Kachwaha

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The Kachwaha (also spelled as Kacchavahas, Kachhawa, Kuchhwaha , Kushwaha, and including Kacchapghata, Kakutstha, and Kurma) are a Suryavanshi Rajput clan who ruled a number of kingdoms and princely states in India since Islamic period and before it.They entered traties with Mughal and British government and with Governments of India and Pakistan at the time of their accession into India and Pakistan.They were called states in British Period.These states of Kachwahas included Jaipur,(which was known as Amber (city) and Dhundhar before founding of the new city of Jaipur),Alwar, Jammu and Kashmir, Amethi and Maihar, among others. The largest and oldest of these was Jaipur. Jaipur City was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727.The Maharaja of Jaipur is regarded as the head of the extended Kachwaha clan.It was the only clan of Kachwahas or Kushwahas which remained prominent after 1097 CE.

Overall, sub-clans of the Kachwaha number around 71. Prominent sub-clans of the Kachhawa clan include: Rajawat, Shekhawat, Sheobramhpota, Naruka, Nathawat, Khangarot and Kumbhani.Raja Prithiviraj organised his clan and accepted twelve main houses which were regarded as distinguished system.Among twelve houses nine were his sons and grandsons and three houses from his forefathers.They are known as Bara Kotris.

Contents 1 Early history 2 Advent of the Kachwahas in Dhundhar 3 Kachwahas and the Mughals 4 Formation of Jaipur state and modernity 5 Kachwaha rulers in Dhundhar and their ruling periods 6 The Bara Kothris 6.1 Prominent Kachwahas 7 Notes 8 References

[edit] Early history

The Kachhawas belong to the Suryavanshi lineage, which claims descent from the Surya and Sun Dynasty of the ancient Kshatriyas. Specifically, they claim descent from Kusha^[1] younger of the twin sons of Rama, hero of the Ramayana, to whom patrilineal descent from Surya is in turn ascribed. Indeed, the name Kachawaha is held by many^[2] to be a patronymic derived from the name "Kusha". However, it has been suggested that Kachwaha is a diminutive of the Sanskrit conjoint word 'Kachhahap-ghata' or 'Tortoise-killer'; Tortoise in Sanskrit being Kashyapa, although there may be several connotations for the interpretation of these terms.

According to Bardic chronicles and popular tradition; Sumitra was the last king of this dynasty in Ayodhya. In fourth century BC Mahapadma Nanda of Nanda Dynasty included Ayodhya in his empire and Kushwahas were forced to leave. Kurma was son of Sumitra thus migrated from their parental abode and established themself at the bank of the river son, where they constructed a fort called the Rohtas fort.

T.H. Henley, states in his Rulers of India and the Chiefs of Rajputana that the Kachwaha clan is believed to have settled in an early era at Rohtas on the son river in present-day Bihar. He notes however that their notable seats of power were Kutwar, Gwalior, Dubkhund, Simhapaniya and Narwar (Nalapura), all in present-day Madhya Pradesh. This second westwards migration to Madhaya Pradesh is said to have been initiated under Raja Nal, the legendary founder of Narwar.

James Tod, has recorded the view as being prevalent in his time that the clan occupied Narwar in the 10th century and remained there until Narwar was captured by Parihara Rajputs in the 12th century. Many other historians also aver that the Kacchapaghatas, like the Chandellas and Paramaras, originated as tributaries of the preceding powers of the region. They point out that it was only following the downfall, in the 8th-10th century, of Kannauj (the regional seat-of-power, following the break-up of Harsha's empire), that the Kacchapaghata state emerged as a principal power in the Chambal[5] valley of present-day Madhya Pradesh. This view is largely supported by archeological artefacts^[3] and Kacchapaghata coinage (minted in Gupta-fashion)^[4] discovered in Madya pradesh, as also by inscriptions of Gopasetra (Willis). It is interesting to note that according to popular legend in Madhya Pradesh,^[5] the rise of the Kachwahas is closely associated with Suraj/Surya Sen, a Kachwaha prince of the 8th century, whom is said to have been responsible for the building of Gwalior fort and the founding of that city[6]. In the oldest section of Gwalior fort there still exists a sacred pond known as the Suraj-Kund [7]. It may thus be logical that the Kachwaha rule in Chambal valley predates the dates ascribed in the Sas-Bahu insription.

