Joonda

Origin and Foundation of Joonda Thikana

The Joonda Thikana represents a distinguished branch of the Rathore dynasty of Marwar. The rulers of this estate are the direct descendants of Rao Chunda Ji (r. 1384–1428 CE), the formidable Rathore ruler of Mandore, and his illustrious son, Rao Poona Ji (also historically referred to as Rao Punja Ji). Rao Poona Ji was the paternal uncle of Rao Jodha Ji, the founder of Jodhpur. Consequently, the lineage descending from Rao Poona Ji is recognized as the Punawat Rathore sub-clan of Marwar.

Following the expansion of Rathore hegemony in the region, the descendants of Rao Poona Ji settled and established their seats in two primary fiefs. The elder branch of the family established its seat at Joonda, while the younger branch settled at Khundiyas (famed today for the Khundiyas Dham temple, often referred to as the mini-Ramdevra of Rajasthan).

Feudal Status and Military Contributions

Throughout the medieval and late-medieval periods, the Punawat Rathores of Joonda maintained a loyal and strategic relationship with the parent state of Jodhpur (Marwar). As noble vassals (Jagirdars), they contributed military contingents of horsemen to the Jodhpur State forces during various regional campaigns. Their territory, situated in the strategic plains of the Marwar-Nagaur tract, required them to maintain constant military readiness to defend the state's frontiers during periods of Mughal influence and the subsequent Maratha incursions of the 18^th century.

British Raj and Administration

With the signing of the treaty of alliance between Jodhpur State and the British East India Company in 1818, Joonda transitioned into a period of relative administrative stability. Under the British Raj, Joonda was recognized as a prominent Thikana of the Jodhpur State. The Thakurs of Joonda exercised local revenue collection, judicial, and administrative powers within their estate, while paying the customary tribute (Rekh and Chakri) to the Jodhpur Durbar.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely state of Jodhpur merged into the United State of Rajasthan. With the subsequent enactment of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act in the early 1950s, the feudal privileges and jagirdari rights of the Joonda Thikana were formally integrated into the democratic setup. Today, the descendants of the Joonda Thikana reside in Rajasthan and other parts of India, actively engaged in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and public service, while preserving their ancestral heritage and historical traditions.