The Toliyasar Thikana: History and Legacy

Toliyasar | Jagir | Historic Thikana | Rajpurohit

Toliyasar Thikana – Sewad Rajpurohits

The first jagir of the Sewad Rajpurohits was Bikampur, granted by Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, to Rajpurohit Bikamsi (Bikam Singh Ji) in 1482 CE.
Later, as recognition of his service and loyalty, Rao Bika awarded Bikam Singh an even larger estate: 84 villages and Ridi Jagir.
Subsequently, Devidas Ji, son of Bikam Singh, exchanged these 84 villages and Ridi for a consolidated jagir of 84,000 bighas at Toliyasar (some sources record it as 1,04,000 bighas).
This marked the rise of Toliyasar as the principal seat of the Sewad Rajpurohits. In many accounts, Toliyasar is described as a Sarkati Jagir, granted in honor of battlefield martyrdom against Muslim forces.

Devidas Ji became the first jagirdar of Toliyasar and attained martyrdom in the Battle of Narnaul, fighting alongside Rao Lunkaran of Bikaner against the Nawab of Narnaul.
His son Kishandas Ji also attained martyrdom, fighting alongside Rao Jaitsi of Bikaner against Rao Maldeo of Jodhpur.
These sacrifices solidified Toliyasar’s status as a patvi thikana (chief estate) of all Sewads in the Bikaner Kingdom, and its jagirdar held the hereditary title of Tikai.

During the reign of Maharaja Rai Singh and Maharaja Dalpat Singh, the jagirdar of Toliyasar was Rajpurohit Man Mahesh Ji, who also held the high court post of Musahib (royal advisor).
On his advice, Maharaja Dalpat Singh confiscated the jagirs of his own brother, Sur Singh.
When Sur Singh later ascended the throne as Maharaja of Bikaner, he retaliated by confiscating the Toliyasar jagir and removing the title of Tikai from Man Mahesh.
In protest, Man Mahesh performed a Teliya (Burnt himself alive in protest). Eventually, due to the mediation of the Bidawat Rathores, the jagir of Toliyasar was restored to the Rajpurohits.

Before the Rajpurohits’ arrival, Toliyasar was inhabited by Jains/Baniyas and Jats. Both communities later claimed to be the earliest settlers, though the Jain claim is considered more credible.
After the martyrdom of Devidas Ji, his descendants spread out to Kuchlasar, Kishnasar, Sawai Choti, while many continued to live in Toliyasar.

Devidas Ji established the famous and miraculous temple of Bhairuji at Toliyasar.
- The original idol was brought from Badli thikana of the Sewad Rajpurohits.
- Today’s idol is newer, while the authentic older idol is preserved inside, on the temple’s left side.
- Ritual puja (worship) of the temple was traditionally given to the Nai (Barber) community.
Thakur Ji’s Temple – Served as a central meeting place for the Sewads of 52 jagirs, functioning as a community court, where important decisions and rules were made.
Bishath Mata Temple – Another significant shrine of the thikana.
Shiva Temple & Shiv Sagar Pond – Constructed by Rukhmani Devi, a saintly woman of Toliyasar, and her husband.

Hansoji Maharaj, a revered saint of the Siddh/Jasanthi sect, stayed in Toliyasar for several days.
- Due to his miracle, sweet water appeared in the northern direction of Toliyasar and in Likhmadesar.
Pakoda Pond – The original settlement of Toliyasar was around this pond, before the village shifted to its present site.

Sati and Jhujhar Devlis (cenotaphs) are found in Toliyasar, including:
- Devli of Jhujhar Sajan Ji and his wife Sajan De, who performed sati.
- Cenotaph of Raj Shri Rajpurohit Lacchiram Ji.
- Devli of Jhujhar Rajpurohit Bijo Ji.
- Cenotaph of Raj Shri Rajpurohit Narayandas Ji.
Temple Renovation Records:
- An inscription from Vikram Samvat 1933 records the consecration and renovation of Bhairuji Temple. Contractor: Silawat Madla. Total cost: ₹256.
- Another inscription states that during the reign of Maharaja Dungar Singh of Bikaner, Ratnawat Rajpurohits Nagraj and Ladhuram collected funds (₹1230.25) and renovated the temple.

The thikana’s history reflects a blend of martyrdom, royal service, protest, and community leadership.
Even today, Toliyasar stands as a symbol of:
- Rajpurohit valor in battles,
- spiritual devotion through its temples.