Salumber

Origin and Foundation of Salumber Thikana

The history of Salumber (historically known as Salumbar) is intrinsically woven with the foundational sacrifices of the Chundawat clan of the Sisodia dynasty. The estate was founded by Kunwar Chunda (or Chundaji), the eldest son of Maharana Lakha of Mewar, in the early 15^th century. In a legendary act of selflessness, Chunda voluntarily renounced his birthright to the throne of Chittorgarh to facilitate his father’s marriage to Hansa Bai of Marwar, ensuring that any son born from this alliance would succeed to the throne of Mewar.

In recognition of this monumental sacrifice, Maharana Lakha bestowed upon Chunda and his descendants the premier position among the nobles of Mewar. The seat of Salumber was granted as their chief estate, and the Rawat of Salumber was designated as the leader of the Solah Umraos (the First Class Nobles/Sixteen Umraos of Mewar). This made the Rawats of Salumber the most powerful and politically significant vassals of the Maharana.

The Hereditary Privileges of Salumber

The Chundawats of Salumber enjoyed several extraordinary and exclusive hereditary privileges within the Mewar state administration:

• The Right of Harawal: The Rawat of Salumber held the permanent right to lead the Harawal (the vanguard) of the Mewar army in any military expedition. This was considered the highest honor for a Rajput warrior, signifying supreme trust and courage.
• Regency of the Capital: In the absence of the Maharana from the capital, the Rawat of Salumber acted as the regent and custodian of the city of Udaipur.
• Coronation Authority: The Rawat of Salumber possessed the exclusive right to lead the coronation ceremony of a new Maharana, symbolizing his authority by drawing blood from his own thumb to apply the tilak (coronation mark) on the new ruler's forehead.
• State Documents: All state copper-plate grants (pattas) and official decrees issued by the Maharana required the counter-signature of the Rawat of Salumber, marked with the sign of a lance (bhaala).

The Heroic Era and the Legend of Hadi Rani

Throughout the medieval period, the Rawats of Salumber defended Mewar against numerous external threats from the Mughals and later the Marathas. Perhaps the most famous and romanticized episode in Salumber’s history is the sacrifice of Hadi Rani (Sharda Kanwar), the wife of Rawat Ratan Singh Chundawat of Salumber.

In the late 17^th century, when Maharana Raj Singh I called upon Rawat Ratan Singh to block the advance of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's reinforcing army, the newlywed Rawat hesitated to leave his young bride. Sensing her husband's reluctance and desiring that he perform his duty without distraction, Hadi Rani cut off her own head and sent it to him as a final memento. Devastated yet fiercely inspired, Rawat Ratan Singh tied her severed head to his neck, rode into the battle, fought with unmatched ferocity, and successfully repulsed the Mughal forces before sacrificing his own life. This act of supreme devotion remains a cornerstone of Rajasthani folklore and literature.

Mughal, Maratha, and British Periods

During the decline of the Mughal Empire and the subsequent rise of Maratha influence in Rajasthan, Salumber played a pivotal role in the internal politics of Mewar. The Rawats of Salumber often acted as kingmakers and defenders of the throne, protecting Udaipur from Maratha raids while trying to maintain the fiscal stability of the state.

With the signing of the Treaty of 1818 between the East India Company and Maharana Bhim Singh, Mewar came under British suzerainty. The British administrator James Tod documented the vast influence and independent spirit of the Rawats of Salumber. Though British intervention curtailed some of the traditional feudal powers of the nobles, the Thikana of Salumber retained its high prestige, judicial autonomy, and revenue rights within the state of Udaipur until India's independence.

Post-Independence and the Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, Mewar integrated into the United State of Rajasthan. With the subsequent abolition of the Jagirdari system in the early 1950s, the feudal administration of Salumber came to an end. The royal family transitioned into private life, and the historic Salumber Fort and palaces stood as architectural testaments to the clan's glorious past.

In August 2023, acknowledging the historical, cultural, and administrative significance of the region, the Government of Rajasthan officially declared Salumbar as a new administrative district. Today, the town is a thriving commercial and tourist hub, celebrated for its rich heritage, ancient temples, and close proximity to the scenic Jaisamand Lake.