Kharbara

Origin and Foundation

The Thikana of Kharbara holds a distinguished position within the historical and feudal structure of the erstwhile Bikaner State. The rulers of Kharbara belong to the Bhati clan of Rajputs, tracing their direct lineage back to Thakur Saheb Baghoji, the younger son of Rao Shekhaji of Pugal. The formal establishment of the Thikana occurred in 1506 AD, when Rao Lunkaran, the ruler of Bikaner, conferred the estate upon Thakur Kishen Singhji. This grant cemented a strategic alliance, bringing the influential Bhati chieftains of the region into the administrative fold of the newly expanding Bikaner State. More details about the regional lineage of the Bhati clan can be explored in historical texts such as James Tod's Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan.

Feudal Status and Court Protocols

Over the generations, the Thakurs of Kharbara maintained a close and loyal relationship with the ruling house of Bikaner, serving as parsangis (royal kinsmen and companions) to the Bikaner Durbar. In 1840 AD, during the reign of Maharajah Ratan Singhji of Bikaner, the Thikana was elevated in status when Thakur Saheb Bhopal Singhji was granted the honor of Sadi Tazim (a prestigious courtly recognition where the sovereign stands to receive the noble). As part of their feudal obligations, Kharbara was required to provide a chakari asvar (cavalry service) of 12 horsemen to the state military forces during campaigns. In the administrative hierarchy and court protocols of the Bikaner State, the rulers of Kharbara were assigned seat number 29 in the misal davi larli aur barli (the left-hand side court placement for nobility).

Post-Independence and Modern Era

With India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of the princely states, Bikaner State merged into the Union of India, eventually becoming a part of the state of Rajasthan. Following the enactment of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act in 1952, the traditional jagirdari and revenue collection rights of the Thikana were formally abolished. Today, the descendants of the Kharbara Thikana reside in Rajasthan, continuing to preserve their rich cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, and historical legacy as representatives of the proud Bhati dynasty.