Bhati Vamsavali (Tod ms 78) - Reproduction, Transcription & Translation, and Glossary

Abstract

Manuscript 78 from the James Tod Manuscript Collection (held by the Royal Asiatic Society) contains historical and genealogical records of the Bhati (Bhatti) dynasty, the Rajput clan historically associated with the desert region of Jaisalmer. The capital, Jaisalmer, was founded in 1155 AD by Jesal Singh, the Bhati ruler. The narrative has been documented until the end of the seventeenth century (according to the Barnett catalogue of the Tod collection, the narrative accounts up to Samvat 1744, which corresponds to approximately 1687 AD). The narrative commences with the mention of Manohar Das (r. 1627-1650) and then focuses on Rawal Sabal Singh (r. 1650-1659), his service in the Mughal army, how he came to the throne of Jaisalmer; including the story of his rescue of the imperial treasure stolen by the Pathans, the exploit which brought him fame and the patronage of Emperor Shah Jahan. The narrative then turns to Rawal Amar Singh (r. 1659-1701), Sabal Singh's successor and second son. Rawal Amar Singh greatly expanded the territory of Jaisalmer. Subsequently, the narrative mentions Rawal Amar Singh's successor, Rawal Jaswant Singh (r. 1701-1707), and proceeds to recount the life of Jesal Singh and his original residence at Lodruva, before finally reaching the times of Rawal Sabal Singh. The manuscript is written in prose (vāt) and verse (mainly dohā metre but also aḍil and kavitt). The language is a mixture of Rajasthani with dominant forms of eastern Rajasthani; the verse parts are also composed in Pingal (Braj Bhasha, heavily influenced by Rajasthani). 440 fol. Probably eighteenth century. Anonymous, without colophon. Paper 6 3/4" high X 7 3/4" wide.