Garsisar

Origin and Foundation of Garsisar Thikana

Garsisar Thikana is a historic estate belonging to the Narot clan, a prominent sub-branch of the Rathore dynasty of the former Bikaner State. The rulers of Garsisar trace their lineage back to Rajkumar Garsiji, the son of Rao Naroji, who was the second ruler of Bikaner and the son of Rao Bika, the state's founder.

The estate was granted to Rajkumar Garsiji by his uncle (often referred to in genealogies as his elder brother/peer) Rao Lunkaran of Bikaner. While traditional local records list the date of this grant as 1552 AD, historical chronology suggests this corresponds to the Vikram Samvat (VS) year 1552, which translates to approximately 1495 AD—a period aligning with the consolidation of the Bikaner state. The original grant consisted of seven strategic villages, establishing Garsisar as a prominent noble fiefdom.

Courtly Honors and Feudal Obligations

As premier nobles of the Bikaner state, the Chiefs of Garsisar enjoyed high-ranking feudal privileges. The Thakur of Garsisar was granted the prestigious honors of Ikladi Tazim and Banho Pasanv in the Bikaner Darbar, signifying exceptional royal favor and kinship. In the physical seating arrangement of the Bikaner Court, the rulers of Garsisar were privileged to sit on the left-hand side of the Throne (Gaddi).

In exchange for these hereditary privileges, the Thikana was bound by feudal obligations of Rekh (tribute) and Chakari. Garsisar maintained a military obligation (Chakari Asvar) of providing five fully equipped cavalrymen to the state's army during times of military mobilization.

British Era and Military Transition

During the period of the British Raj, the nobles of Garsisar continued to serve the Bikaner State with distinction under successive Maharajas. The military orientation of the Thikana adapted to modern warfare, with members of the family serving in the Bikaner State Forces, including the world-renowned Ganga Risala and the Sadul Light Infantry, participating in imperial campaigns and maintaining regional stability.

Post-Independence and Modern Era: The Heroism of Lt Col Krishna Singhji

Following India's independence in 1947 and the integration of the princely states, Garsisar transitioned into the democratic fabric of India. The Thikana etched its name in the annals of modern military history through the heroic actions of Lt Col Thakur Krishna Singhji (Kishna Singh), MVC.

Serving in the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces, Lt Col Krishna Singhji was commanding the 3^rd Jammu and Kashmir Infantry during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. He displayed exemplary leadership and gallantry during the critical defense of the Poonch sector against tribal raiders and regular Pakistani forces. For his outstanding courage and leadership, he became the first recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest military decoration for gallantry, cementing the military legacy of Garsisar in modern India.