Sikarwar

The Sikarwar is a Rajput clan traditionally found in the regions of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. They were the original founders of Vijaypur Sikri, later renamed Fatehpur Sikri by the Mughal emperor Babur. Some Jat clans have also adopted "Sikarwar" as a gotra.

History of Sikarwar

The Sikarwars are a Rajput clan primarily associated with Rajasthan (particularly Nadoli), Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The clan name is believed to be derived from the Sikar district in Rajasthan, where they ruled for several generations.

The Sikarwars established the town of Vijaypur Sikri in 823 AD during the reign of Rana Bhatribhat of Chitor. Following the Battle of Khanwa in 1527 AD, Babur renamed the town Fatehpur Sikri. Historical records indicate that it was the Sikarwar cavalry, under the leadership of Rao Dham Dev Sikarwar, that launched a surprise attack on Babur's advance column as it moved from Sikri village to Khanwa. Rao Dham Dev, the ruler of Sikri and an ally of Rana Sanga, is said to have led the charge from the Tehri Gate of Sikri Fort, which faces Khanwa. The attack, reportedly launched from the Sikri Ridge, had a significant psychological impact on the Mughal forces, causing a notable drop in their morale for nearly two weeks.

The Sikarwar Rajputs trace their lineage to Emperor Kanak Sen of Vikram Samvat 191. This ancestral line includes other notable dynasties such as the Guhilots of Mewar, Bargujars, Jhalas, Vallas, Kachwahas, Lewa Patils, and the Rashtrakutas of Maharashtra. These ruling families governed parts of northwestern India from capitals such as Vallabhi and Chitor since the 2nd century AD.

The Sikarwars are also credited with the construction of Ajargarhi, known today as the Agra Fort, and were responsible for the founding and development of the medieval town of Vijaypur Sikri (present-day Fatehpur Sikri).