Lotana

Origin and Foundation of the Thikana

The noble house of Lotana belongs to the distinguished Barad clan of the Parmar dynasty, tracing their paternal ancestry back to the historic rulers of Danta State and Sudasna. The Parmars, legendary descendants of the imperial Paramaras of Chandravati and Ujjain, had established powerful principalities in the rugged terrains of North Gujarat and Southern Rajputana.

The foundation of this specific branch lies in a 17^th-century dynastic displacement. Following the premature succession of the infant 3^rd Thakor, Shri Khomansinhji Hathioji of Sudasna, who was only eighteen months old, the estate fell prey to internal usurpation. The ambitious Jasvoji of Ranpur seized the opportunity to depose the minor ruler. Consequently, the loyalists and family members of the deposed Thakor migrated from their ancestral seats of Sudasna and Danta, eventually settling in the village of Pithal to preserve their lineage.

The Establishment of Jirawala and Migration to Sirohi

Generations later, Thakur Ajabsinghji, the son of Thakur Dalpatsinghji and great-grandson of the exiled Thakore Khomansinhji, sought to carve out a new destiny for his clan. In Vikram Samvat 1825 (circa 1768 AD), he established his stronghold at Jirawala.

During this period, the neighboring kingdom of Sirohi State was undergoing severe political instability. The Maharao of Sirohi was beset by rebellions from his own kinsmen, alongside rampant lawlessness perpetrated by local tribal chieftains of the Bhil, Koli, and Meena communities. Capitalizing on this chaos, the Ranas of Mewar (Udaipur) trespassed into Sirohi territory, occupying the strategic Bahri Ghatta pass.

Military Exploits and the Alliance with Sirohi

The tide turned when Maharani Daulat Kunwar of Sirohi—who was the daughter of Maharana Shri Naharsinhji Abhaisinhji of Danta, and thus shared close clan ties with the Parmars of Jirawala—appealed to her "brother" Thakur Ajabsinghji for military assistance.

In response to the royal summons, Thakur Ajabsinghji dispatched his sons and forces to aid the Sirohi crown. The Parmar forces fought valiantly in the decisive battles of Dantigao (Dattani) and Jhadoli, successfully repelling the Mewar forces and restoring the territorial integrity of Sirohi. Furthermore, they suppressed the local tribal rebellions, neutralizing the formidable chieftain Manria Bhil of Bhula Valoria and dismantling his stronghold.

In recognition of their exceptional chivalry and timely assistance, the Maharao of Sirohi rewarded the family with the prestigious Jagir of Varada, alongside lucrative agricultural estates in Vasa, Anadara, and Nandia. The family subsequently consolidated their authority, leading to the establishment of the Lotana Thikana.

Religious and Cultural Heritage

The Parmar rulers of Lotana were devout patrons of art, culture, and religion. Lotana is home to the ancient and revered temple of Shartaneshwar Mahadevji, which served as a spiritual anchor for the local population. Additionally, the estate lies in close proximity to the famous Arasuri Ambaji temple, a major Shaktipeeth and the supreme Kuldevi (tutelary deity) of the Barad Parmar Rajputs.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states, the Thikana of Lotana was merged into the state of Rajasthan. The administrative privileges of the jagirdari system were formally abolished under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952. Despite the loss of their feudal administrative roles, the descendants of the Lotana royal house continue to reside in the region, actively engaging in local community leadership, agriculture, and preservation of their rich cultural heritage.

Historical References and Further Reading

• To explore the broader history of the ruling clan, read the Sirohi State Gazetteer on Archive.org.
• Learn more about the Paramara dynasty's regional influence via the Encyclopaedia Britannica.