Borunda

The family traces its lineage to Rao Jodha, the illustrious ruler of Marwar and the founder of Jodhpur. Among his sons was Rao Duda, who was born on 15 June 1440 and was granted the jagir of Merta. His descendants came to be known as the Mertiya Rathores, deriving their identity from the land of Merta. The revered saint-poetess Meera Bai also belonged to this distinguished Mertiya lineage, being the granddaughter of Rao Duda.

Rao Duda’s son, Rao Veeramdev, ascended the throne of Merta around 1515 CE. Under his leadership, the Mertiyas played a prominent role in several military campaigns. Rao Veeramdev extended his support to Maharana Sangram Singh in the historic Battle of Khanwa against the Mughal invader Babur. By 1536 CE, Rao Veeramdev had successfully established his authority over Ajmer.

His son, Rao Jaimal, emerged as one of the most celebrated warriors of Rajputana. Serving as a commander of Mewar, he played a crucial role in safeguarding Maharana Udai Singh II during the Siege of Chittorgarh led by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Rao Jaimal attained martyrdom during the siege of Chittor in 1568. Such was his valour and indomitable spirit that Emperor Akbar himself, deeply impressed by his bravery, ordered statues of Rao Jaimal and Patta to be installed outside Agra Fort in their honour. These statues were later shifted to the Red Fort.

Rao Jaimal’s son, Rao Kalyan Das, became the progenitor of the Kalyandasot branch of the Mertiya Rathores. His son, Rao Bishandas, was a formidable warrior, and his descendants came to be known as the Bishandasot branch. They held and governed several important thikanas, including Borunda, Tamdoli, Khad Khas, Amrapura, Barno, and Chausali.

Rao Bishandas Kalyandasot Mertiya’s son, Gokuldas, was granted the Thikana of Borunda, which became the principal seat of the Bishandasot Kalyandasot Mertiya Rathores.

Borunda thus stands as the ancestral thikana of the Bishandasot Kalyandasot Mertiya Rathores. The Thakurs of Borunda were counted among the distinguished nobles of Marwar (Jodhpur State) and enjoyed several hereditary honours and privileges, including the privilege of wearing gold on their feet, “Sona Naresh,” signifying their high rank and esteemed position within the aristocracy of Marwar.