History of Nobility in Marwar is very interesting. Nobles were the main stakeholders of the power of kingdom. They were the masters of public in their own Jagir.
In Rajput principalities like Marwar the real strength of the kingdom were the swords of nobles. King or ruler was one among them. He enjoyed the supremacy but he was not the only power of the principality. In other words we can say that king was the leader of nobles but not the master.
In the history of Marwar, there are so many instances to prove that when the ruler was not found amenable to the nobles, he had to sacrifice his patrimony. Hence a saying was widely current in Marwar- रिड़मलां थापिया तिके राजा.[1] This saying means the nobles of Ridmal clan of Rathores were the actual king maker of Marwar.
The great vassalage of Marwar originated from amongst the 24 sons of Rao Ranamal and 14 sons of Jodha. Champa was the brother of Jodha. His descendants were called Champawats.[2]
Another brother of Jodha was Akhai Raj who had two sons Mahe Raj and Panchana. Mahe Raj had one son named Kumpa from whom Kumpawat clan emerged.[3] Panchana’s son was Jetha, from whom descended the Jethawat branch.[4] Jodha’s two sons Doodha and Karmsi and his grandson Udha were declared the heads of the feudal branches of Mertia,[5] Karamsot[6] and Udawat[7] respectively. They all continued to be the pillars of Marwar.[8]
The great barons of Marwar exercised much influence over thier chiefs and in course of time obtained additional jagirs for the younger branches of their clans. Inferior appanages were bestowed upon junior branches, brothers, sons and grandsons of Jodha. These jagirs were also hereditary and irrefutable.[9]
There was also another class of nobles in Marwar which sprang up in different circumstances and possessed wider powers and privileges vis-a-vis the ruler of Marwar. In the 14th century, a separation took place in the Rathor clan. One section followed the fortunes of Biramdeo (the younger son of Rao Salakha, the nineth in succession from Siha). His son Chunda captured Mandore from the Parihar Rajputs and his descendants ruled first at Mandore and subsequently at Jodhpur, while the other section remained on the banks of the river Luni with Salakha’s to eldest son Mallinath after whom the district of Mallani was named.[10] To this effect is the popular saying- ‘माला रा मढे, ने वीरम रा गढ़े’
That is, the descendants of Mallinath dwell in huts while those of Biram live in forts. The latter ruled Marwar.[11] The whole of Mallani, in due course of time, was split up into several units, the principal being Jasol, Barmer and Sindari held by the descendants of Mallinath; and Nagar and Gurha held by the descendants of Jetmal; the third son of Rao Salakha.
A few generations later, four minor units known as Chahotan, Setrao, Besala and Siani emerged from the house of Barmer[12] (According to ‘Veervana’ Jetmal was the second son and Biramdeo was the third son of Rao Salakha).
The nobles of Mallani paid only nominal tribute and that too, in an irregular fashion. They recognised the prince of Marwar as their liege lord, rendered him help whenever his throne was endangered and paid homage to him on his accession or on the occasion of some important family event. [13]
Besides the Rathors, there were the nobles of other Rajput clans, as well, such as Bhatis, Chauhans, Tuars, Inda Parihar etc. who had been holding their estates prior to the occupation of the country by the Rathors. The Rathors defeated them and reduced them to the position of feudatories. The vanquished Chiefs accepted the prince of Jodhpur as their sovereign and paid a fixed amount of levy in the shape of what was locally called Funjhal (Military cess or Khichari Lag). They exercised such power over the people under them as were left to them,[14]
Another category of the nobles consisted of adventurers who used to wander about in search of military employment with such followers as they could collect. These careerists used to be given grants according to their importance at the time of their employment. As they rose or declined in importance, their grants were increased or reduced.[15]
There were some foreign elements also in the hierarchy of the nobi- lity in Marwar. Some estates were held by the families other than those of Rathors. They were related to the ruler. They were locally named Ganayats.[16] The Bhatis,[17] Chauhans,[18] Tanwars,[19] Jaricha,[20] etc. belong to this category.[21]
One of the most striking features of the nobility of Marwar was their gradation. The leading nobles of Marwar were divided into three categories viz. (i) members of the ruling family who were known as Rajwis, (ii) the Chief officials or Mutsaddis; and (iii) the hereditary nobles or Sardars.
