Sawar

Origin and Foundation

The state of Sawar was established in 1627 by Rajkumar Gokul Das, a prominent warrior of the Saktawat sub-clan of the Sisodia Rajputs. Gokul Das was the grandson of Maharaj Shakti Singh (the younger brother of Maharana Pratap of Mewar) and the son of Maharaj Achal Das, who famously laid down his life during the historic siege of Untala.

Recognizing his exceptional military valor and service, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan granted Gokul Das the pargana of Sawar in 1627. This grant established Sawar as an independent lordship, distinct from the main state of Mewar, although the rulers of Sawar maintained deep kinship and cultural ties with the royal house of Udaipur.

Mughal and Maratha Periods

During the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the rulers of Sawar played an active role in the regional politics of Rajputana. They defended their territories against various external incursions and maintained a delicate balance of power between the Maharana of Mewar, the Mughal court, and neighboring states.

As Mughal authority waned in the 18^th century, the Marathas, particularly the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior, asserted hegemony over the Ajmer region. Sawar, owing to its strategic geographical position near Ajmer, was forced to navigate the turbulent period of Maratha revenue extractions (chauth) while keeping its administrative autonomy largely intact.

British Raj and Istimrari Status

With the advent of British rule in Rajputana and the signing of the Treaty of 1818, the administrative landscape of the region changed significantly. Ajmer and its surrounding territories were ceded to the British East India Company by Daulat Rao Scindia, forming the province of Ajmer-Merwara.

Under British administration, Sawar was recognized as one of the premier Istimrari estates (estates held under a permanent land revenue settlement). The Thakurs of Sawar were classified as Istimrardars, which exempted them from regular land surveys and allowed them to pay a fixed annual tribute (mamla) directly to the British Crown. The rulers exercised judicial and executive powers within their fiefdom and held a respected seat among the nobility of the Ajmer province.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the province of Ajmer-Merwara was initially kept as a separate Part 'C' State known as Ajmer State. In 1956, following the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Act, Ajmer was merged into the unified state of Rajasthan.

With the passage of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, the traditional Istimrari rights and privy purses of the Sawar estate were formally abolished. Today, the historical legacy of Sawar is preserved through its architectural heritage, including the fort of Sawar, and the continued cultural influence of the Saktawat Sisodia lineage in the Ajmer and Bhilwara regions of Rajasthan.