Badnore

Origin and Foundation

The ancestor of this branch of the Rathore Dynasty was Rao Duda of Jodhpur, who was granted the Jagir of Merta. His grandson, Rao Jaimal was granted the Jagir of Badnore in 1554 by the Maharana of Mewar for services rendered. Badnore (historically known as Badanore) evolved to become one of the premier Solah Thikanas (the sixteen first-class noble estates) of the princely state of Mewar (Udaipur).

The foundation of this estate represents a unique historical alliance between the Rathores of Marwar and the Sisodias of Mewar. When Rao Jaimal was forced to leave Merta due to imperial pressures and internal conflicts in Marwar, Maharana Udai Singh II of Mewar warmly received him, recognizing his immense military prowess and strategic foresight. The Maharana bestowed upon him the strategic estate of Badnore, along with several other villages, to secure Mewar’s northern frontier.

The Heroic Age of Rao Jaimal

The history of Badnore is inextricably linked to the legendary valor of Rao Jaimal Rathore. During the famous Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568) by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Maharana Udai Singh II left the defense of the fort in the hands of Rao Jaimal and Patta Chundawat.

Rao Jaimal led the defense with extraordinary courage. Even after being severely wounded by a musket shot fired by Akbar himself, Jaimal refused to back down. On the night of the final assault, he was carried onto the battlefield on the shoulders of his kinsman, Kalla Rathore, fighting dual-sworded until his death. This supreme sacrifice during the Saka (ultimate battle to the death) cemented the Jaimalot Rathores' reputation as one of the most chivalrous clans in Rajput history. Impressed by their bravery, Emperor Akbar later erected stone statues of Rao Jaimal and Patta riding elephants at the gates of the Agra Fort.

Mughal and Maratha Periods

Following the fall of Chittorgarh and the subsequent treaty between Mewar and the Mughals, the Thakurs of Badnore continued to serve as pillars of the Mewar State. The strategic location of Badnore, situated on the borderlands of Mewar, Marwar, and Ajmer, made it a crucial military post.

Throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the rulers of Badnore actively participated in various military campaigns led by the Maharanas of Udaipur, defending the territory against frequent Mughal incursions and later, Maratha raids. The impressive Badnore Fort, an eight-story architectural marvel built on a hill overlooking the town, was continuously fortified during this turbulent period to withstand long sieges and guard the trade routes passing through the region.

British Period and Administrative Status

With the signing of the treaty of alliance between the East India Company and Mewar in 1818, the region entered an era of relative peace. Under British paramountcy, Badnore was recognized as a top-tier Thikana. The Thakur of Badnore enjoyed special judicial and administrative powers within his estate and sat on the right-hand side of the Maharana in the royal court (Durbar) of Udaipur, occupying a position of high honor.

During the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the rulers of Badnore focused heavily on local governance, constructing schools, stepwells, and reservoirs to combat the frequent droughts of Rajasthan. The administrative system was modernized, aligning with the broader reforms introduced in Mewar State.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the estate of Badnore was integrated into the United State of Rajasthan, which later became the modern state of Rajasthan. The jagirdari system was formally abolished with the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, but the royal family of Badnore continued to play an active role in public life and democratic politics.

The most prominent modern representative of this lineage is Shri V. P. Singh Badnore, a distinguished politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), a Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, and as the 28^th Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Today, the magnificent Badnore Fort stands as a protected monument, drawing historians, architects, and tourists interested in the heritage of the Jaimalot Rathores.