Birkali

Origin and Ancestry of the Sringot Bika Rathores

The history of Birkali is deeply intertwined with the royal house of Bikaner. The rulers of Birkali trace their lineage back to Maharaj Srirang Ji, who was the illustrious son of Rao Jait Singh (also known as Rao Jetsi), the fourth ruler of the Bikaner State who ruled from 1526 to 1542 A.D. Maharaj Srirang Ji's descendants came to be known as the Sringot (or Shringot) clan of the Bika Rathores. Over the centuries, the Sringot clan established themselves as one of the premier aristocratic sub-clans of Bikaner, holding strategically vital estates in the northern and eastern frontiers of the desert kingdom.

Establishment of the Birkali Thikana

During the 18^th century, the political landscape of Rajputana was marked by territorial realignments and military alliances. In 1750 A.D. (Vikram Samvat 1807), Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner recognized the valor and loyalty of the Sringot clan by granting the estate of Birkali to Kunwar Sultan Singhji. Kunwar Sultan Singhji was the son of Thakur Saheb Kushal Singhji of Bhukarka, which was the primary seat of the Sringots. This grant elevated Birkali into an independent Thikana (feudal estate) under the Bikaner Darbar.

According to historical records like the Gazetteer of the Bikaner State by Major P.W. Powlett, the Birkali estate held a highly respected position. More details on the administrative structure of the state can be explored in the digitized Gazetteer of the Bikaner State on the Internet Archive.

Court Privileges: Tazim and Banh Pasanv

As a testament to their high aristocratic status and military importance to the state, the Chiefs of Birkali were accorded special privileges in the royal court of Bikaner. The Thakur of Birkali was a "Tazimi Sardar" who enjoyed:

• Single Tazim: A high honor in the Darbar where the Maharaja of Bikaner would stand up to receive the Thakur upon his arrival and departure from the court.
• Banh Pasanv: A ceremonial gesture of close proximity and royal favor, where the ruler would place his hand on the noble's shoulder during formal audiences.

These honors were reserved only for the topmost echelons of the Bikaner nobility, positioning the Thakur of Birkali among the primary advisors and military commanders of the state.

The British Era and Treaty Period

Following the Treaty of 1818 between Maharaja Surat Singh of Bikaner and the British East India Company, the military responsibilities of the Thikanas transitioned towards maintaining internal peace and defending the borders of the Hanumangarh and Nohar regions. The Thakurs of Birkali continued to pay Rekh (tribute) and provided horsemen to the Bikaner State Army. During the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh, the region benefited from modern administrative reforms, and the nobility actively supported social welfare and educational initiatives in their respective jagirs.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, Bikaner State integrated into the United State of Greater Rajasthan, which eventually became the modern state of Rajasthan. With the passing of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952, the feudal privileges and the jagirdari system were formally abolished.

Today, Birkali is located in the Nohar tehsil of the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The descendants of the Birkali Thikana have successfully transitioned into modern professions, including agriculture, business, and public service, while continuing to preserve the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and historical legacy of the Sringot Bika Rathores.