The first category of the nobles was that of members of the family of the princes called as Rajwis. They were generally younger sons of a prince and Rao Raj as (natural sons).[22] They were granted jagirs known as jivaka[23] on which no feudal fee viz. ‘Rekh’ and ‘Hukamnama’ was levied. They were also exempted from ‘Chakri’ or service to the Maharaja but after three generations from the original grantee, the holder had to pay ‘Rekh’ and succession fee (Hukamnama) and supply militia like the ordinary Jagirdar or Thakur.
The Chief officials or Mutsaddis were given jagirs in lieu of the services rendered or sacrifices made by them for the State and the Maharaja. Generally, they enjoyed the jagir and the privileges during their life-time, but there were cases in which their sons and grandsons also inherited these rights. The right of adoption in such cases was not available; so on the extinction of the male line of the original grantee, it escheated to the Khalsa.[24]
The most important and extensive category was that of the hereditary sub-divided into These Sardars were further four categories.[25] The first was constituted of the Sirayat.[26] They were eight in the beginning of the nineteenth century but by the end of the reign of Maharaja Takh at Singh, the number of such nobles had increased to twelve.[27] They were all Rathors and were regarded as superior to the rest.
The Sirayats were entitled to Dohri (double) Tazim. ruler rose in a formal Durbar to receive a noble, the honour so accorded was called Tazim. If the Maharaja on their arrival rose only once it was an ‘Ekevri’ Tazim, but in case the Maharaja stood up on their arrival as well as on their departure, it was ‘Dohri’ Tazim.[28]
They were also entitled to Hath-ka-Kurab. The Kurab was also a ceremonial reception accorded to a noble. On the arrival of the noble of such a rank in the Durbar, the Maharaja stood up (Tazim), the Sardars placed his sword in front of him, bowed and touched the hem of the royal garment, the Maharaja acknowledged the salutation by placing his h and on the Sardar’s shoulder (Bao-Pasaw, बांह पसाव) and drew it back to his chest. It was called Hath-ka-Kurb.[29]
These honours were conferred upon such Jagirdars as rendered valuable services The Thakur of Chandawal requested in return for forty to fifty thousand rupees, but his request was rejected Maharaja Bijay Singh to favour him with the bestowal of Hath-ka-Kurab and he was told that such an honour was reserved for noble sacrifices and was not to be granted in lieu of money payments.[30] कुरब सिर साटै मिलता है, दाम साटै नहीं।
The Sirayats who occupied seats on the right of the throne in a formal Durbar were the descendants of the brothers of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, and they belonged to the Champawat and Kumpawat Septs. Those who were seated on the left belonged to the Jodhas, Merti as and Udawats, the descendants of the younger sons of Rao Jodha.
The order of precedence of the three Thakurs of the right viz. Pokrana, Ahua And Asop, depended upon the time of their arrival, that is to say, one who came earlier occupied the first se at and the same rule applied to the next five- Rian, Raipur, Ras, Nimbaj and Kherwa of the left flank. The remaining four nobles- Agewa, Kantalia, Alaniawas, Bhadrajun occupied the first seat (on the right or left as the case may be) only when none senior to them in their group attended the Durbar.[31]
The second order consisted of the nobles to whom the honour of Hath-ka-Kurab was granted and they included the Rathors, the Ganayats[32] or members of other castes or officials who had been raised to this rank. The Sardars of this order were further sub-divided into two grades viz., Dohri and Ekevri Tazim.[33]
The third order consisted of those to whom the honour of Bao-Pasao was given. as the person enjoying this honour touched the hem of the Maharaja’s garment, the Maharaja acknowledged the salutation by placing his h and on the Sardar’s shoulder, but did not draw his h and back to his chest. This order had also two grades- Dohri and Ekevri Tazim.[34]
The fourth order enjoyed the honour of Ekevri (single) Tazim, the Maharaja only stood up from his se at on their arrival. Accepted the Nazar (presents) and Nichhrawal (dedication to the Maharaja The Maharaja for alms giving) from the Tazim Sardars while standing and from others while sittings.[35]
The only hereditary office-bearer of note was the Thakur of Pokrana. His was the premier appanage in Marwar. The Thakur held the office of Pradhan, by virtue of which he attested all grants of lands and villages made by the Durbar. He was entitled to a seat on the Khawas or behind the Maharaja when he mounted on elephant on ceremonial occasions. The Thakur flourished the Morchhal or peacock-feather fly-whisk over the as an emolument for this post, he held two villages viz. Maharaja[36]. Majal and Dunara.[37]
On the occasion of ceremonial Durbars, irrespective of the ranks of the nobles present, it was the privilege of the Champawat to enjoy precedence in offering Nazar and Nichhrawal to the Maharaja. This custom had been in vogue since the time of Maharaja Ajit Singh[38]Among the Champawats, Pokrana was preferred.
