The Marwar Dynasty, also known as the Rathore Dynasty, ruled the region of Marwar (present-day Jodhpur, Rajasthan) for centuries. The Rathores are a prominent Rajput clan, and their lineage is one of the most celebrated in Indian history. Below is a list of the prominent kings of the Marwar Dynasty:
Early Rulers of Marwar
- Rao Siha (1243–1273) – Founder of the Rathore rule in Marwar.
- Rao Asthan (1273–1292)
- Rao Doohad (1292–1309)
- Rao Raipal (1309–1313)
- Rao Kanhapal (1313–1323)
- Rao Jalansi (1323–1328)
- Rao Chado (1328–1344)
- Rao Tida (1344–1357)
- Rao Kanha Dev (1357–1374)
- Rao Biram Dev (1374–1383)
- Rao Chunda (1383–1424) – Established the Rathore dominance in Marwar.
- Rao Kanha (1424–1427)
- Rao Ranmal (1427–1438)
- Rao Jodha (1438–1489) – Founded the city of Jodhpur and built the Mehrangarh Fort.
- Rao Satal (1489–1492)
- Rao Suja (1492–1515)
- Rao Ganga (1515–1532) – Fought against the Mughals and supported Rana Sanga.
- Rao Maldev (1532–1562) – Expanded Marwar’s territory and power.
- Rao Chandrasen (1562–1581) – Resisted Mughal dominance under Akbar.
- Rao Udai Singh (1583–1595) – Accepted Mughal suzerainty.
- Raja Suraj Singh (1595–1619) – Served under Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Marwar Under Mughal Influence
- Maharaja Gaj Singh I (1619–1638)
- Maharaja Jaswant Singh I (1638–1678) – Played a key role in Mughal politics.
- Maharaja Ajit Singh (1678–1724) – Rebelled against Aurangzeb and regained Marwar’s independence.
- Maharaja Abhai Singh (1724–1749)
- Maharaja Ram Singh (1749–1751)
- Maharaja Bakht Singh (1751–1752)
- Maharaja Vijay Singh (1752–1793) – Faced conflicts with the Marathas.
- Maharaja Bhim Singh (1793–1803)
- Maharaja Man Singh (1803–1843) – Known for his administrative reforms.
- Maharaja Takht Singh (1843–1873)
- Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (1873–1895)
- Maharaja Sardar Singh (1895–1911)
- Maharaja Sumer Singh (1911–1918)
- Maharaja Umaid Singh (1918–1947) – Built the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace.
- Maharaja Hanwant Singh (1947–1952) – Last ruling Maharaja of Marwar.
Post-Independence
After India’s independence in 1947, Marwar became part of the Indian Union, and the royal family’s role became ceremonial. The descendants of the Marwar Dynasty continue to be influential, and the Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur remain symbols of their legacy.
Key Facts About Marwar
- Capital: Jodhpur (founded by Rao Jodha in 1459).
- Symbol: The Rathore emblem features a falcon and a sun.
- Motto: “The land of Marwar is not for sale,” reflecting their pride and independence.
The Marwar Dynasty is remembered for its valor, resilience, and contributions to Indian history and culture. Their legacy continues to inspire pride in Rajasthan and beyond.