According to an inscription in the Sas-Bahu temple within Gwalior fort, Vajradaman (Vazradaman) (964-1000 AD), the successor of the Kacchapaghata ruler Laksmana (940-964 AD) "put down the rising power of the ruler of Gandhnagara (Kannauj) and his proclamation-drum resounded on the fort of Gopadri (Gwalior)." Lakshmana father of Vajradamana was son of Dhola or Salhkumar (It is thus believed that Vajradamana was grandson of Dhola or Salhkumar).

According to Bardic chronicles and popular legend, Vazradaman was succeeded by his son Mangalraja. Mangalraja had two sons Kirtiraj(Kirtirai) and Sumitra. While Sumitra got Narwar in succession, Kirtiraj got Gwalior. Kirtiraja, also founded the temple city of Simhapaniya (present-day Sihonia),^[6] there he had a Shiva temple constructed to fulfil the wish of his queen Kakanwati. Built between 1015 to 1035 A.D., the Kakan Math temple is 115 ft. high and rivals in splendour the temples of Khajuraho.^[7] Interestingly Simphaniya like present day Jaipur, was a flourishing center of Jainism.

After Sumitra, Madhubramh, Kanh, Devanik, and Isha Singh ruled Narwar. The Sas-Bahu inscription is dated to 1093 AD and it gives the genealogy of the ruling family up to Mahipal who died sometime before 1104 AD.

[edit] Advent of the Kachwahas in Dhundhar

Vajradamana the kachhawah ruler was ruling Narawar and Gwaliar in 10th century AD. He fought Mahmud Gazanavi with Anangpal Tomar ruler of Delhi and was killed in this battle in 1000 AD. After Vazradama, his son Mangalraj sat on the throne. Mangalraj had two sons Kirtirai and Sumitra. While Kirtirai got Gwaliar, Sumitra got Narawar in succession. Dūlaha Rāya /Dulhe Rai (also known as Tej Karan) was son of Sodh Dev or Sodh Rai, wed a daughter of Ralhan, the Chauhan ruler of Ajmer.

He received Dausa, which was part of the Dhundhar region of present-day Rajasthan as dowry. Dausa at that time was ruled partly by Chauhans and partly by Bargujar Rajputs surrounded by Meena strongholds. This was followed by his conquest of neighbouring Meenas strongholds at Manchi, which he renamed Ramgarh, and Khoh. As well as the strongholds of the Birgoojur /Bargujar Rajputs who were ruling parts of Dausa. Todate, the 11th century, Jamwa Mata temple built by Dūlaha Rāya (Dulhe Rai) to commemorate his victory over the Meenas is still worshipped by the Kachhawas. His son Kākila Deva further consolidated and organised the Kachhawa rule in Dhundhar. Following his suppression of the Meenas, the Birgoojurs and the Yadava Rajputs in Dhundhar, Raja Kākil Dev moved his capital from Ramgarh westwards to Amber (Ambikeshwar/Ambawati). He built a fort on the site which later became the site of the present day Jaigarh fort and it is possible that he also built or expanded the Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple. Kākil Dev was succeeded by his eldest son, Hanutdeva in 1129. According to bardic chronicles and local history, Hanut Dev died in a battle with Meenas. His son Janad Dev also fought battles with Meenas. Meenas stopped Janad Dev while he was on his way to get married, thus a battle ensued and Meenas were defeated by Janad Dev.

By the time of Pajwan (Pradhyumn Singh) the son of Janad Dev, Kachhawas had become the undisputed sovereign of Dhundhar, with the Meenas as their close allies, and keepers of their forts. Nevertheless they were destined to have lost most of their domain in present day Madhya Pradesh by the early 12th century, save but the Rajawati chiefdoms that todate still dots the area adjoining the former Jaipur state and Madhya pradesh (being the area around Sawai Madhopur/Narwar). The original capital of the state in Dhundhar was thus Dausa prior to the shift to Amber and Jaipur respectively.