Two other Nobles also, though not office-bearers, performed hereditary duties. The Thakur of Bagari, of the Jaitaw at clan, put the “Teeka’ on the forehead of a new chief at the time of his installation with the blood drawn from his thumb and invested the Maharaja with the sword of office (Kharghandi). This privilege had been enjoyed by the house of Bagari ever since the time of Rao Suja .[39]
The second Thakur of the category was the Barath (bard) of Mundiyar. He invoked blessings at the time of wedding or installations of a new ruler and in return for this service he received from the Durbar a robe of honour and an elephant. This office also was hereditary.
It was the privilege of the principal nobles to receive ‘Khas Rukha’ from their sovereign drafted in a special form, to attend the court or the marriage ceremony[40] in the royal family or to requisition their help in the times of crisis[41] or to invite them for consultations on some important matters of the state.[42]
To the Sirayats ‘Khas Rukhas’ were written by the private Secretary. They were imprinted with the special sign manual-of the Maharaja and they were sealed with his signet finger ring.[43] For the nobles of the lower order, the minister used the usual seal entrusted to him. by virtue of his office. It was the time-honoured practice that the principal Thakurs would attend the Maharaja only on receiving the Khas Rukha’.[44]
While going to the fort, the Sirayats had one privilege of dismount their horses at the upper end of Jodhaji’s False (Lat), where as ting from th the nobles of lower rank dismounted between Imrati Pole (gate) and Jodhaji’s False according to their rank. The Maharaja Shri (Brother of the Maharaja) used to get down inside Loha Pole and the Rao Raja (illegitimate sons of the Maharaja) would walk on foot from outside Lohapole.[45]
The nobles enjoyed according to their rank certain privileges, viz., the use of Lawazma, wearing of gold anklets, minting of coins etc. They paid Rekh, Hukamnama, Necta etc. to the State; they supplied militia to perform service (chakri) to the Durbar according to a specified quota at a fixed period of the year; and they owed duty to the Maharaja on the occasion of the marriages of the royal children, births of Rajkumars, Raj Tilaks etc. In the matter of succession to the jagirs, by and large, On the death of any principal the rule of primogeniture held good.
The Maharaja Thakur, the beating of the drum at the fort was suspended once out of the four times in a day as a mark of honour and respect. would pay a condolence visit to the successor of the deceased Thakar and would send him A coloured turban known as five gold Mohar pattern (मोलिया).[46] Likewise many more such sundry rights and privileges were enjoyed by the nobles in lieu of the duties preformed by them to the state. They varied according to the terms of the tenure of the l and the nobles enjoyed.
The institution of nobility in Marwar was, by and large, conducive to the maintenance of law and order. It resulted in the protection of personal property, provided the feudal chiefs lived in harmony with their sovereign and with one another, for there was a chain of authority running from the ruler to the possessor of a hundred villages and of even to one village. Well-equipped horsemen and armed footmen were stationed throughout the State to prevent incursions from outside and upheavals inside.[47]
The tie that bound the Maharaja and his nobles in Marwar was that of the clan fraternity. They claimed the soil on his brothers and kindred. There were nobles other than Rathors called Ganyats who enjoyed their jagirs either by their marriage tie with the ruling family or by their anterior settlement in the country. This relation with the Maharaja was not of kindred, but it was that of duty, obedience and gratitude. In general, their relation with the Maharaja was based on a principle of mutual contract and fidelity.[48]
If the Maharaja could expect service and fealty from his nobles, so could they in their turn expect the Maharaja to fulfill corresponding on duties of protection and patronage of his vassals. If there was any transgression, the nobles forfeited his right to the land and the Maharaja the right to the noble’s service. But transgression did occur and so frequently that the internal history of the medieval Rajput state is very often only a record of the nobles’ attempts to usurp all power and the corresponding attempt of the Maharaja to concentrate all power in his own hands.[49]
REFERENCES
[1] (i) Marwar-ki-Khyat, vol-I, p. 51.
