Changoi

Origin and Foundation of Changoi Thikana

The Thikana of Changoi, located in the modern-day Churu district of Rajasthan, represents an important seat of the Rajvi nobles belonging to the ruling Rathore dynasty of Bikaner State. The rulers of this estate trace their descent directly from Maharaj Anand Singhji, a prominent son of the celebrated warrior-intellectual Maharaja Anup Singhji of Bikaner (who reigned from 1669 to 1698 AD).

The estate was formally established in 1786 AD during the reign of Maharaja Gaj Singhji of Bikaner. Maharaja Gaj Singhji granted the estate, which originally consisted of six villages, to Rajvi Saheb Tara Singhji, the fourth son of Maharaj Anand Singhji. Consequently, the lineage of Changoi is recognized as part of the "Anand Singhot" branch of the Bikaner royal family, holding a highly prestigious position in the regional aristocratic hierarchy.

Courtly Honors and Feudal Status

In the administrative and ceremonial hierarchy of the Bikaner Darbar, the Thakur of Changoi enjoyed exceptional privileges. The Chief was recognized as a noble of the highest order, entitled to the honors of Ikladi Tazim and Banho Pasanv:

• Ikladi Tazim: A formal court honor where the Maharaja would stand up to receive the noble upon their arrival in the Darbar.
• Banho Pasanv: A reciprocal privilege of physical embrace or placing of hands, signaling close kinship and royal favor.

As "Rajvis," the family members were considered of the blood royal, distinguishing them from other non-kinship feudatories (Thakurs) of the state. The strategic location of Changoi, situated near the borders of Shekhawati, meant that the Thikana played an active role in guarding the eastern frontier of the Bikaner state against banditry and regional incursions.

British Period and Administrative Evolution

Following the treaty of alliance between Bikaner State and the British East India Company in 1818, the region experienced a period of relative peace and structural reform. Under the overall suzerainty of the British Raj and the administrative modernization initiated by Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the Thikana of Changoi adapted to new judicial and revenue systems. While retaining local agrarian authority and police powers within their six villages, the Rajvis of Changoi contributed levies and financial support to the Bikaner State forces during imperial campaigns.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

With India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states, Bikaner formally merged into the United State of Greater Rajasthan in 1949. The passage of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act in the early 1950s brought an end to the traditional feudal privileges, land revenue rights, and judicial powers of the Changoi Thikana.

Today, Changoi is a vibrant village panchayat located in the Taranagar tehsil of Churu district. The descendants of the Rajvi family of Changoi continue to maintain their ancestral ties to the land, preserving the local heritage, historical monuments, and the memories of their Rathore lineage while transitioning into diverse professions in modern India.