Definition Birkali is a village and historical estate, known as a Thikana, located in the state of Rajasthan, India.
Overview Birkali is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan, approximately 14 miles west of Nohar and 50 miles south of Hanumangarh. The settlement is primarily an agricultural community with a population exceeding 5,000 residents. A significant portion of the population belongs to the Bika Rajput clan.
Origin The estate was established in 1758 by Sultan Singh Ji of Bhukarka as an "Ek lari jageer" (a specific type of land grant). Historically, Birkali served as the ancestral seat of the Sringot clan of the Bika Rathores. The estate was part of the nobility within the Bikaner State, where its chiefs held recognized positions in the Bikaner Darbar.
Characteristics The economy of Birkali is centered on agriculture, with no significant industrial presence. The region's farming is characterized by the cultivation of various crops, particularly during the summer months, which include Bajari (pearl millet), Moath (moth bean), and Guar (cluster bean).
Related Topics
- Rajput History: The socio-political structure of the Bika Rathores and the Sringot clan.
- Bikaner State: The historical administrative and feudal system of the princely state of Bikaner.
- Jagirdari System: The historical land-grant system (jageer) used in various parts of India.