Sarthal

Origin and Foundation of Sarthal Thikana

The history of Sarthal Thikana is closely intertwined with the turbulent geopolitics of Marwar (Jodhpur) and Kotah states during the early 19^th century. The estate was founded by the Champawat clan of Rathores, descendants of Rao Champa (brother of Rao Jodha of Marwar). During the tumultuous reign of Maharaja Man Singh of Jodhpur, severe disputes arose between the crown and the premier nobles, forcing several prominent chieftains to seek refuge in neighboring princely states. Among them was Thakur Onad Singh (also known as Anar Singh) of Ahor, a highly respected warrior and noble. Seeking temporary exile, Onad Singh migrated to the Kotah State, where his military prowess was warmly welcomed by the administration.

The Kotah Alliance and Grant of Sarthal

Upon his arrival in Kotah, Onad Singh was patronized by Maharao Ummed Singh I and his visionary regent, Rajrana Zalim Singh, who was famous for recruiting brave Marwar nobles to strengthen Kotah's standing forces. In 1806, Onad Singh was initially granted the estate of Harigarh. Recognizing his loyalty and strategic value, Maharao Ummed Singh later granted him the more lucrative estate of Sarthal in 1815, valued at an annual revenue of Rs. 40,000. This established a strong Rathore presence in the predominantly Hada Chauhan territory of Kotah, as recorded in administrative historical archives like the Imperial Gazetteer of India.

Establishment of the Sarthal Branch

The political landscape in Marwar shifted in 1817 when Crown Prince Chhatar Singh assumed regency and took measures to reconcile with the exiled nobles. He formally invited Thakur Onad Singh back to Jodhpur to resume his duties at Ahor. Onad Singh accepted the invitation but chose to maintain his family's foothold in Kotah. He left his younger son, Kunwar Prem Singh, to govern Sarthal. Kunwar Prem Singh thus became the progenitor of the Sarthal branch of Champawat Rathores, carving out a distinct identity as trusted nobles of the Kotah Darbar while maintaining cultural ties with their ancestral home in Marwar.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely state of Kotah integrated into the United State of Rajasthan, eventually forming the modern state of Rajasthan. Consequently, the feudal system and the jagirdari rights of Sarthal Thikana were abolished under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act of 1952. Despite the loss of formal administrative powers, the descendants of the Sarthal family continue to hold historical prestige in the region, preserving their ancestral heritage, local temples, and traditional customs in the Baran-Kota belt.