Bhawrani

Origin and Ancestry of the Mandlawat Rathores

The rulers of Bhawrani Thikana belong to the illustrious Mandlawat clan of the Rathore dynasty. The Mandlawats trace their lineage back to Rao Mandla, a prominent son of Rao Ranmal, the ruler of Marwar (Jodhpur) during the early 15^th century. Over generations, the descendants of Rao Mandla established their influence in the rugged terrains of southwestern Marwar, particularly around the strategic Jalore region.

The Heroic Legacy of Kakoo-Bhagoo and Bhadrajun

During the turbulent medieval era, the Mandlawat Sardars of Kakoo-Bhagoo proved their military mettle in various regional campaigns, occasionally allied with or acting in defiance of the central authority of the Jodhpur State. A defining moment in their history occurred during a massive military confrontation at Dhumda Bhakhar (near Bhadrajun), where the Mandlawat forces faced a Jodhpur alliance army numbering nearly 10,000 soldiers.

The Mandlawat warriors fought with exceptional ferocity from their mountainous strongholds. In this battle, the brothers of Kakoo-Bhagoo achieved martyrdom and were deified as "Dhoneri-Veer" (or Veer-Devtas), highly revered local deities who are still worshipped in the region today. Their extraordinary valor earned them the legendary title of "Shoorveer of Doneri". Due to their formidable defense tactics in mountainous terrains, a strategic dictum was established within the Marwar administration that Mandlawat Rathores should not be granted jagirs near hills or mountains, as such landscapes made them virtually invincible against central state forces.

Establishment of Bhawrani Thikana

Following these intense historical military engagements, the central administration of Jodhpur sought to relocate the Mandlawats to the fertile plains to mitigate their strategic military advantage in the hills. The strategic fort of Bhadrajun, built on a mountain, was reassimilated by the Jodhpur state.

In recognition of their status and to maintain regional stability, Sundar Dasji (son of Thakur Singhji of Kakko-Bhagoo) was recognized for his immense service. Later, his son, Thakur Raj Singhji, was formally granted the prestigious estate of Thikana Bhawrani. To ensure peace, the Mandlawat Rathores were granted a collection of 60 flatland villages scattered across the plains of Jalore and the Bikaner State, completely devoid of surrounding hills.

British Raj and Marwar Feudal Order

During the British colonial era, Bhawrani functioned as an active feudal estate (Thikana) under the jurisdiction of the princely state of Jodhpur (Marwar), which was part of the Rajputana Agency. The Thakurs of Bhawrani maintained local administrative, judicial, and revenue collection rights within their territory, contributing levies and military support to the Maharaja of Jodhpur when required.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

With India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of the princely states, the state of Jodhpur merged into the United State of Greater Rajasthan in 1949. Following the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act of 1952, the feudal privileges and jagirdari rights of the Thikana of Bhawrani were formally abolished. Today, the descendants of the Bhawrani royal lineage continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage, maintaining ancestral temples, local customs, and the memory of the legendary "Dhoneri-Veer" who defined their early history.