Gada Eklingji

Origin and Foundation

Gada Eklingji Thikana is a historical estate of the Chundawat clan, a prominent cadet branch of the Sisodia dynasty of Udaipur (Mewar). The thikana was founded by Thakur Mohakam Singh, who served as its first Thakur. He was the son of Thakur Sakat Singh of Payra and the grandson of Thakur Venidas of Solaj. As members of the Chundawat clan—descendants of Rawat Chunda, the eldest son of Maharana Lakha of Mewar who famously renounced his throne—the rulers of Gada Eklingji held an esteemed feudal status within the Mewar State.

Historical Significance

Throughout the Mughal and Maratha periods, the nobles of Gada Eklingji, alongside their parent houses of Payra and Solaj, provided military service and feudal levies to the Maharanas of Udaipur. The Chundawats traditionally held the hereditary right to lead the vanguard (Harawal) of the Mewar army in battle. This military and administrative relationship was formalized further during the British Raj under the Mewar State administration. For more context on the clan's historical role, see the Chundawat Clan History.

Post-Independence Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the Mewar State merged into the United State of Rajasthan. With the subsequent abolition of the Jagirdari system under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act of 1952, the feudal privileges and revenue collection rights of Gada Eklingji were dissolved, and the thikana transitioned into a private estate, with the family continuing to preserve their ancestral heritage.