BIKANER

The Rathore Dynasty
GENEALOGY
1472 - 1504 Rao Sri
Bikaji, Rao of Bikaner. b. at Jodhpur Fort, 1438,
younger son of Rao Sri Jodhaji, Rao of Jodhpur, educ.
privately. Left Marwar on 30th September 1465
in the company of his uncle Kandhal and Napo Sankhla,
with the intention of founding his own principality.
Settled at Chandasar for three years, then established
his headquarters at Deshnoke in 1468. Conquered the
adjoining territories and settled at Kodamdesar, where he
proclaimed himself an independent ruler in 1472. Finding
Kodamdesar indefencible against raids from the Bhatis, he
moved his capital to a site near Rati ghati in 1485. He
laid the foundations of the first fort and began
construction of the city of Bikaner in 1488. Attacked and
defeated the Jats, annexing 1,664 of their villages, then
seized 140 villages from the Khichis and Johiyas of
Singhana. He also defeated and seized lands from the
Bilochis and Kyamkhanis towards Sind, and took Shekawati
and Karanwati from the Pathans of Hissar. Attacked
Jodhpur after the death of his father and secured
possession of the family heirlooms: the sandalwood
throne, the chhatra, the sword and shield of Jodha and
other precious items. m. seven wives, including,
at Junglu, before 1478, Rani Ranga Devi Sahiba, daughter
of Rao Shaikha [Shekhoji], of Pungal, an important Bhil
chieftain. He d. at Bikaner Fort, 11th
September 1504, having had issue, ten sons, including:
1505 - 1526 Rao Sri
Luna Karana [Lankaranji], Rao of Bikaner. b. at
Deshnoke, 1470, second surviving son of Rao Sri Bikaji,
Rao of Bikaner, educ. privately. Succeeded on the
death of his elder brother, 13th January 1505.
Installed on the sandalwood throne, at Bikaner Fort, 23rd
January 1505. Attacked and subdued those nobles who had
freed themselves from his brother. Attacked Fatehpur in
1512 and secured the cession of 120 villages from the
Kyamkhanis, then subdued the Chayal Rajputs and annexed
440 of their villages. Defeated a large Mughal army
commanded by Prince Kamran. m. a daughter of Rana
Sri Rai Malji, Rana of Mewar. He d. 31st
March 1526 (or was k. in battle against the Nawab
of Narnaul, at Dhosi, 24th June 1526?), having
had issue, five sons and two daughters:
1526 - 1542 Rao Sri
Jait Singhji [Jetasi], Rao of Bikaner. b. at
Bikaner Fort, 1489, second son of Rao Sri Luna Karana
[Lankaranji], Rao of Bikaner, educ. privately.
Succeeded on the death of his father, 31st
March 1526. Installed on the sandalwood throne, at
Bikaner Fort, 26th April 1526. Expelled the
Bidawats from Daronpur and annexed their lands, then
subdued the Johiyas, and wrested the fort of Bhatner from
the Chahal Rajputs. He was k. in battle with Rao
Maldevji of Jodhpur, at Saheba village, near Bikaner, 26th
February 1542, having had issue, six sons and several
daughters, including:I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at: Copyright©Christopher Buyers
Copyright©Christopher Buyers, February 2001 - August 2008