Shekhawat Explained

Shekhawat is a clan of Rajputs found mainly in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Shekhawats are descendants of Maharao Shekha of Amarsar. The Shekhawat Rajputs trace their lineage to Shekha Rao, a prominent Rajput chieftain from the 15th century. Shekha Rao was a descendant of Rao Kalyan Singh, who belonged to the Kachwaha Rajput clan. 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. ^{[1] [2]}

Notable people

• Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, the former Cabinet Minister of Food & Civil Supplies Consumer affairs, Government of Rajasthan.^[3]
• Ajit Singh of Khetri, of the Shekhawat clan helped the Swami Vivekanand by giving financial help^[4]
• Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhawat clan. Shekhawati region is named after him.
• Thakur Bhojraj, ruler of udaipurwati.
• Thakur Shardul Singh, ruler of jhunjhunu.
• Thakur Nawal Singh, ruler of Nawalgarh
• Bhairon Singh Shekhawat former Chief minister of Rajasthan and former Vice president of India.^[5]
• Devisingh Ransingh Shekhawat, former first gentleman of India. He was the husband of former President of India Smt. Pratibha Patil.^[6]
• Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the present Union Cabinet Minister in Ministry of Jal Shakti.^[7]
• Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat.^[8]
• Admiral Vijai Singh Shekhawat, former Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. ^[9]
• Piru Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest military decoration 3245.^{[10] [11] [12]}
• Major Thakur Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, 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. ^[13]
• Honorary Captain Sriram Singh Shekhawat is a former Indian middle-distance runner.^[14]

^{[15] [16]}

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.^[17]

Notes and References

1. Book: History of Shekhawats. 9788186782743. Sinh. Ranbir. 2001. Publication Scheme .
2. Book: History of Shekhawats. 9788186782743. Sinh. Ranbir. 2001. Publication Scheme .
3. Web site: Pratap Singh Khachariyawas(Indian National Congress(INC)):Constituency- CIVIL LINES(JAIPUR) - Affidavit Information of Candidate . 2023-12-13 . myneta.info.
4. Book: The Monk as Man: The Unknown Life of Swami Vivekananda. 9780143101192. Samkara. 2011. Penguin Books India .
5. Web site: Vice President of India: Former Vice President of India . www.vicepresidentofindia.nic.in . 5 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140228064525/http://www.vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/bss.asp . 28 February 2014 . dead.
6. Web site: SMT. Pratibha Patil's Inspirational Journey . www.pratibhapatil.info.
7. News: Modi Cabinet news: Meet Modi's formidable force in run-up to 2019 general elections &*124; India News - Times of India. The Times of India. 4 September 2017 .
8. Web site: Gallantry Awards | Ministry of Defence, Government of India .
9. Web site: Commander VS SHEKHAWAT . https://web.archive.org/web/20190719095625/https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/vs-shekhawat . 2019-07-19.
10. News: 2008-01-25 . Param Vir Chakra winners since 1950 . The Times of India . 2023-11-11 . 0971-8257.
11. News: Param vir Chakra winners since 1950 &*124; India News - Times of India. The Times of India. 25 January 2008 .
12. Book: Bravest of the Brave (Heroes of the Indian Army): Heroes of the Indian Army. 9788187100003. Reddy. Kittu. January 2007. Prabhat Prakashan .
13. Web site: Life story: Thakur Dalpat Singh Shekhawat Lives of the First World War . 2023-12-13 . livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk.
14. News: Jinson Johnson breaks Sriram Singh 42-year-old 800m national record. 2018-06-27. Hindustan Times. 2018-08-31. en.
15. https://web.archive.org/web/20200417115319/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1976/ATH/mens-800-metres-round-one.html Mens Metres Round One at Sports Reference
16. https://web.archive.org/web/20200417115319/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1976/ATH/mens-800-metres-semi-finals.html Mens Metres Semi Finals at Sports Reference
17. Web site: History of Shekhawat – Rajput Samaj Of UK . 2023-12-13 . en-US.