Netawal

Origin and Genealogy

The history of Netawal is intrinsically linked with the Bagore branch of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar. Maharana Sangram Singh II (who ruled Mewar from 1710 to 1734 A.D.) established cadet branches of the royal family to govern key frontier regions. His second son, Maharaj Nath Singh, received the prestigious Thikana of Bagore. Maharaj Nath Singh’s second son, Maharaj Surat Singh, was granted the estate of Netawal, establishing the Netawal branch as an important cadet line of the Bagore House.

Members of this branch held the title of "Maharaj", indicating their close agnatic relationship to the ruling Maharana of Udaipur. This lineage is highly significant in Mewar's history, as the Bagore house subsequently provided heirs to the Gaddi of Mewar when the ruling line lacked direct male successors.

The 19^th Century and British Era

In 1840 A.D., during the reign of Maharana Sarup Singh of Udaipur, the Netawal Jagir was re-granted to Maharaj Shiv Singh Ji, a prominent descendant of the Bagore line. This period coincided with the post-treaty era of 1818, wherein Mewar came under British protection via the treaty signed with the East India Company. Detailed accounts of the Mewar State's administrative divisions and its noble estates during this era can be found in the Imperial Gazetteer of India.

The Netawal thikana enjoyed judicial and administrative privileges within its territory, contributing to the defense and revenue collection of the Mewar State. The thikana maintained a close-knit relation with Udaipur, participating in major royal durbars and state ceremonies.

The Connection to the Royal House of Mewar

The historical prominence of the Bagore and Netawal lines increased dramatically during the mid-to-late 19^th century. When Maharana Swarup Singh passed away without a direct heir, the royal succession turned to the Bagore line. Maharaj Shambhu Singh, the grandson of Maharaj Shiv Singh, was adopted as the Maharana of Mewar (r. 1861–1874). Following him, Maharana Sajjan Singh (r. 1874–1884), another descendant of the Bagore line, ascended the throne. This close genealogical link positioned the Netawal nobles among the highest tier of aristocracy in the Mewar durbar.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of the United State of Rajasthan, the princely state of Mewar was merged into the Indian Union. With the enactment of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952, the feudal rights and jagirdari privileges of Netawal were formally abolished.

Today, the descendants of the Netawal Thikana reside in Rajasthan, maintaining their ancestral heritage, historic properties, and cultural traditions. The fort of Netawal and the associated monuments near Chittorgarh stand as a testament to the thikana's rich historical legacy within the broader history of the Sisodia Rajputs.

References and Further Reading

• Tod, James. Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. Available at the Project Gutenberg.
• Erskine, K. D. Mewar Residency Gazetteers. Digitized copy available on Digital Library of India.
• Administration of Mewar State and Noble estates historical archives, accessible via Rajasthan State Archives.