Namla

Thikana Namla, situated in the Salumbar region of Mewar (Rajasthan), is an important centre of the Idria (Chappaniya) Rathore lineage, descending from Rao Sonang Ji, son of Maha Rao Raja Sihaji. Historical traditions trace the arrival of this Rathore branch in the Chhappan region to around 1305 CE, marking the beginning of their political establishment in the area.

Over time, the Rathores expanded their authority across a wide region, including key centres such as Chawand, Surkhand, Salumbar, Bhinder, Bambora, Jhadol, Javar, and Namla-Chibuda, reflecting strong administrative and territorial control. About a century later, Rao Raja Kirtipal founded Chawand (Chamunda Puri) and established the temple of Chamunda Mata, while his successor Rao Kanhdev Ji, a Vaishnav devotee, founded Surkhand and is credited with the construction of twenty-five Vishnu temples across the Chhappan region, supported by inscriptional evidence dated 1437 CE.

The internal lineage structure of this Rathore branch further contributed to the emergence of distinct territorial identities. From Rawat Ramsingh Ji, four principal lines developed—Sihaji, Kolhaji, Jagaji, and Sumerji, of which the Kolhavat branch, descending from Kolhaji, holds direct relevance to Thikana Namla. This branch gave rise to several settlements, including Namla, Chibuda, Bassi, Dal, Kantoda, Pahadi, Chandaji ka Gada, and Badavali, along with extensions into the Vagad region. Within this framework, Thikana Namla emerged as the Paatvi, or chief seat, of the Kolhavat (Chappaniya Rathore) lineage, thereby attaining a position of central importance in both genealogical hierarchy and regional administration.

The cultural heritage of Namla is reflected in the presence of the ancient Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, associated with the Vaishnav tradition of Rathore patronage, along with sacred sites such as Namleshwar Mahadev and the revered Namla Dhuni. Geographically, Namla lies in the lap of the Aravalli hills, with hilly terrain to the west, irrigated agricultural lands of Kherad to the south, and the renowned Jaisamand Lake to the east. The expansion of the lake during the reign of Maharana Jai Singh led to partial submergence of surrounding lands; however, the subsequent development of canal irrigation contributed to sustained agricultural growth and resettlement.

In summary, Thikana Namla stands as a significant historical centre in the Chhappan region, distinguished by its Rathore lineage, administrative prominence, agricultural prosperity, and enduring cultural traditions.