Anoopshahr

Origin and Lineage of Anoopshahr (Anupro)

The Thikana of Anoopshahr (historically known as Anupro), situated in the modern-day Hanumangarh-Churu region of Rajasthan, holds a distinguished position in the history of the Rathore dynasty. The ruling family of Anoopshahr belongs to the prominent Bishnadasot branch, which is an important sub-clan of the Kandhal Rawatot Rathores.

The lineage traces back to Rao Kandhal Ji, the illustrious brother of Rao Jodha (the founder of Jodhpur) and the chief architect who helped his nephew, Rao Bika, establish the kingdom of Bikaner State. Following the martyrdom of Rao Kandhal Ji, his second son, Rao Raj Singh Ji, ascended the throne of Rajasar. The eldest son, Baagh Singh, had previously attained martyrdom while fighting against the forces of Sultan Bahlol Lodi. Although some historical debates suggest the throne of Rajasar should have gone to Banir Ji (the son of Baagh Singh), authoritative historical accounts, including those by Raghunath Singh Kaalipahari, clarify that Banir Ji was a minor at the time, leading to Raj Singh Ji's succession.

The Rawatots and the Bishnadasot Branch

Over time, the seat of Rajasar was renamed Rawatsar, following the prestigious title of 'Rawat' bestowed upon Rao Raj Singh Ji. Consequently, his descendants came to be known as the 'Rawatots'.

The Bishnadasot sub-branch originated from Rao Bishandas Ji, the second son of Rawat Raj Singh Ji and a grandson of Rao Kandhal Ji. While his elder brother, Kunwar Kishandas Ji, displayed extraordinary valor defending Bikaner against the Mughal prince Kamran Mirza (son of Emperor Babur), Bishandas Ji established himself as a fierce warrior in numerous regional campaigns. Under his leadership and that of his descendants, the Bishnadasot clan expanded their influence, establishing and occupying several thikanas in the vicinity of Rawatsar, including Jaitsar, Sahwa, Bhadra, Bisrasar, Ganghusar, Khui, Aasann, Kalasar, and Anoopshahr. Today, the majority of the Bishnadasot Rathores reside in Anoopshahr and Aashann.

The Reign of Maharaja Jorawar Singh and the Sacred Connection

Anoopshahr is home to several historical temples and monuments, most notably those dedicated to Maharaja Jorawar Singh Ji of Bikaner (who ruled from 1736 to 1746 AD). Maharaja Jorawar Singh was a brave ruler who successfully defended his kingdom against external invasions, including a major siege by Maharaja Abhai Singh of Marwar.

During his military campaign near Hissar, Maharaja Jorawar Singh was mortally wounded. He passed away in Sidhmukh. Since Sidhmukh had been declared a sacred, taboo-protected land (tapobhoomi) by the revered saint Guru Gorakhnath of Gogameri, the final rites of the Maharaja could not be completed there. Consequently, his funeral rites were performed at Anoopshahr. In honor of his memory, his seven queens constructed a traditional Johaado (a water reservoir or stepwell) and a commemorative cenotaph (chhatri), dedicating seven bighas of land for their upkeep.

Mughal and British Periods

During the Mughal era, the Rawatot chieftains of this region maintained a semi-autonomous status, contributing military contingents to the Bikaner State's imperial campaigns. With the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British hegemony in India, the Bikaner State signed a treaty of subsidiary alliance with the East India Company in 1818. During this period, Anoopshahr remained a key feudal estate under the Bikaner State, managing local administration, collecting revenue, and preserving Rajput heritage.

Post-Independence and the Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states, the jagirdari system was abolished. Anoopshahr transitioned from a feudal estate into a democratic town within the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan.

In the modern era, Anoopshahr faces challenges regarding the preservation of its historical monuments. The centuries-old cenotaphs (chhatris) and the historic Johaado built by the queens of Maharaja Jorawar Singh have suffered from neglect over decades. Local communities and heritage enthusiasts continue to advocate for the restoration of these structures to preserve the rich legacy of the Bishnadasot clan and their contribution to the history of Rajputana.