Sankhu

Origin and Foundation of Sankhu Thikana

Sankhu, situated in the modern-day Churu district of Rajasthan, is the historic ancestral seat of the Kishansinghot clan, an influential subclan of the Bika Rathores. The lineage of this prominent Thikana traces back to Maharaj Kishan Singhji, the second son of Raja Rai Singhji I, the 6^th ruler of Bikaner, and the brother of Raja Dalpat Singhji (7^th ruler of Bikaner). Owing to their direct royal descent, the Thakurs of Sankhu occupied an elite position in the aristocratic hierarchy of the Bikaner state.

The Royal Grant of Tazim (1618 AD)

In 1618 AD, the Thikana of Sankhu was formally recognized and elevated with the conferral of the hereditary honors of Dohri Tazim and Hathro Kurab. The "Dohri Tazim" (double obeisance) was a coveted honor where the Maharaja of Bikaner would rise twice—upon the arrival and departure of the Thikana's lord in the Durbar. "Hathro Kurab" granted the Thakur the privilege of a physical embrace or the touching of hands with the Maharaja, indicating close familial ties and peerage. This recognition cemented Sankhu's standing as one of the premier noble houses under the Bikaner Crown.

Military and Feudal Contributions

As a leading Tazimi Thikana, Sankhu played an active role in the political and military campaigns of Bikaner. The Kishansinghot Rathores of Sankhu were renowned for their martial service, contributing cavalry and defensive support during regional conflicts and campaigns commissioned by the Bikaner Durbar during the Mughal era. In exchange for their military service (chauri and chakri), the Thakurs enjoyed extensive administrative and revenue collection rights over their jagir lands.

Treaty Era and British Rule

Following the treaty of alliance signed in 1818 between Maharaja Surat Singh of Bikaner and the British East India Company (referenced in the history of Bikaner State), the administrative landscape of the region evolved. The Thakurs of Sankhu adapted to the new colonial administrative framework while retaining their traditional judicial and agrarian authority over their subjects. They continued to serve the state administration under subsequent rulers of Bikaner, particularly during the reigns of Maharaja Ganga Singhji.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

With India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of the Bikaner princely state into the United State of Greater Rajasthan in 1949, the traditional feudal estates were abolished under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952. The Thikana of Sankhu transitioned from a feudal lordship to a modern agrarian estate. Today, the descendants of the Kishansinghot Bika Rathore clan of Sankhu preserve their ancestral legacy, local heritage, and historical monuments, remaining active contributors to the social and cultural fabric of the Churu region.