Aratwada

Origin and Foundation of Aratwada Thikana

The Aratwada estate, historically comprising twelve villages, was established as a prominent feudal jagir within the princely state of Sirohi under the Deora clan of Chauhan Rajputs. The estate was granted to Thakur Kalyan Singh of Hakiwada, the grandson of Raj Sahiban Nahar Singh of Padiv, by the celebrated ruler Maharao Surtan Singhji of Sirohi. Maharao Surtan Singhji, known in Rajput history for his fierce defense of his state's sovereignty against regional powers and Mughal expansionism, granted these lands to secure strategic allegiances and fortify the frontiers of the Sirohi state. As feudal lords, the Thakurs of Aratwada maintained administrative, judicial, and revenue authority over their villages, providing military assistance to the Sirohi Durbar during times of conflict.

British Era and Modern Transition

Following the treaty of alliance between Sirohi State and the British East India Company in 1823, Aratwada transitioned into a period of relative peace and structured colonial administration, while retaining its traditional land-tenure rights and local influence. This feudal administration continued to govern local affairs until India's independence. After 1947, with the accession of Sirohi into the Indian Union and the subsequent merger into the state of Rajasthan, the traditional privileges and revenue collection rights of the Aratwada Thikana were formally phased out under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act of 1952. For a deeper historical context on the administration and feudatories of the state, refer to the digitized historical records in the History of Sirohi Raj.