Another alliance with the Chauhan was forged through the marriage of Pajwan with a sister of Prithviraj III of Delhi as recorded in the chronicles of the Prithviraj Raso. Raja Pajwan Singh or Pajjun fought valiantly alongside (his brother in law), Prithviraj Chauhan. At the time of Swayamvar of Samyogita at Kannauj in 1185, Pajawan was trusted general of Prithviraj chauhan III. When Samyogita garlanded the statue of Prithviraj Chauhan, Prithviraj came out from hiding place and took Samyogita with him. Jaichand of Kannauj ordered his forces to pursue Prithviraj, but the forces were stopped and engaged in a battle with Pajawan. Thus Prithviraj was able to reach safety in his capital.

In this battle Pajawan, his three brothers Palansi, Jaitsi, and Kansi and two sons Balbhadra, Bhinvsi were killed. Pajawans son's Malayasi succeeded his father having fought bravely and suffered wounds in the battle with his father and brothers lost their lives. Malayasi is believed to have been killed in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192. Following the capture and death of Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, the Kachawas remained a threat to the neighboring Islamic Sultanate of Delhi, their kingdom also stood on major trade and (Islamic) pilgrimage routes leading to the shrines of Ajmer and the ports of Gujarat.

The successor of Malayasi was Bijaldev, whom in 1226 extended his matrimonial alliance through the marriage of his duaghter to Raja Veernarain Chauhan of Ranthambhore. Bijaldev was succeeded by his son Rajadeva (Rajdev). During the siege of Ranthambore by the Khilji invaders, Rajadeva is said to have given his support to Rana Hamir of Mewar. Rajadeva is also said to have added much fortification, temples and water tanks to his capital of Amber.

[edit] Kachwahas and the Mughals

In March 1527, Raja Prithviraj of Amber (1502-1527) supported (his father-in-law) Rana Sanga of Mewar at the Battle of Khanua, but was unable to prevent his defeat by Babur, leading to the establishment of the Mughal Empire. He also organised his family into what is known as the Bara Kothris, or the twelve patrilineal branches of the Kachwaha clan, his successor Puran Mal (1527-1534) is said to have helped Humayun's brother Hindal, in his struggle against Tatar Khan in the battle of Mandrail (1534 AD). After death of Puran Mal his brothers Bhim, Ratan Singh, and nephew Askaran ruled Amber for short periods.

The period of 13 years following Puran Mal's death is shrouded with mystery and controversies, intrigues and murders until Bharmal ascended the throne of Amber in 1547. Bharmal was another son of Prithviraj who was killed in the battle of Khanua in 1527 and brother of Puran Mal.He overpowered all controversies and feuds with the help of Akbar the mughal emperor.

In February 1562, Hira Kunwar, daughter of Bharmal (1547-1573), Raja of Amber, was wed to the Mughal emperor Akbar at a grand ceremony held at the town of Sambhar, the son born through this marriage being none other than the next Mughal emperor Jahangir. This pragmatic alliance created a major shift in the balance of power within the Indian subcontinent and ushered a period of harmonious co-operation between the Rajputs and the Mughals. However, details of the marriage between Akbar and Hira Kunwar (some call her Jodhabai) remains a disputed subject.

The Kachwahas provided the Mughals some of their most distinguished generals. Raja Bhagwant Das (1575-1589) brought with him the secret of artillery production from Lahore (where he and his son Man Singh remained for many years as governor) to Amber in 1584, soon cannons began to be made at the Foundry in Jaigarh Fort (including the world's largest cannon on wheels, the Jaivana[8]), much to the infuriation of the Mughals who kept the secret to themselves ever since they used it in the epic battles, against the Lodhis and the Rajputs.

