Sindarli

Origin and Foundation of Sindarli Thikana

Sindarli was a prominent feudal estate (Thikana) of the Mertiya Rathore clan, situated in the historic Godwar pargana of the erstwhile Jodhpur State (Marwar), in present-day Pali district, Rajasthan. The estate of Sindarli was carved out of the larger parent state of Ghanerao, which was the premier Mertiya seat in the Godwar region.

The Thikana of Sindarli was founded in 1704 AD during a period of significant political transition in Rajputana. The estate was granted to Thakur Himmat Singh Ji, the fourth son of Rao Gopinath Ji of Ghanerao. This grant was part of a strategic division of the Ghanerao territory among the sons of Rao Gopinath Ji to consolidate Rathore influence over the vital border passes of the Aravallis, which separated the rival kingdoms of Marwar and Mewar.

The distribution of Rao Gopinath Ji’s sons established a network of allied fraternal estates (Bhayats) across the region:

• The eldest son, Thakur Surat Singh Ji, succeeded to the main seat of Ghanerao.
• The second son, Thakur Anop Singh Ji, established the Thikana of Chanod.
• The third son, Thakur Abhay Singh Ji, was initially granted Narlai, and later acquired Barkana and Falna.
• The fourth son, Thakur Himmat Singh Ji, was granted Sindarli with its surrounding lands.

The Strategic Importance of Godwar and Mertiya Rathores

The Mertiya Rathores are descendants of Rao Duda, the son of Rao Jodha (the founder of Jodhpur). Renowned for their martial prowess and devotion, the Mertiyas settled in the Godwar region during the late 16^th and 17^th centuries. Godwar was historically a bone of contention between the Sisodias of Mewar and the Rathores of Marwar. Chieftains of this region, including the Thakurs of Sindarli, maintained a highly specialized military status, guarding the trade routes and mountain passes of the Aravalli range. Their exploits and defense of these borders are well-documented in regional archival records and standard references like James Tod's Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan.

Revenue and Territorial Administration

At its height in 1720 AD, the Thikana of Sindarli comprised three primary villages with a substantial annual revenue of Rs. 20,000. This high revenue reflected the agricultural productivity of the Godwar plains and the lucrative transit taxes collected from merchants crossing the Aravalli passes.

However, by 1920 AD, the recorded revenue of the estate had decreased to Rs. 2,000. This sharp decline over two centuries was a common phenomenon among smaller Rajput estates under the British Raj. It was primarily caused by the abolition of local transit duties (Rahdari), the introduction of uniform British land revenue settlements, and the repeated subdivision of shared family lands (Bhayad-bunt) among successive generations of heirs.

Dynastic Alliances and Adoptions

As a closely knit fraternal branch of the Ghanerao house, Sindarli played an important role in preserving the lineage of neighboring Mertiya estates. Under Rajput custom, when a sister estate lacked a direct male heir, successors were adopted from closely related lineages. Sindarli served as a key feeder house for these successions, and several noblemen from Sindarli were adopted to lead the Thikanas of Padampura and Kerli.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely state of Jodhpur integrated into the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952, the feudal privileges, revenue rights, and Jagirdari system of Sindarli were formally abolished. Today, the descendants of the Thikana reside in Rajasthan and other parts of India, preserving their rich cultural heritage and historical legacy as guardians of the Godwar frontier.