(ii) Shyamal Dass : Virvinod, pp. 807-08.
(iii) Asopa:Asop-ka-Itihas, pp. 21-22.
(iv) Asopa: History of the Rathors, p. 29.
[2] Hardayal: Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, p. 15.
[3] Hardayal: Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, p. 14.
(ii) Asopa:Asop-ka-Itihas, p. 16.
[4] R. S.A. Basta No. 40, Book No. 16, p. 1.
[5] (i) R. S.A. Basta no. 11, Mertian-ki-Khyat, p. 1.
(ii) Chattur Singh: Chattur-kul-Charitra (Mertia-Rathoron-ka-Itihas) Part II p. 18.
[6] (i) R. S.A. Basta No. 40, Book No. 37, p. 1.
(ii) Hardayal: Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, p. 14.
[7] (i) R. S.A. Basta No. 40, Book No. 27, p. 1.
(ii) Hardayal: Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, P. 14.Audha Bahi No. 3, p. 11. Sanad Bahi, No. 7
[8] (i) R.S.A.Audha Bahi No. 3, P. 11.
(ii) R.S.A. S and Bahi, No. 78, P. 110.
(iii) R.S.A Haqik at Khata Bahi No. 2, p. 60.
(iv) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi, No. 52, pp. 77-78.
[9] DR. R. P. Vyas, Origin and Gradation of Nobility in Marwar, Proceedings of Rajasthan History Congress, 1968, pp. 61-69.
[10] Erskine, Rajputana Gazetteers, vol. IIIA. p. 199.
[11] Reu; Marwar ka Itihas, vol. I, p. 55.
[12] (i) Dhadhi Bahadur : Veervana, p. 3.
(ii) Erskine : Rajputana Gazetters, vol. IIIA, p. 200.
(iii) Walter: Gazetteer of Marwar, p. 79.
[13] Malcom’s Report, 1849.
[14] Walter Gazetteer of Marwar p. 19.
[15] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 13, p. 464.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 12, p. 509.
(iii) R. S.A. Dholion-ka-Kothar, file No.;38 (page not given).
[16] (i) Sir Alfred Lyall, List of Princes, Chiefs & Leading Personages, p. 5.
(ii) Hardayal: Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, p. 1.
(iii) Walter: Gazetteer of Marwar, p. 19.
[17] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Khata Bahi No. 20, p. 95.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 23, p. 15.
[18] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Khata Register No. 33, p. 58.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Khata Bahi No. 20, p. 92.
[19] R. S.A. Haqik at Khata Bahi No. 6, p. 439.
[20] (i) R. S.A. Sanad Bahi No. 118, p. 234.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Khata Bahi No. 20, p. 35.
[21] DR. R. P. Vyas, Origin and Gradation of Nobility in Marwar, Proceedings of Rajasthan History Congress, 1968, pp. 61-69.
[22] (i) R. S.A. Kharita Bahi No. 10, p. 257.
(ii) R. S.A. Kharita Bahi No. 13, p. 438.
(iii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 39, p. 16.
(iv) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 44, p. 37.
[23] R. S.A, Hath Bahi No. 5. p. 39.
[24] R. SA. Haqik at Bahi No. 42. p. 16.
(ii) R. S.A.Amad Register No. 24, page not given.
[25] Chiefs & Leading Families in Rajasthan. p. 8.
[26] (i) ‘Sira’ means first seat.
(ii) R. S.A. Sanad Bahi No. 103, p. 105.
(iii) R. S.A. Kk as Rnkha Parwana Bahi Fo. 9, p. 28.
[27] (i) Hardayal: Tawarikh Jagirdaron, p. 5.
(ii) Erskine. Rajputana Gazetteers, vol. I, IIIB Table No. XXVIII, p. 40,
(iii) Chiefs and Leading Families in Rajputana, p. 9.