In 1589, Bhagwant Das was succeeded by Raja Man Singh (1589-1614) (Akbar's Commander in Chief), who did much to further the establishment of Mughal rule over Kabul Afghanistan in the west of India to Assam in the east. From Kashmir in the north to Southernmost parts of India, and also served them in various other capacities, notably as governor of Kabul and Bengal. Man Singh’s monumental Fortress in Kabul, was used as headquarters by subsequent Mughal Governors. Man Singh was devotee of Krishna, he got constructed a temple of Krishna at Vrindavan and at Amber now known as "Kanak Vrindawan"(Golden Vrindawan) and many other temples at various places including Varanasi and Allahabad. He used to listen to religious lectures of Goswami Tulsidas (the author of "Ramcharit Manas" famous Hindu sacred book also known as Ramayan in populer language.) He also brought with him the famous idol of Shila Devi from Jessore in present Bangladesh to Amber.

Todate there is a holiday in Jaipur district when special offerings are paid to this goddess on sixth day of "Navratras". Two other idols "Hanuman" and "Sanga" were also brought by Raja Man Singh I. The popular saying of Jaipurites goes like this "Sanganer ko Sango Babo Jaipur ko Hanuman, Amer ki Shila Devi lyayo Raja Man" (The idol of Sanga at Sanganer, Hanuman at Jaipur (at Chandpole gate) and Shiladevi of Amber were brought by Raja Man Singh"). As governor of Bengal, Raja Man Singh made Rohtas (his alleged Ancestral domain in Bihar) his headquarters[9]; he rebuilt the fort and also built a palace there.

Jai Singh I (1622-1667), commonly known by the title 'Mirza Raja' conferred to him by (his cousin) Shah Jehan, was one of the most prominent Mughal generals during the reigns of Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb. An accomplished scholar and diplomat, he defeated the sultan of Bijapur in 1635 (thus chasing Shahji Bhosale, Shivaji's father, out of Malwa).He forced Shivaji to sign Treaty of Purandar (1665).

Interestingly, despite the fact that it was Jai Singh that persuaded Shivaji from Purandar, his successor Raja Ramsingh I (1667-1688) earned the lasting displeasure of Aurangzeb, who suspected him of complicity in the escape of Shivaji from Agra. As soon as Ram Singh ascended the throne of Amber in 1667, Aurangzeb sent him off to fight on the remote and unhealthy border of Assam.,Where he fought battles for many years known as Ahom-Mughal conflicts.Having survived this post, he was sent to govern the north-western Khyber Frontier where he died, at Kohat in April 1688. He was succeeded by his Grandson, Raja Bishan Singh (1689-1700), whom remained for a time the governor of Mathura. Bishan Singh suffered a fatal shot by Afghan Insurgents while quelling a revolt in Kabul in 1700.

Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1743), a grandson of his namesake Mirza Raja Jai Singh I, was known to be supremely talented - politically, intellectually and on the battle field. He founded the city of Jaipur in November 1727. Towards the end of the 18th century, the Jats of Bharatpur and the chief of Alwar (Also a Kachwaha) each declared themselves independent from the Maharaja of Jaipur and annexed the eastern portion of Jaipur's territory. This period is generally characterized by internal power-struggles and constant military conflicts with the Marathas, Jats, other Rajput states, as well as the British and the Pindaris (Jaipur's former mercenary allies). Yet enough wealth remained with the clan for continuous patronage of fine forts/temples/palaces, the employment of Sanskrit, Urdu and Hindi scholars/artists as well as the continuity of lavish courtly traditions.

