Delwara

Origin and Foundation

The history of the Delwara Thikana is deeply intertwined with the valor of the Jhala clan of Rajputs, who originally migrated from Kathiawar (modern-day Gujarat). The estate was founded in the early 16^th century when Kumar Sajja Singh and his brother Kumar Ajja Singh, sons of Raj Rana Haloji of Halvad (Dhrangadhra), left their ancestral home due to succession disputes and sought refuge in the kingdom of Mewar (Udaipur).

Recognizing their military prowess and noble lineage, Maharana Raimal of Mewar welcomed the brothers warmly and granted them prominent estates. Kumar Sajja Singh was granted the strategic territory of Delwara, while his brother Kumar Ajja Singh was granted Badi Sadri. This marked the establishment of the two premier Jhala houses in Mewar, which would play a monumental role in the kingdom's survival and military glory.

Military Valor and the Battle of Khanwa

The Jhalas of Delwara proved their unwavering loyalty to the Mewar crown during the reign of Maharana Sangram Singh I (Maharana Sanga). At the historic Battle of Khanwa (1527) fought against the Mughal Emperor Babur, both Raj Rana Sajja Singh and Raj Rana Ajja Singh fought on the front lines. When Maharana Sanga was severely wounded and carried unconscious from the battlefield, the Jhala brothers, in a display of supreme sacrifice, donned the royal insignia of Mewar to rally the retreating Rajput forces, maintaining the army's morale in the face of certain defeat. Raj Rana Sajja Singh laid down his life defending the honor of Mewar, cementing the Delwara family's status as foremost defenders of the state.

The Golden Era and Devigarh Palace

Throughout the Mughal and Maratha periods, the rulers of Delwara, styled as "Raj Rana", served as first-class nobles (known as the Solah or the Sixteen Umraos) in the Mewar court. They held a prestigious position of sitting on the right-hand side of the Maharana in the royal Durbar.

During the mid-18^th century, under the reign of Raj Rana Ragudev Singh II, construction began on the monumental Devi Garh Palace. Built atop a hill dominating the Delwara pass, this imposing fortress-palace served both as a defensive stronghold and an architectural marvel, guarding the northern pass into the valley of Udaipur. The palace was continuously expanded by successive rulers until the late 19^th century.

Modern Era and Legacy

Following India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states into the Union of India, the jagir of Delwara was merged into the state of Rajasthan. The last ruling Raj Rana of Delwara surrendered his administrative powers, transitioning into the democratic era.

Today, Delwara is renowned worldwide for its rich heritage. The majestic Devi Garh Palace was restored and transformed into a world-class luxury heritage hotel, now widely celebrated for its preservation of classic Rajput military architecture blended with modern minimalist interiors. The town of Delwara also remains famous for its intricate stepwells (baoris) and ancient temples, serving as a living testament to the legacy of the Jhala dynasty in Mewar.