Bhati Dynasty of Jaisalmer (Yadav Dynasty)

The Bhati dynasty (Yadav dynasty) of Jaisalmer is an ancient and glorious chapter in Rajasthan’s history. Founded by the Bhati Rajputs in the desert region, this dynasty played a significant role in the construction of the Jaisalmer Fort, the protection of trade routes, and cultural preservation. Studying it provides a clear understanding of the political and cultural development of western Rajasthan.

Bhati Dynasty of Jaisalmer (Yadav Dynasty)

Dynasty Introduction

• The Bhati dynasty of Jaisalmer considers itself to be:
  • Chandravanshi Yadavs (Lunar Dynasty).
  • Descendants of Lord Shri Krishna.
• “Bhati” or “Bhatti” is the dynastic name that later became famous as the Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer.

Early Establishment of the Bhati Dynasty

Bhati / Bhatti (Founder of the Dynasty):

• Period: Approximately 285 AD.
• Constructed the Bhatner Fort.
• (Located in the present-day Haryana–Rajasthan border region).

Mangalrao Bhati:

• Period: Approximately 4th–5th Century.
• Established Tannot (Tanot) as the second capital of the Bhati dynasty.
• The Tanot Fort was constructed by the architect ‘Kehar’.

Devraj Bhati:

• Period: Approximately 5th Century.
• Seized Lodharva / Lodrawa from the Panwar (Pramar) rulers and made it his capital.

Raj and Gaj:

• Arrival Period: 6th–7th Century.
• Original Region: Punjab.
• Residence: Vallamadh desert region.
• Regarded as the promoters/progenitors of the Bhati lineage.
• Lodrawa Inscription:
  • Date: 1157 AD.
  • Contains the genealogy of the Bhati kings.
  • Mentions Raj and Gaj as the progenitors of the dynasty.
• Succession of Punjab Rulers after Raj-Gaj:
  • Salivahan
  • Baland
  • Bhati Mangalrao
  • Manjasrao
• Conclusion: The history of the Bhati dynasty shows a gradual migration from Punjab towards the Jaisalmer-Maru (desert) region.

Vijayraj Bhati

• Reign: Approximately 1165 AD.
• A relatively organized history of the Bhatis begins from this period.
• Dhanawa Inscription:
  • Date: 1176 AD.
  • Titles: Maharaja, Param Bhattarak, Parameshwar, and Maharajadhiraja.
• By this era, the Bhati power had become consolidated in the desert region.

Bhoj Bhati

• Period: Late 12th Century.
• Succession: Son and successor of Vijayraj.
• Fought against the Ghoris.
• Attained martyrdom on the battlefield.

Rawal Jaisal

• Reign: Approximately 1153–1168 AD.
• 1156 AD: Founded the city of Jaisalmer.
• Commenced the construction of the Jaisalmer Fort on Trikut Hill.
• Shifted the capital from Lodrawa to Jaisalmer.

Rawal Salivahan

• Period: Late 12th Century.
• Completed the construction of the Jaisalmer Fort.
• The fort was built using yellow sandstone.

Between the 8th and 12th Centuries

• Expansion of Bhati settlements.
• Major Settlements: Tanot, Deval, Lodrawa, and Jaisalmer.
• Established Bhati dominance across the desert region (Marusthal).

Jaisalmer Fort

• Architectural Era: 12th Century.
• Renowned for its Three Major Shakas (Jauhars).

1. First Shaka

• Date: Approximately 1294 AD.
• Ruler: Moolraj I.
• Invader: Alauddin Khilji.
• Performance of Jauhar.

2. Second Shaka

• Date: Approximately 1357 AD.
• Invader: Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
• Heroes: Rawal Indrapal, Triloksi, and other Bhati warriors.
• Performance of Jauhar.

3. Third Shaka (Half Shaka / Ardha Shaka)

• Date: Approximately 1550 AD.
• Ruler: Rawal Lunkaran.
• Struggle during the era of Akbar.
• Treachery by Amir Ali.
• Note: This is known as a “Half Shaka” because Jauhar did not take place (only the men performed Kesariya/Sakha).

Relations with Akbar

• Nagaur Court (Durbar):Date: 1570 AD.
  • Harrai Bhati accepted the suzerainty of Akbar.
• On this occasion, Harrai Bhati married his daughter to Akbar.

Maharawal Amar Singh

• Era: 17th Century.
• Ruled during the reign of Aurangzeb.
• Constructed the ‘Amarkara’ canal.
• Brought the waters of the Indus River to Jaisalmer.

Maharawal Moolraj II

• Reign: Approximately 1813–1846 AD.
• December 12, 1818: Signed a Treaty of Protection with the British.
• Jaisalmer became a British protected princely state.

Connection with the Freedom Movement

• Quit India Movement (1942 AD): The Jaisalmer State did not formally participate.
• Sagarmal Gopa
  • Prominent freedom fighter, author, and journalist of Jaisalmer.
  • Fierce critic of British rule and the atrocities committed by the princely administration.
  • Used his writings as a weapon for the freedom struggle.
  • Arrested by the state administration and subjected to inhuman physical and mental torture.
  • Death: April 3, 1946 (In Jaipur Jail).
• Notable Works:
  • History of Jaisalmer State (Jaisalmer Rajya ka Itihas)
  • Atrocities in the States of Rajasthan (Rajasthan mein Riyasati Atyachar)
  • The Condition of Rajputana (Rajputane ki Sthiti)
  • The Plight of Marwar (Marwar ki Durdasha)
  • The Reality of Rajasthan’s Rulers (Rajasthan ke Shasakon ki Vastavikta)

Maharawal Jawahar Singh

• Reign: 1947–1949 AD.
• The last ruler of the Bhati dynasty.
• Attempted to join Pakistan along with Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur.
• March 30, 1949: Jaisalmer Princely State merged into the Indian Union.