[edit] Formation of Jaipur state and modernity

Through the disintegration of the Mughal Empire, as various forces competed for power in India, a treaty was initially made between Maharaja Sawai Jagat Singh (1803-1818) and the British in 1803 but was abolished shortly afterwards. Another treaty of alliance was signed in the last year of Sawai Jagat Singh's reign in 1818. In 1835, there was a serious disturbance in the city, after which the British government intervened; under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (1835-1881) the state gradually become well-governed and increasingly prosperous. Sawai Ram Singh's devotion to Shaivism earned him the nickname of 'Rishi Raj' or the Sage-King while his reign was known to his people as 'Ram rajye ek lahar' 'a wave of the rule of Rama'(Tillotson). Under his rule, Jaipur state underwent a significant period of modernization.Jaipur got electricity and modern water supply schemes at that time.The first theatre or cinema known as "Ram Prakash" came into existence.He was extraordinary careful towards cleanliness of Jaipur.Jaipur was called Peris of India at that time.He personally inspected and did his best for modernization.Ramgarh Bandh,Ramniwas Bagh,Rambagh Palace, many colleges were found at his time.

Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh (1881-1922), G.C.S.I., G.C.V.O., was born in 1861, and succeeded in 1882 and was distinguished for his enlightened administration. He visited England at the time of King Edward VII's coronation in 1902. It was he who started and endowed with a donation of 15 lakhs, afterwards increased to 20 lakhs, of rupees the Indian Peoples Famine Fund. The Jaipur imperial service transport corps saw service in the Chitral and Tirah campaigns.

The last ruling Maharaja of Jaipur was Sawai Man Singh II (SMS) (1922-1949), his reign spanned the period of turbulent and radical changes experienced throughout the world and India. as it tumbled its way into modernity. Through his vision of a modernized Jaipur state, it was under his rule that numerous reforms were introduced in order to pave the way for a peaceful unification into the Indian Union for the benefit of his beloved subjects. In 1948, shortly after India's independence, SMS acceded the state of Jaipur to the Government of India, he then became the first Rajpramukh of Rajasthan.

Sawai Man Singh II passed away in 1970 while playing Polo in England, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur, whom in Democratic India reigns as current head of the Kachhawas.

[edit] Kachwaha rulers in Dhundhar and their ruling periods

• Raja Dūlaha Rāya(Bridegroom prince) (1097-1127)
• Raja Kākil Dev (1127-1129)
• Raja Hunut Dev(1129-1144)
• Raja Janad Dev (1144-1161)
• Raja Pajwan Dev/Pajjun/Pradhyumn Singh (1161-1185)
• Raja Malaysi Dev (1185-? )
• Raja Bijal Dev ( ? )
• Raja Raja Dev(Rajadeva) ( ? )
• Raja Kilhan Dev ( ? )
• Raja Kuntal Dev (1282-1328)
• Raja Junasi Dev (1328-1366)
• Raja Udaikarana (1366-1388)
• Raja Narsingh Dev (1388-1427)
• Raja Banvir (1427-1439)
• Raja Uddhran Dev (1439-1467)
• Raja Chandra Sen (1467-1502)
• Raja Prithvi Raj (1502-1527)
• Raja Puran Mal (1527-1534)
• Raja Bhima (1534- 1537)
• Raja Ratan Singh(1537-1548)
• Raja Askaran (1548)
• Raja Bhāramala/Bihārīmala(1548- 1573)
• Raja Bhagwant Das (1573 -1589)
• Mirza Raja Man Singh I (1589-1614)
• Mirza Raja Bhao Singh (1614-1622)
• Mirza Raja Jai Singh I (1622-1667)
• Mirza Raja Ram Singh I (1667-1688)
• Mirza Raja Bishan Singh (1688-1700)
• Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1743)
• Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh (1743-1750)
• Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (1750-1768)
• Maharaja Sawai Prithvi Singh II (1768-1778)
• Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-1803)
• Maharaja Sawai Jagat Singh II (1803-1818)
• Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh III (1818-1835)
• Maharaja Sawai Rama Singh II (1835-1881)
• Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II (1881-1922)
• Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II (1922-1949)
• Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh (Reigning but not ruling, succeeded his father in 1970)

[edit] The Bara Kothris

The twelve Kothris or "chambers" of Amber royal family were an honoured institution of the state."Bara or Barah" means twelve and "Kothris" means chambers or houses. These Bara Kothris or 12 noble houses were essentially patrilineal branches of the Kachwaha clan. Raja Prithvi Raj (1502-1527 AD) sensing feuds and to avoid them, among his sons and kinsmen recognized each major branch of his family (being his sons and kinsmen) as being a noble house in the peerage of the state. The heads of these 12 families or twelve noble men, held large baronial estates and were prominent members of the court. A seat for the each head of these was allocated in royal court. Their opinion was considered important in taking major decisions. Despite his efforts feuds could not be avoided. Prithviraj's sons fought for power after his death.Ultimately Bharmal emerged as winner, with the help of Mughal emperor Akbar.

