Palana

Palana Thikana, situated in the Bikaner region of Rajasthan, was a prominent feudal estate held by the Marnot (Maarnot) Rathores, a distinguished sub-clans of the ruling Rathore dynasty of Bikaner. Established as a jagir in recognition of the clan's military valor and loyal service to the Bikaner State, Palana transitioned from a traditional Rajput fiefdom into a site of immense economic importance during the late 19^th century. Under the progressive reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the discovery of rich lignite coal deposits in Palana in 1896 marked a major milestone, leading to the development of the state-colliery which significantly boosted the industrial and economic landscape of the region. Today, the legacy of the Marnot Rathores of Palana remains deeply embedded in the administrative and cultural history of the erstwhile Bikaner State.