[28] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 37, p. 162.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 43, pp. 160-161,
(iii) Hardayal, Tawarikh Jagirdaron, p. 4.
[29] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 48, p. 8.
(ii) Reu: Marwar-ka-Itihas, vol. II, p. 632.
(iii) Hardayal, Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, p. 4. 28.
[30] Hardayal, Tawarikh-Jagirdaron, p, 4.
[31] (i) R.S.A. Byav-Re-Bahi, No. 1, p. 202.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 13, p. 243.
(iii) R. S.A, Haqik at Bahi No. 31, p. 254.
(iv) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 33, p. 169.
[32] (i) Rajput clans who were allied by marriage were called Ganayats suchA Bhatis, Ranawats, Kachhwas, Haras, Chauhans & Deoras, two categories of such nobles. One got jagir purely because of marriage relation (साला कटारी) while the other either enjoyed l and prior to the Rathors came to Marwar or were granted jagir for their sacrifice and service rendered to the State.
[33] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 43. p. 160.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 48, p. 8.
[34] (i) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 29, p. 5.
(ii) R. S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 13, pp. 160-161.
[35] (i) R.S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 40, p. 52.
(ii) R.S.A Haqik at Bahi No. 54, p. 95.
[36] (i) R.S.A.Audha Bahi No. 3, p. 6.
(ii) R.S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 44, p. 149.
(iii) R.S.A. Haqik at Khata Bahi No. 6, p. 438.
[37] R.S.A.Audha Bahi No. 6. p. 32.
[38] Walter Gazetteer of Marwar, p. 28.
[39] (i) R.S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 27, pp. 620-621.
(ii) R.S.A. Haqik at Khata Register No. 51, p. 242.
(iii) Walter, Gazeteer of Marwar, p. 28
[40] Asopa-Asop-ka-Itihas, p. 166.
ठाकरां सिवनाथसिंघजी सु म्हारो जुहार बाचजो तथा मारो पधारणो नरसिंहगढ़ काती बद 3 ने होसी थे आछा साथ सामान सु काती बद 3 ने अठे आय हाजर हौवसी सं. 1928 रा आसोज सुद 11.
(This Khas-Rukha was sent by Takh at Singh to the Thakur ofAsop on the occasion of the marriage of Maharaj Kunwar Jaswant Singh).;
[41] (i) Asopa, Asop-ka-Itihas, p. 168.
ठाकरां सिवनाथसिंघजी सु म्हारौ जुहार बांचजौ तथा नागोर कानी फिसाद कर राखियौ है सो एक तो मूंडवो ने कुचेरो इणारो बन्दोबस्त राखजो, इणरो पूरो ख्याल राखजो सं. 1928 रा आसाढ सुद 1.
[42] (i) Asopa, Asop-ka-Itihas, p. 154.
ठाकरां कैसरीसिंघजी सु म्हारौ जुहार बांचजो तथा अंग्रेज आदले से सला विचारणी हैं सु सिताब हाजर आवजो सं. 1874 रा मिंगसर बद 2.
[43] (i) R.S.A. Sanad Bahi No. 59, p. 34.
(ii) R.S.A. Haqik at Register No. 64, p. 130.
[44] (i) Hardayal, Tawarikh Jagirdaron, p. 5.
[45] (i) R.S.A. Residency file No. C/3/5, vol. I. ThereAre in all seven gates with separate distinct names to reach the upper most part of the fort. Jodhaji’s False is in between Fateh Pole (Main gate) and the uppermost gate.
[46] (i) R.S.A.Arji Bahi No. 7, p. 74.
(ii) Haqik at Khata Bahi 16, p. 420.
(iii) R.S.A. Haqikat Bahi No. 40,p. 41.
(iv) R.S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 41, p. 48A.
(v) R.S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 44, p. 33.
(vi) R.S.A. Haqik at Bahi No. 48, p. 257.
[47] (i) Marwar precis, p. 114.
(ii) Walter, Gazeteer of Marwar, p. 14.
(iii) Alfred Lyall, List of princes, Chiefs & Leading personages p. 5.
[48] Tod, Vol. I, pp. 159-160.
[49] (i) RAO Historical Record 244 file No. 61, Jodhpur, 1846.
(ii) Foreign Political No. 608 of 1846, dated May 7, 1846.