The twelve Kothris of Amber apart from royal house of Jaipur who belong to Rajawat sub clan included:1- Puranmalot, 2- Pachyanot,3-Nathawat,4- Balbhadrot, 5- Surtanot,6- Khangarot,7- Chaturbhujot,8- Kalyanot,9- Kumbhani,10- Sheobramhpota,11-Banvirpota..

12-Sanga Singh, was the son of Raja Prithviraj. He founded a new town known as "Sanganer", which is now Sanganer Airport. He died without heir so his estate went back to state. So their remained only eleven noble houses.

Thus nine of the 12 kotaris of Kachawahas, came from sons and grandsons of Raja Prithviraj of Amber (1502 to 1527), one from sons of Raja Junasi(1328-1366) of Amber, one from sons of Raja Udaikaran (1366-1388) of Amber, and one from sons of Raja Banvir (1427-1439) of Amber.

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[edit] Prominent Kachwahas

• At Narawar
  • Nal -[Found the city of Nalpur or Narawar.]
  • Dhola -[He was grandson of Nal. He fell in love with princess Maru of Rajputana.The story of Dhola and Maru is very popular in Rajasthan. Ultimately married her in 921 AD at Baghera in Ajmer District]
  • Vazradama - [ Vazradama was grandson of Dhola and son of Lakshman.Recaptured gwalior from Pratihar Kings. Divakar Mihir of Kashmir came to to Narwar in 965 AD and praised this king.Diwakar Mihir stayed for two years five months and seventeen days at Narwar. He died in battle with Mahmud of Gazni in 1000 or 1001 CE.
  • Mangal Raja -[ son of Vazradama,Inscriptions of Sas Bahu temple praise this king.]
• At Amber
  • Dulaha Raya -[ He was son of Sodh Deva or Sodhrai KIng of Narwar.He got some areas as dowry and won rest near Dausa.Established rule of Kachawas in Dhundar.]
  • Kakil Dev -[Won Amber and built a fort there. Shifted capital to Amber.]
  • Pajawan or Pajjun -[Was trusted general of Prithviraj Chauhan III.Fought 64 battles in his life. Killed in 1185 at Kannauj while he engaged in a fight with the forces of Jaichand persuing Prithviraj Chauhan. He is also beileived to have defeated army of Muhammad Ghori many times before battle of Tarain.]
  • Malayasi Dev -[He was also great warrior suffered many wounds in a battle with Jaichand of Kannauj but survived. Believed to have been killed in Battle of Tarain in 1192.]
  • Udaikaran-[The prominent Kachawa sub clans came from Udaikaran.One of his sons Peepaji became a saint and worshiped as local diety mainly in Jamwa Ramgarh area..He got seven sons excluding Peepaji.1:Narsingh,2:Barsingh,3:Balaji,4:Sheobramh,5.Patal 6.Peethal and 7.Napa.]
  • Prithviraj of Amber -[He was son in law of Rana Sanga of Mewar,He fought at the Battle of Khanua and was killed in this battle.He organised his clan into twelve Kothris which was a system of recognition in the court of ruler of Amber or Jaipur.The system formally continues till now.]
  • Raja Bharmal of Amber
  • Raja Bhagwant Das
  • Bhagwan Das- He was younger brother of Raja Bhagwant Das and a brave man.Given jagir of Lawan.His descendants are known as Bankawat.He was addressed as Banka Raja by Akbar and also known as Madho Singh Kachwaha.
  • Raja Man Singh I
  • Mirza Raja Jai Singh I
  • Mirza Raja Ramsingh I

