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.
