Expansion of the Rathor State in Marwar

Summary

Anil Chandra Banerjee traces the gradual emergence of the Rathor (Rathore) principality in Marwar, reconstructing a historical narrative from fragmentary chronicles and inscriptions. The article begins by summarising conclusions he presented at the Indian History Congress: Siha, an early Rathor figure, died in 1273 without establishing a kingdom and served instead as minister to the Brahmin rulers of Pali. His son Asthan moved into Khed and Idar, forming the nucleus of a small Rathor principality. Asthan’s son Dhuhad greatly expanded the estate, as evidenced by the Tirsiṃgharin inscription dated Vikrama Saṃvat 1366, which records his occupation of 140 villages. Banerjee notes that while epigraphic evidence provides some chronological anchors, the chronicles often focus on heroic exploits and family feuds rather than systematic chronology. The author compares different traditions, such as those recorded by Tod, Pandit Ramkaran and Reu, and evaluates them against inscriptions. He recounts stories of Raipal’s annexation of Mahowa (Mallani) after defeating the Paramaras and his subsequent occupation of eighty-four villages by killing a Bhatti chieftain named Pharara. The narrative then follows Raipal’s sons, including Kanhapal, who continued feuds with the Bhatti clan and was killed in battle on the river Kak, thereby delineating the boundary between the Rathor district of Khed and the Bhatti principality of Jaisalmer. Subsequent leaders faced conflicts with Muslims of Sind and local chieftains. The article argues that the Rathor principality grew through a combination of conquest, marriage alliances and opportunistic expansion during times of regional weakness. The chroniclers’ stories of raids and revenge reflect underlying political struggles for control of strategic villages and trade routes. Banerjee emphasises that despite the scarcity of reliable sources, inscriptions like those of Bithu and Tirsiṃgharin and later chronicles provide enough evidence to sketch the expansion of the Rathor state until the reign of Jodha, when it became a strong and consolidated entity. The study thus fills a gap in the historical narrative of western Rajasthan and illuminates the processes by which smaller Rajput houses transformed into significant regional powers.