Rawat Kandhal, the third son of Rao Ranmal, was the founder of the Kandhalot clan of the Rathore dynasty in Northern India, and the co-founder of the kingdoms of Bikaner and Marwar.
10 Facts About Rao Kandhal
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From birth he was known as Rao Kandhal but was bestowed the prestigious title of Rawat by his real brother, Rao Jodha, the first ruler of Marwar for rescuing their brother Rao Mandaloji from Chittorgarh all alone.
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Rao Kandhal was instrumental in wresting back Marwar from Maharana Kumbha along with his brother and was responsible for establishing and territorially expanding the separate kingdom of Bikaner for his nephew Rao Bika, one of the sons of Rao Jodha and a potential heir to the throne of Marwar.
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Rao Kandhal was killed in a battle near the present day village of Sahwa, Rajasthan in 1490 at the age of 73 while fighting the Delhi Sultanate forces led by Sarang Khan, the governor of Hisar.
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The Rao Kandhal jestingly remarked that they must be scheming a plan of conquest of new territory, an idea constantly being suggested to him to provide for his large family.
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Rawat Rao Kandhal took the observation as a challenge and pledged to win new lands.
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Rao Kandhal valiantly died fighting and even crossed blades with Sarang Khan himself.
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Rao Kandhal convinced Rao Bika of Bikaner and Rao Jodha of Marwar to combine their forces to seek revenge.
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Rao Kandhal Banir went to Sahawa, and later shifted his seat to Shivgarh Ghanghu where he finally settled.
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The Kandhalot clan- the descendants of Rawat Kandhal which formed an integral part of the Bikaner state are today divided into 3 subdivisions- Rawatot, Banirot and Saidasot.