Hardesar

Hardesar is an ancestral seat of the Amarsinghot clan of Bika Rathores. Thakurs of Hardesar are descendants of Maharaj Amar Singhji, the second son of Rao Kalyanmal (the 5^th ruler of Bikaner state) and a younger brother of Raja Rai Singhji (the 6^th ruler of Bikaner state). In recognition of the supreme sacrifice and bravery of his brother, Raja Rai Singhji conferred the hereditary Dohri Tazim, Hathro Kurab, and the status of Umrao (Sub-Rulers) to the Thikana in 1564 AD. The rulers of Hardesar are traditionally seated on the left-hand side of the throne in the Bikaner Darbar. The Thikana provided Rekh (Revenue) and Chakari Asvar (Horse Cavalry) of 12 villages in 1893 AD to the Bikaner State Risala.

Origin and Foundation of Hardesar Thikana

The history of Hardesar is intrinsically linked to the expansion of the Bika Rathore clan in the desert kingdom of Bikaner State. The Thikana was established in the mid-16^th century, specifically in 1564 AD, during a period of significant geopolitical transitions in Rajputana. Maharaj Amar Singhji, the progenitor of the Amarsinghot sub-clan, was a legendary warrior whose military prowess helped consolidate the borders of Bikaner. His valor earned his descendants the status of premier nobles (Umraos) within the state's feudal structure.

Feudal Status and Courtly Honors

The Thakurs of Hardesar enjoyed a highly elevated position within the courtly hierarchy of Bikaner. The grant of Dohri Tazim (double honor, where the Maharaja would stand both upon the arrival and departure of the Thakur) and Hathro Kurab (the honor of physical acknowledgment by the ruler) underscored their elite status. In the Bikaner Darbar, their assigned seating on the left side of the throne (known as the Bayan Sira) was a privilege reserved only for the most trusted and influential kinsmen of the ruling family.

Military Contributions and the British Era

During the colonial era, the Thikana of Hardesar maintained its martial traditions under the overarching alliance between the Bikaner State and the British Raj. The Thikana was responsible for maintaining law and order within its territory of 12 villages. According to historical records of 1893 AD, Hardesar contributed significantly to the state's military apparatus by providing Chakari Asvar (fully equipped horse cavalrymen) to the legendary Bikaner State Forces, which later gained international fame during the World Wars as part of the Imperial Service Troops.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following the independence of India in 1947 and the integration of princely states, Bikaner formally merged into the United State of Rajasthan. With the passage of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act in 1952, the traditional feudal privileges and revenue collection rights of the Thikana were abolished. Despite these administrative changes, the descendants of the Hardesar Thikana have successfully transitioned into modern professions, including agriculture, public service, and business, while continuing to preserve their ancestral fort, local temples, and historical heritage.