Kalwar

Origin and Foundation of the Kalyanot Clan

The historical lineage of the Kalwar Thikana is deeply rooted in the royal house of Amer. The founding father of this specific clan of Kachwaha Rajputs was Rawal Kalyan Singh, one of the sons of Maharaja Prithvi Raj Singh I of Amer (who ruled from 1503 to 1527 AD) and his queen, Sisodia Rani (the daughter of the illustrious Rana Raimal of Mewar). Because of their descent from Kalyan Singh, the members of this sub-clan came to be known as the Kalyanot (or Kilyanot) Kachwahas.

Military Valor during the Mughal and Rajput Eras

The history of the Kalyanot clan is characterized by exceptional military service and bravery on the battlefield. During the height of the Mughal Empire, the rulers of Kalwar served as prominent military commanders for the Jaipur State. Kharagsen of Kalwar was one of the most trusted and valiant commanders of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the ruler of Jaipur. Kharagsen eventually laid down his life, achieving martyrdom while fighting in the Deccan campaigns in the Southern Province.

Another celebrated figure of this Thikana was Bhakat Singh Kalyanot of Kalwar, who is extensively mentioned in historical accounts for his valor during the campaign of Hinglaj in 1728 AD, as well as in various military expeditions in Afghanistan.

In the late 18^th century, Man Singh Kalyanot of Kalwar achieved lasting fame during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. His heroic exploits are immortalized and glorified in the Kurm Vijay, a historical poetic recital depicting the bloody Battle of Maonda and Mandholi fought in 1767 AD between the rival kingdoms of Jaipur and Bharatpur.

The Conquest of Kalwar and Architectural Legacy

The seat of Kalwar was not always held by the Kalyanots. Originally, the fort and its surrounding territory belonged to another prominent sub-clan of the Kachwahas, the Narukas. In the 18^th century, a fierce territorial battle took place between the two clans, resulting in a Kalyanot victory. Following Rajput tradition, when defeat became imminent, the Naruka women committed Johar (ritual self-immolation) to safeguard their honor rather than face capture.

In the 19^th century, Thakur Ram Singh of Kalwar, who did not have a biological heir, decided to secure the succession by adopting a child. In 1835 AD, he adopted Thakur Balwant Singh from the Thikana of Durjanyawas. Thakur Balwant Singh Kalyanot, who married three wives, laid the foundation for the modern structure of the Kalwar Fort. He commenced the extensive construction and expansion of the fort in 1869 AD, a monumental task that was subsequently continued and completed by his son and successor, Thakur Roop Singh Kalyanot.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

With the independence of India in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states, the democratic transition led to the abolition of the Jagirdari system. The Thikana of Kalwar surrendered its administrative powers to the Government of India. In the modern era, the descendants of the Kalwar family have preserved their rich ancestral heritage. The historic Kalwar Fort has been meticulously restored and converted into a premier heritage hotel, known today as Castle Kalwar, allowing visitors from around the world to experience the legacy and hospitality of the Kalyanot Kachwahas.