History of Bidasar

The town our community traces its roots to, in Rajasthan's Churu district.

OUR ROOTS

A Town of Heritage & Memory

Bidasar is a town in the Churu district of Rajasthan, part of the Shekhawati region known for its painted havelis and long tradition of trade and migration.

For generations, families from Bidasar have carried their traditions, relationships and sense of community outward, creating strong connections between the town and the places where they eventually settled.

01THE BEGINNING

Where the Story of Bidasar Begins

The history of Bidasar is closely associated with the life and legacy of Rao Bida Ji, the younger brother of Rao Bika Ji, founder of Bikaner.

Rao Bida Ji was born in Magh Shukla Navami of Vikram Samvat 1495, corresponding to 1438–39. From an early age, he was recognised for his courage, intelligence and administrative ability.

At the age of sixteen, he was entrusted with the administration of a territory in Malwa. This early responsibility became part of the foundation for the leadership that would later shape his life and the history of the region.

02THE CONQUEST

Dronpur and the Rise of Rao Bida Ji

A major turning point came with the conquest of Dronpur, following a battle near Ganoda in Vikram Samvat 1532.

Dronpur at that time consisted of around 1,400 villages, ruled by Mohils who oppressed the local people greatly. Rao Jodha Ji wanted to end the Mohil rule permanently and defeated them three times in battle and entrusted the administration that area each time to his son, Kunwar Jogaji. However Kunwar Jogaji failed to manage the administration properly and Dronpur again went back into Mohil’s control.

Rao Jodha now entrusted this rask to Kunwar Bida Ji who marched with his army toward Mohilvati. Rao Bida Ji’s Rathore army fought fiercely against the Mohil forces led by Ajit. After several days of intense battle, the Mohil army was defeated, and Kunwar Bida Ji came out victorious. Thus, in Vikram Samvat 1532, Kunwar Bida Ji conquered the vast Mohil state for the Rathore’s and himself took over the administration of Dronpur upon himself.

The victory established Rao Bida Ji as a powerful leader in his own right. After the conquest, Dronpur became an important military and administrative base from which his influence could develop.

The conquest forms one of the central chapters in the history surrounding Rao Bida Ji and provides an important foundation for understanding the settlements and territories connected with his legacy.

03HONOUR & DHARMA

The Battle of Surawas

The episode of Surawas is remembered not only as an account of conflict, but also as a story of honouring one's word.

The battle of Surawas was fought as Mohil chief Sura of Surawas refused to accept the authority of Bida Ji. After loosing battle with Bida ji, they were forced take shelter inside the village fortifications. Sura then sent a message to Bida Ji saying that he would accept his supremacy if he agreed for safe passage of women of Sura’s household along with their belongings to Ladnun and also that Bida ji will not object to property already donated to by Sura’s to Charan’s. Bida ji accepted these conditions and allowed ladies of Sura family to safely leave to Ladnun.

However after this, Sura Mohil, came out to fight and attained Veer Gati. When Bida Ji entered Surawas after victory, the Charans informed him that the entire estate (jagir) of Sura had already been donated to them. In preparing treaty documents Mohils had shown great cleverness. Even then, keeping his given word in mind, Bika Ji considered it against righteousness to even drink water in Surawas.

During the episode, safe passage was sought under agreed conditions. Rao Bida Ji honoured his commitment, demonstrating the importance he placed on his word even in circumstances shaped by conflict.

The journey eventually brought him to the area around Mania-Dhora, near present-day Bidasar, where he drank water. The episode became part of the larger narrative surrounding his connection with the land.

04WAR & LEADERSHIP

The Battle of Chhapar

The Battle of Chhapar became another defining episode in the military history surrounding Rao Bida Ji and the Rathore house.

After this defeat at Surwas, Barsal Mohil sought the help of his maternal uncle Bagh Ji Kanhal who advised him to seek assistance from the Sultan of Delhi, Daulat Khan Lodi, who was only too eager to help as he too was worried by Bida Ji’s growing power, so he sent a contingent of troops from Delhi to aid the Mohil’s. Thus, besides the Sultan’s army of about 5,000 Pathan soldiers, the Muslims and Joiye of Bhatner region also joined the Mohil’s. In addition Bagha Ji Kanhal’s army also came to support the Mohil’s. While on the surface it appeared that battle was with Mohil’s but in reality it was battle between Sultan forces and Rathore’s.

At this point, Bida Ji sent a message to his elder brother, Kunwar Bika Ji of Bikaner, saying that brothers were shedding each other’s blood while the war continued. The wise Bida Ji requested Rao Shri Bika Ji to persuade Bagh Ji so that the Rathore’s would not fight among themselves. Bika Ji then met Bagh Ji in private. Bagh Ji replied that Barsal had promised him 300 villages if victory was achieved by him. When Bika Ji conveyed this to Bida Ji, he answered “If Bagha Ji asks with affection, I can even give my uncle’s son cousin my entire newly won kingdom. what value do these 300 villages hold?

These words deeply affected Bagh Ji, and he withdrew from joining the Mohil’s in the battle. Bida Ji then sought the blessings of Karni Mata and once again marched upon Chhapar. In this war, Kunwar Bika Ji, uncle Kandhal Ji, and Mandlo Ji also fought on Bida Ji’s side. Bika Ji instructed his army that no Mohil should be killed unnecessarily but were only to be disarmed, while the Pathans were to be completely destroyed. After fierce fighting, the Rathore army under Bida Ji’s leadership emerged victorious, and the Pathan forces were defeated. This war not only increased the fame of Bika Ji’s military skill, but also established him as an excellent commander, an extremely brave warrior, a mature statesman, and a capable leader.

