Shekhawat

Shekhawat is a prominent sub-clan of the Kachhwaha Rajputs, primarily found in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.^[1] The clan traces its lineage to Maharao Shekha, a notable 15th-century Rajput ruler from whom both the clan and the region derive their names.^[2]

Shekhawat शेखावत
Rajput clan
Statue of Maharao Shekha in Sikar, the founder of the Shekhawat clan
Parent house	Kachhwaha
Country	Sikar Khetri Nagar Nawalgarh Mandawa Alsisar Dundlod
Current region	Rajasthan (Shekhawati region)
Founded	15th century CE
Founder	Rao Shekha
Titles	Rao, Thakur, Rao Raja
Traditions	Hinduism

History

The Shekhawat Rajputs trace their lineage to Rao Shekha, a prominent Rajput ruler, from the 15th century. He was a descendant of Rao Kalyan Singh, who belonged to the Kacchawaha clan of Kingdom of Jaipur.

Rao Shekha established his own principality in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, which includes parts of present-day Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu districts. His leadership helped consolidate Rajput power in this region. Over time, the Shekhawat Rajputs expanded their territories and established several forts and palaces. The Shekhawat Rajputs established their dominance in the Shekhawati region in the 15th century, specifically starting around the time of Shekha Rao's rise to prominence in the early 1400s. They played a significant role in regional politics and were known for their martial prowess and resistance against Mughal expansion. Their rule continued until the mid-20th century when the princely states were integrated into the Indian Union. Thus, the Shekhawat Rajputs governed the Shekhawati region for approximately 500 years, from the early 15th century until the 1940s and 1950s, when princely states were absorbed into independent India. Shekhawat is a very common surname in the Indian defence forces.^{[3][page needed]}

Branches

Bhojraj Ji Ka, Girdhar Ji Ka, Jagmal Ji Ka, Achaldas Ji Ka, Rao Ji Ka, Ladkhani, Bhairo ji Ka, Taknet, Ratnawat, Khejroliya, Milakpuriya, Tejsi Ka, Jagmalji Ka, Sahasmalji Ka, Lunkaranji Ka, Ugarsenji Ka, Sanwanldasji Ka, Gopalji Ka, Chandapota, Parsuramji Ka, Tajkhani, Hariramji Ka etc.^{[3][need quotation to verify]}

Notable people

• Thakur Bhojraj, ruler of udaipurwati.
• Ajit Singh of Khetri, Maharaja of Khetri.
• Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhawat clan. Shekhawati region is named after him.
• Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, former Vice President of India. He served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan three times, from 1977 to 1980, 1990 to 1992 and 1993 to 1998. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in the year 2003.
• Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, KC, SC, SM, VSM – One of the most decorated officers in the Indian Army; recipient of the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal (Gallantry), and Vishisht Seva Medal. A veteran of Special Forces operations and a three-time Mount Everest summiteer, he also led several high-altitude rescue missions and served as Deputy Commandant of High Altitude Warfare School.
• Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, Commander of Jodhpur Lancers of the British Indian Army, also known as the "Hero of Haifa" for his actions in the Battle of Haifa during the first World War.^[4]
• Piru Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest military decoration 3245.^[5][6][7]
• Shardul Singh, ruler of jhunjhunu.
• Thakur Nawal Singh, ruler of Nawalgarh