Rathore
| 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)
|
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.