Naharsar

Origin and Foundation

The Thikana of Naharsar represents a prominent seat of the Panwar (Parmar) clan of Rajputs within the erstwhile princely state of Bikaner. The Parmars, historically tracing their lineage back to the imperial Paramara dynasty of Malwa and Mount Abu, established several branches across Rajasthan. The rulers of Naharsar are direct descendants of Thakur Saheb Gudar Singhji of Jaitsisar, who was the grandson of Rao Saheb Sultan Singhji of Srinagar.

Srinagar, situated in the Ajmer Pargana, was initially held as an Istamrari (permanent revenue-paying estate) under the Mughal and subsequent British administrations in Ajmer-Merwara. Due to the establishment of close matrimonial alliances with the ruling Rathore house of Bikaner, the family eventually migrated from the Ajmer region to Bikaner. Consequently, they were recognized as Parsangis (noble kinsmen associated through marital ties) of the Bikaner royal family, enjoying elevated social and ceremonial status at the royal court.

Establishment of the Thikana (1794 AD)

The estate of Naharsar was formally granted in 1794 AD to Thakur Saheb Sardar Singhji by Maharaja Surat Singhji, the ruler of Bikaner (reigned 1787–1828). This grant was a recognition of the family's noble lineage, their alliance with the ruling house, and their military and administrative services to the state during a period of consolidation for the Bikaner principality.

The Era of Tazim and Administrative Recognition

Over the generations, the Thakurs of Naharsar maintained a highly respected position in the feudal hierarchy of Bikaner. In 1851 AD, Maharajah Sardar Singhji of Bikaner conferred the prestigious honor of Tazim upon Thakur Saheb Khuman Singhji. The grant of Tazim was a significant mark of distinction in Rajput courts, elevating the Thakur to the status of a Tazimi Sardar. This honor entitled the Thakur to a formal reception by the Maharaja in the state Darbar (court), where the sovereign would rise to receive the noble.

During the colonial period, the Thikana functioned as a self-governing feudal estate under the suzerainty of the Bikaner State, which had entered into a treaty of subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company in 1818. The Thakurs of Naharsar managed local revenue collection, maintained law and order within their jurisdiction, and contributed levies to the state forces when called upon.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely state of Bikaner acceded to the Dominion of India, eventually merging into the unified state of Rajasthan. With the promulgation of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952, the feudal privileges, jagirdari rights, and administrative powers of the Naharsar Thikana were formally abolished.

In the modern era, the descendants of the Naharsar family have transitioned from their traditional feudal roles to various professions, including agriculture, business, and public service, while continuing to preserve their rich cultural heritage and historical archives.