Kherabad

Origin and Foundation

The foundation of the Kherabad Thikana is deeply linked to the royal lineage of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar. Baba Veeramdeo, the progenitor of the Veeramdevot Ranawats, was granted estates for his maintenance and service, a traditional practice among the younger princes of the ruling house of Udaipur. Over successive generations, his descendants established strongholds and administrative centers across various estates, with Kherabad emerging as an essential seat of this branch.

As descendants of Maharana Udai Singh II, the family held an exalted status within the Mewar nobility. The term Ranawat itself denotes the progeny of the Rana, highlighting their close blood relation to the ruling house of Mewar, distinct from older branches of the clan such as the Chundawats.

Historical Importance and the "Baba Ranawat" Status

In the administrative and courtly hierarchy of Udaipur State, the Ranawats of Kherabad played an active role. Being designated as a "Baba Ranawat" thikana meant that the family was of the highest agnatic proximity to the Maharana. This proximity carried both ceremonial privilege and immense responsibility. In times when the ruling Maharana had no direct male heir, the nobles of these select Ranawat thikanas were consulted, and eligible male children were often considered for adoption to the throne of Mewar to maintain the continuity of the royal line.

Throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries, during periods of Mughal influence and subsequent Maratha incursions into Rajasthan, the Veeramdevot Ranawats of Kherabad contributed militarily to the defense of Mewar. They maintained a contingent of cavalry and infantry to support the Maharana's forces during state emergencies.

The British Era and Treaty of 1818

With the signing of the treaty of alliance between Maharana Bhim Singh of Udaipur and the British East India Company in 1818, Mewar entered a period of relative peace and administrative restructuring. The status, land holdings, and revenue rights of the Kherabad Thikana were systematically recorded and recognized under the British Raj's settlement operations. The Thakurs of Kherabad continued to govern their territory, administering local justice, managing agricultural resources, and contributing to the state treasury of Mewar.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, Mewar integrated into the United State of Rajasthan, which later became the modern state of Rajasthan. The democratic transition led to the formal abolition of the Jagirdari system under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952. Consequently, the feudal administrative powers of Kherabad Thikana were dissolved, and the land was transitioned to public administration.

Today, the descendants of the Kherabad Thikana maintain their rich cultural heritage, historical archives, and ancestral traditions, continuing to participate in the traditional socio-religious festivals of Mewar while adapting to modern educational and professional fields.