The episode reflects the close ties between the brothers and the wider network of alliances and responsibilities that shaped the early Rathore territories.

05FAMILY & LEGACY

A Warrior Who Valued Family Above Power

Beyond battles and territorial expansion, the historical account presents Rao Bida Ji as a figure deeply connected to his family.

In one such event, Kunwar Rajsee, displeased with his father Rao Bika Ji, came to his uncle Bida Ji. Since Bida Ji had twelve sons of his own, they feared that Kunwar Rajsi might claim a share among their Jagir. Bida Ji then clearly told his sons “Bida has only grown old; he is not dead yet. I can create a separate estate for Rajsee, but I will not divide your inheritance. Because of this, a campaign was launched against Mung Singh Mohil and after defeating him, that territory was granted to Kunwar Rajsee Bikawat which was named “Rajaldeshar”.

Stories surrounding his sons, relatives and fellow Rathore rulers reveal recurring themes of affection, sacrifice and selflessness. The account of the three cushions during the family coronation is particularly associated with this character.

The account of the three cushions during the family coronation is particularly associated with this character. During Rao Bika Ji’s coronation, he ordered that three royal cushions (seats) of equal height be placed in the coronation court. At the time of the coronation, Rao Kandhal Ji and Bida Ji arrived first at the court and saw three equal seats. On query from Kandhal Ji the courtiers replied that the arrangement had been made on Bika Ji’s orders. Upon hearing this, Kandhal Ji lifted the two side cushions with the tip of his sword and placed them beneath the middle cushion, which was meant for Rao Bika Ji, saying “There can only be one king, and the king of this land shall remain Bika alone. Despite repeated request from Rao Bika Ji, Kandhal Ji and Bida Ji did not allow Bika Ji to step down. In the history of the world, such an example of sacrifice and selflessness is considered very rare.

There was deep mutual affection and unshakable trust between the two brothers, Bika ji and Bida ji as well as between uncle Kandhal Ji and uncle Mandlo Ji. On one occasion, Rao Kandhal Ji, together with his two nephews (Rao Bika Ji and Rao Bida Ji), went to the estate of Rao Mandlo Ji at Sarunda and requested some horses. Mandlo Ji had a somewhat humorous nature, so outwardly he delayed giving assistance. At this, Bika Ji and Bida Ji approached Mandlo Ji’s queen, Sankhali Ji who also happened to be their maternal aunt and told her “Uncle Sahib is delaying in giving us horses; please show us some way out.” Queen Sankhali Ji replied: “ “You are familiar with your uncle’s nature. Whose horses are these? They are yours as well. Queen Sankhali Ji secretly sent the keys of the stable to Bika Ji and Bida Ji with the message “Take as many horses as you need.” Bika Ji and Bida Ji took 200 horses from the stables. The next morning, when they met Rao Mandlo Ji before departure, they said “You did not give us horses; we received them from our maternal aunt.” Rao Mandlo Ji looked toward Queen Sankhali Ji and smilingly said “I have always helped my nephews. Today, your aunt has also shown her affection.” This incident beautifully reflects the warmth and affection within the family.

His relationships with members of the wider family, including the establishment of Rajaldeshar for Kunwar Rajsee, form an important part of the human side of his legacy.

06THE TOWN

Bidasar — A Residence, a Legacy

After conquering Dronpur, Rao Bida Ji established his military headquarters there, while nobles were associated with Chadawas and his own residence became Bidasar.

Bidasar therefore became closely connected with his household, administration and family legacy. The Beedolav reservoir and other works associated with the settlement further contributed to the development of the area.

The town consequently became more than a place of residence. It became part of the enduring historical memory associated with Rao Bida Ji and his rule.

07GOVERNANCE

Building a Stable Kingdom

Rao Bida Ji's legacy was not built through conquest alone. The historical account also describes an effort to establish order, administration and prosperity within the territories under his control.

Measures associated with his administration included systems such as Takadi and Payali, standardisation of coinage, the construction of wells and residences, and efforts to end the terror caused by banditry.

These measures helped create an environment in which settlement and prosperity could develop, strengthening the foundations of the territory he governed.

08BIDASAR FORT

Chatarsal — Manji Sahib ki Saal

Within the Bidasar fort stood Chatarsal, a space created for Rao Bida Ji's mother that later came to be known as Manji Sahib ki Saal.

The place became an enduring part of the heritage of Bidasar. The historical account records that rulers of Bikaner would pay their respects there, reflecting the continuing importance attached to the memory of the family.

09THE LEGACY

What Remained After Rao Bida Ji

Rao Bida Ji's life eventually came to an end in Vikram Samvat 1571, but the settlements, institutions and memories associated with him endured.

His memorial was established at Sirolav Talab, with a later chhatri near Gopalpura becoming another place associated with his memory.

For Bidasar, his legacy is therefore inseparable from the story of its origins: a history shaped by courage, family, administration, faith and the establishment of a lasting home.

OUR HERITAGE

A Legacy That Continues

Bidasar is more than a place in the history books. It is a living connection to the people, stories and traditions from which the community traces its roots.

That connection continues through families, memories, traditions and the community built around them.