• At Jaipur
  • Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II-[He was great statesman.He found the new town of Jaipur near his ancestral capital Amber, named after him.It was the first planned city in India.He was also responsible for establishment of "Bharatpur" as state. He found the city of Jaipur.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiabilitytronomy. He established four observataries in India,at Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Ujjain.It was to study movements of stars.He was influenced with Europeans and given a jagir to Portuguese astronomers, the name of village was "Benar".Which is known as railway station known as "Nindar Benar" now.
  • Rao Zorawar Singh (He was Meerbakhsi and head of generals in the army of Sawai Jaisingh.In present Jaipur northern gate of Jaipur is named after him.)
  • Maharaja Sawai Isrisingh
  • Maharaj Sawai Madhosingh I
  • Maharaja Sawai Pratapsingh
  • Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II
  • Maharaja SawaiMadho Singh II
  • Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II
  • Rajmata Gayatri Devi
• At other places
  • Rao Shekha ji -[Great-grandson of Raja Udaikaran(1366-1388) of Amber. Fought many battles and won many. He established rule over new area in the north of Amber which is now known as Shekhawati. The area consists of Seekar and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan.His descendants ruled this area before merger of Jaipur state in Rajasthan.His descendants are known as Shekhawat Rajputs.]
  • Ramchandra I of Kashmir
  • Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir
  • Maharaja Gulab Singh
  • Pratap Singh of Alwar
• In Modern India
  • Bhairon Singh Shekhawat - [Vice President of India. (Shekhawat sub clan)]
  • Dr.Karan Singh of Kashmir - [Ex Cabinet Minister of India. (Jamwal sub clan)]
  • Admiral V.S. Shekhawat - [Ex chief of Indian Navy. (Shekhawat sub clan)]
  • Admiral Madhvendra Singh - [Ex chief of Indian Navy. (Nathawat sub clan)]
  • Piru Singh - [Awarded Param Veer Chakra. (Shekhawat sub clan)]
  • Maharaja Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur - [Awarded Mahveer Chakra. (Rajawat sub clan)]
  • Zorawar Singh Shekhawat - [Awarded Mahaveer Chakra. (Shekhawat sub clan)]
  • Lt.Col. Raghubeer Singh - [Awarded Mahaveer Chakra. (Rajawat sub clan)]

[edit] Notes

1. ^ RajputIndia website,
2. ^ Tod, James (1829) Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan
3. ^ [1]
4. ^ [2]
5. ^ According to this legend, Suraj (Surya) Sen, an 8th century scion of the Kachhwaha clan, was afflicted by leprosy. As was usual in that era, he retired to a forest to spend his remaining days far removed from human settlements. In the forest, he chanced upon a venerable old mendicant, Sage Gwalipa, who resided on an isolated hill. Thirsty and tired, Surajsen asked for some water and the sage led him to a pond. Upon drinking the water of that pond, Suraj (Surya) Sen found to his astonishment that he was cured of leprosy! Rejoiced, the prince asked the sage if there was anything he could do as thanksgiving for this benediction. The sage told him to fortify the hill. The hill was fortified and named Gwalior, in honour of the sage; the city that developed around it gradually acquired the same name
6. ^ [3]
7. ^ [4]

[edit] References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
• Bayley C. (1894) Chiefs and Leading Families In Rajputana
• Hendley T. H. (1897) Rulers of India and the Chiefs of Rajputana
• Jyoti J. (2001) Royal Jaipur
• R.S. Khangarot, P.S. Nathawat (1990) Jaigarh- The invincible Fort of Amber
• Topsfield A. (1994) Indian paintings from Oxford collections
• Tillotson G, (2006) Jaipur Nama, Penguin books
• Willis Michael D. (1997) Temples of Gopaksetra: A Regional History of Architecture and Sculpture in Central India Ad 600-900
• Ayodhya
• Gwalior's Tourist Attractions
• The coins of the western and central Indian dynasties
• Genealogy of Kachwaha Kings
• Kachwaha Rajputs