother, Rana Mokal, following a promise made to the Rathore King Ranmal, who was the brother of Mokal’s mother. This act of selflessness earned Rawat Chunda the title of the Bhishma Pitamah of Mewar.
As a result, Rawat Chunda was given the Harawal Dasta (frontline troops) and became the founder of the Chundawat clan. Over time, the Chundawat family established themselves as powerful nobles and jagirdars (feudal lords) in Mewar, holding key positions in the administration and military.
Subclan
The Chundawat clan has more than 12 different branches, which are primarily as follows:
- Krishnawat – Descendant of Rawat Kishandas Chundawat of Salumber
- Jaggawat – Descendant of Rawat Jagga Chundawat of Amet
- Sangawat – Descendant of Rawat Sanga Chundawat of Deogadh
- Meghawat – Descendant of Megh Singh Chundawat (son of Govind Singh Chundawat)
- Ratansinghot/Ratnawat – Descendant of Rawat Ratan Singh Chundawat of Salumber
- Kandhalot – Descendant of Rawat Kandhal Singh Chundawat of Salumber
- Khangarot – Descendant of Rawat Khangar Singh Chundawat of Salumber
- Kuntalot – Descendant of Kuntal Singh Chundawat (son of Rawat Chunda)
- Tejsinghot/Tejawat – Descendant of Tej Singh Chundawat (son of Rawat Chunda)
- Manjawat – Descendant of Manja Singh Chundawat (son of Rawat Chunda)
- Aasawat – Descendant of Aasa Singh Chundawat (son of Rawat Chunda)
- Randhirot – Descendant of Randhir Singh Chundawat (son of Rawat Chunda)