SHEKHAWAT- short History

SHORT HISTORY: Following is a brief historical and genealogical outline of the Shekhawat clan, being one of the 65 branches of the Kachhawa ruling clan of Jaipur, and the most prominent of all the Kachhawas, and are the descendants of great Rajput warrior, Rao Shekhaji (BIOGRAPHY)
The early rulers paid allegiance to their overlords, the rulers of Amber, but Rao Shekhaji declared himself independent in 1471 and established a separate principality for his descendants. The Shekhawats ruled over the Shekhawati region for over 500 years and are honoured with the hereditary title of “Tazimi Sirdars”, whom HH the Maharaja of Jaipur receives by rising from his seat. The Shekhawat rulers built more then 50 forts and Palaces during their rule over the Shekhawati region [land of Shekhawat rulers], which was the largest Nizamat [District] within Jaipur State, almost the whole of which is occupied by Shekhawats, 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 military. Many members of the clan have won gallantry awards including the Param Veer Chakra (the highest Indian award for bravery in a time of war), the Mahaveer Chakra, etc.