Dhamli

Dhamli is a village located 35km south of Pali Rajasthan. Thakur Padam Singh's son Mokham Singh was granted the Jagir of Dhamli in 1751 by Maharaja Bakht Singh. In 1754 Thakur Mokham Singh fought gallantly against the Maratha army of Jaippa Scindia at Merta, where he attained martyrdom. Thereafter Mokham Singh's son, Budh Singh, adorned the 'gaddi' of Dhamli and Sarwad. He had played a conspicuous part in the suppression of Hun menace at Sawarau in Phalodi region. Like his father, he was equally brave. He believed in traditional customs. An instance of this could be cited. During the rule of Maharaja Vijey Singh (1752-1793), the Maharaja himself had hedged a conspiracy against Thakur Jait Singh Champawat of Auwa, whom he got killed in the fort. The Maharaja also confiscated the jagir of Auwa. On hearing the sad news of the murder of her husband, Rani Ranawatji wanted to become Sati, but she was prevented by the 'Hakims' of Bali, Pali and Sojat, who had arrived at Auwa for the purpose. At this moment Rani Ranawatji thought of Thakur Budh Singh Champawat Balluote of Dhamli, and sent a message to him to assist her in becoming 'Sati'. Though the relations between Dhamli and Auwa at the time were strained, but Thakur Budh Singh decided to help Rani Ranawat Ji and along with his cavalry reached Auwa. He asked the 'Hakims' not to interfere in the traditional custom, and pleaded the case of Rani Ranawat Ji. The 'Hakims' not had the courage to fight against Thakur Budh Singh,nor they were in a position of position to disobey his command. Rani Ranawatji sat on the pyre the traditional rites were performed, she gave abundant blessings to Thakur Budh Singh, thence the fire was lit and she became 'Sati'. The Maharaja of Jodhpur was annoyed at this illegal act of Thakur Budh Singh. As such, he confiscated his jagirs of Dhamli, Sarwad and 11 villages; but soon restored them. After the demise of Thakur Budh Singh, his brother Zalim Singh's son, Shambhu Singh, sat on the 'gaddi' of Sarwad and Dhamli. In 1787, the Maratha army of Madhavrao Scindia launched an attack on the combined forces of Jodhpur and Jaipur. A fearful battle took place at Toonga. Thakur Shambhu Singh Zalimsinghote, who accompanied the Jodhpur forces, had demonstrated a great valour in the battle of Toonga; where he was wounded. His 12 sepoys were killed in action. The Marathas were defeated in the battle. It was a great humiliation for the Marathas. In 1790, to avenge the defeat, Madhavrao Scindia's commander again launched an attack on Jodhpur. Thakur Sambhu Singh, who was with Jodhpur forces, offered a stiff resistance, but could not stand long against the might of the Marathas. He was again wounded; his 13 sepoys were killed in action. The Marathas captured Sarwad,and Thakur Sambhu Singh had no option but to abandon Sarwad in 1791. Only the Jagir of Dhamli remained in his possession.After the demise of Thakur Sambhu Singh Zalimsinghote, the successors to the 'gaddi' of Dhamli. Thakur Manohar Singh was the son of Thakur Phahad Singh. He was born in 1917. Educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, Maharaja Umed Singh of Jodhpur was greatly impressed by his personality and background, and appointed him as his A.D.C. Maharaja Umed Singh expired in 1947. He was succeeded by his son, Hanwant Singh. Maharaja Hanwant Singh died in an air crash in 1952. His son, Gaj Singh at the time was a minor. As such, the Maharaja of Jaipur, who was the Rajpramukh of Rajasthan, appointed Thakur Manohar Singh Dhamli as the State Holder of Jodhpur. He managed the affairs of the in a honest and systematic way, and saved it from bankruptcy and was respected by the State Marwar. Name is derived from Dhamaji Charan an early inhabitant of the village. Dhamli is on bank of river, it has a long history. Well known heritage hotel Fort Dhamli is located here.