Umarkot

Thikana Umarkot was an esteemed Rajput feudal estate and aristocratic barony situated in the historic territory of Marwar (Intermittently), held by the noble chiefs of the Parmar Rajput (Agnivanshi lineage). Historically founded by Umar (Sumra Dynasty), the seat of authority was centered at Umarkot Garh, commanding territorial jurisdiction, local revenue collection (Rekh and Chhatund cesses), and agrarian defense. The Thakurs of Umarkot held distinguished court status in the royal darbar, maintaining hereditary cavalry sowars and infantry levies pledged to the sovereign crown during military emergencies. The estate fostered regional devotional traditions, constructed civic stepwells and stone fortress ramparts, and maintained unbroken feudal administration until the abolition of Jagirdari and integration into the Indian Union following independence.

Detailed Historical Chronicle

Umarkot, historically known as Amarkot, is a fortified city and former principality located in the Thar desert. Founded around 1226 by Umar of the Sumra dynasty, the territory transitioned to the control of the Sodha Parmar clan, who established a distinct Rajput identity characterized by their adaptation to the harsh desert environment and complex geopolitical maneuvering between the Rajput states of Marwar and the Muslim rulers of Sindh. The thikana is globally renowned for providing sanctuary to the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1542, during which the future Emperor Akbar was born within its walls. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Ranas of Umarkot navigated a precarious existence as vassals to the Rathores of Jodhpur, while simultaneously maintaining local autonomy until the British annexation of Sindh in 1843.