Maharao Shekha statue in Sikar, the ancestor of the Shekhawats
Shekhawat is a clan of Rajputs found mainly in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.[citation needed] Shekhawats are descendants of Maharao Shekha of Amarsar.
Shekhawat is the most prominent sub-clan among Kachhwaha Rajputs. The Shekhawati region was ruled by them for more than 500 years and are honoured with the hereditary title of “Tazimi Sirdars”, whom HH the Maharaja of Jaipur receives by rising from his seat. Fought against mughals many time. Rao Sujjan Singh of Chhapoli fought mughal army with 300 men to save a temple. Col. J.C. Brooke in his book, Political History of India, wrote that “For the recruitment of Horse-army there is no region in India at par with Shekhawati.” 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]
Piru Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest military decoration 3245.[14][15][16]
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. [17]
Legacy
Shekhawats constructed many forts and temples, step well(bawdi) in Shekhawati region and patronized Hindu culture. There are more than 50 forts constructed by them. Shahpura, Alsisar, Bissau, Dundlod, Danta Ramgarh, Mahansar, Khetri, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, dalelgarh(Baloda) Laxmangarh, KhandelaSikar, Jhunjhunu these are sites of some beautiful fort, temples and other architectural beauty work done under shekhawat rule in Shekhwati[18][19]
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.[20][21]
