Rao Jodha Ji founded Jodhpur (Marwar) in the year 1453 A.D. His grandson ‘Rao Uda Ji’ became a Sovereign ruler of Nimaj and Jaitaran, and founded the sub clan popularly know as Udawat Rathores. Nimaj was later amalgamated with Jodhpur. Nimaj Palace is owned by this branch of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. The present Thakur is the 23rd generation of descent from Rao Jodha Ji.
The Thakurs of Nimaj were one of the eight “Sirayats” (highest honour given to feudal lords for their bravery and they formed the permanent advisory senate of privileged Thakurs) of Marwar.
Sher Shah Suri was shaken badly at the hands of Udawat - Rathores at the battlefield of “Giri Sumel” and gave up his plans of annexing Marwar by saying “for a handful of Bajra I would have lost the sultanate (Kingdom) of Delhi.”
A lot about bravery, sacrifice, courage and chivalry of the Thakurs of Nimaj is there in the history, Dingal Poetry, Shubraj and folklores which earned them the honour of being called “Marwar ra Bhad Kiwad, Meaning the fortress gates of Marwar.
The Thakurs of Nimaj along with the Udawat’s cavalry, artillery and infantry would be the first to face the enemy attack. The Mughal subedars at Ajmer dreaded them who were defeated many a times. The Thakurs led the Marwar forces, which ruled Ahmedabad for two years and annexed the state of “Idar” for the Maharajas. They also made sacrifices during the 1st struggle of independence in 1857.
The present Thakur awaits to brief you on the historic deeds of his ancestors since the 15th century, who saw the ‘Mughal Empire’ and the ‘British Raj’ come and disintegrate while many rulers like-Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur changed their capitals or palaces but the Udawats are still at ‘Nimaj Palace’.