Jhaknaoda

Origin and Foundation of Jhaknaoda Jagir

The Jhaknaoda Jagir (also historically spelled as Jhaknowda) was a prominent noble fiefdom (Thikana) located in the Malwa region of Central India. The ruling family belongs to the illustrious Bharmalot (Bharmal) branch of the Rathore dynasty, tracing their ancestry back to the royal house of Marwar. The estate was founded in 1651 when Raja Mah Singh of Jhabua (who ruled from 1632 to 1677) granted the jagir to Thakur Kubar Singh (also referred to as Kuber Singh). This grant established Jhaknaoda as an influential vassal state under the suzerainty of the parent state of Jhabua.

Maratha and British Periods

During the 18^th and early 19^th centuries, Malwa witnessed severe instability due to the decline of the Mughal Empire and the expansion of the Maratha Empire, led by the Holkars of Indore and the Scindias of Gwalior. The Thakurs of Jhaknaoda played a critical role in defending Jhabua's boundaries and maintaining local order during these turbulent times. Following the third Anglo-Maratha War, Jhabua entered into treaty relations with the British East India Company in 1818. Consequently, Jhaknaoda’s status as an established guaranteed estate was recognized under the Central India Agency of the British Raj. Historical records of this administrative setup are preserved in the Imperial Gazetteer of India.

Post-Independence and Integration

With India's independence in August 1947, the ruler of Jhabua signed the Instrument of Accession to the Union of India. In 1948, Jhabua State, including the Jhaknaoda Jagir, was integrated into the newly created state of Madhya Bharat, which later became a part of Madhya Pradesh in 1956. The feudal rights, land revenue privileges, and jagirdari titles of the Jhaknaoda estate were formally abolished under the Madhya Bharat Abolition of Jagirs Act of 1951. Today, the historical legacy of the Bharmalot Rathores is preserved by their descendants in the Jhabua region. For further reading on the parent state, visit the Jhabua State Wikipedia Page.