Kerote

Origin and Foundation

The Istimrari Estate of Kerote was founded in the 17^th century by Thakur Gaj Singh, the son of Thakur Akhay Raj (Ahkey Raj) of Deolia Kalan. Deolia Kalan itself was an offshoot of the prominent Bhinai family. The ruling house of Kerote belongs to the Chandrasenot clan of the Rathores, tracing their direct lineage back to Rao Chandrasen of Marwar (reigned 1562–1581), the legendary Rathore ruler of Jodhpur who is celebrated in Rajasthani history for his fierce resistance against Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The Istimrari Status and British Period

During the era of the Mughal Empire and later the Maratha rule, the rulers of this region established deep-seated administrative control over their estates. Under the British Raj, Kerote was recognized as one of the chief estates of the Ajmer-Merwara province. Unlike ordinary Jagirdars, the chiefs of these estates held the title of Istimrardars, which granted them permanent land tenure subject to a fixed annual tribute (known as mamla). This status protected their estates from arbitrary resumption and allowed the Thakurs of Kerote to exercise significant local administrative and revenue authority within their domain.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the political landscape of Rajputana underwent a major transformation. The province of Ajmer-Merwara was initially kept as a separate Class 'C' state before being fully integrated into the state of Rajasthan in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act. With the enactment of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act in 1952, the age-old Istimrari and Jagirdari land systems were formally abolished. The family of Kerote transitioned from feudal rulers to private citizens, contributing to the democratic, social, and economic development of the modern Ajmer region.