Changing Status Of The Nobility In Amber And Marwar During 1707-1725

Abstract

The nobility in Marwar and Amber underwent many changes after the death of Aurangzeb.  The concept of Bhai-bandh was prevalent in Marwar during the 16thc. According to this the territory conquered by the Rathor rulers or their sardars with the co-operative effort of the clan, was considered to be a kind of joint state.[1] The Rathor sardars, by virtue being the descendants of the Rathor rulers, proclaimed equal rights with the ruler. This relation ship was based on the concept of Bhai-bandh and the rulers themselves allowed their family members to enjoy semi-independent status in their respective territories. This system of parcelling out the conquered territories among the princes and sardars was known as bhai-bant. The territories of Merta, Jaitaran, Siwana, Phalodi and Satalmer (Pohkaran) were held by the descendants of Rao Duba, Rathor Uda, Rao Bija, Rao Hamir and Rao Govind respectively in the beginning of the 16thc.[2]