Jaitsisar

Origin and Ancestral Lineage

The Thikana of Jaitsisar is an ancestral seat of the Panwar (Parmar) clan of Rajputs, who trace their legendary descent from the celebrated Paramara dynasty of Central India. The immediate ancestors of the Jaitsisar ruling family were the Panwar chiefs of Srinagar, a highly prestigious and ancient Istamrari (tributary estate) located in the Ajmer Pargana. Srinagar was historically recognized as one of the premier estates of the Panwar clan in the Ajmer-Merwara region.

The transition of this branch of Panwars from Ajmer to the desert kingdom of Bikaner occurred under the leadership of Rao Sultan Singhji of Srinagar. Through strategic marital alliances established with the ruling Rathore house of Bikaner, the family shifted its base to the northern principality. Consequently, they were designated as Parsangis—noble affines who held a privileged status in the royal court due to their matrimonial ties with the ruling family.

Foundation of the Thikana

The estate of Jaitsisar was formally established during the mid-18^th century. In recognition of their loyalty, military support, and close familial ties, Maharaja Zorawar Singhji of Bikaner (who ruled from 1736 to 1746) granted the fief to Thakur Saheb Jaitsi Singhji, after whom the Thikana of Jaitsisar is named. This grant solidified the Panwar presence in the Bikaner State administration and secured a loyal bulwark for the Rathore rulers during a turbulent period of regional conflicts.

Elevation of Status and Court Etiquette

Over the decades, the rulers of Jaitsisar continued to play an influential role in the state's military and administrative affairs. During the reign of Maharaja Surat Singhji of Bikaner (1787–1828), the status of the estate was significantly elevated. Maharaja Surat Singhji granted Jaitsisar the coveted Tazim status, expanding the estate's jurisdiction to encompass 12 villages.

In the highly structured hierarchy of the Bikaner Darbar, the Thakur of Jaitsisar enjoyed elite ceremonial honors, specifically Dohladi Tazim (Double Tazim) and Kurab Hath:

• Dohladi Tazim: A supreme mark of respect where the ruling Maharaja would rise from his throne both upon the arrival and the departure of the Thakur of Jaitsisar.
• Kurab Hath: A formal courtly honor where the sovereign would place his hand on the shoulder or chest of the noble in a gesture of paternal affection and high regard during court audiences.

The British Era and Modern Transition

During the British protectorate era, the Thikana maintained its traditional feudal authority and contributed to the administrative stability of the Bikaner State. The Thakurs of Jaitsisar were responsible for local revenue collection, maintaining law and order, and contributing levies to the state forces when called upon.

Following India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states, the Bikaner State merged into the United State of Greater Rajasthan. With the promulgation of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act in the 1950s, the feudal privileges and jagirdari rights of Jaitsisar were formally abolished. Today, the descendants of this historic Panwar lineage preserve their rich cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, and historic ties to the regional history of Rajasthan.