__FORCETOC__ Karamchand Bachhawat (1542–1607; Karmacand BacchāvatFlügel, Peter & Ahmad, Muzaffar. (2018). An Exploratory Survey of the Jaina Heritage in Pakistan. Jaina studies, 13, 26-32. Retrieved on 21 April 2026 from: https://soas-repository.worktribe.com/output/451306) was the Dewan, Prime Minister of Bikaner State in the former Rajputana (now Rajasthan) from 1571 to 1591. Karamchand, a descendant of Bachhraj, was a valiant warrior, a good administrator and a strategist in Bikaner and had a good relationship with Akbar. In 1591, fearing for his life, he resigned. At Akbar's invitation, Karamchand later joined the emperor as an adviser to the Lahore court.Jaysom Pathak and Guna Vinaya-1594 (1980). Karamchand Vanshavali Prabandh (Sanskrit/Hindi). SinghiGranthmala, Bhartiya Vidhya Bhawan, Mumbai,Rai Bahadur Gauri Shankar H Ojha (1939). History of the Bikaner State. Printed at the Vedic Yantralaya, Ajmer pages=93-94 and 211-212.
Ancestors Karamchand Bachhawat belonged to Bachhawat gotra (sect) of Oswal community. The Bachhawats belong to the feudal aristocratic order of former states of Rajputana (Rajasthan), who faced many ups and downs in life. They were brave, and many sacrificed their lives fighting for the state against Muslim invaders. They were visionary administrators par excellence but at times suspected to be anti-state but pro-Mughal and pro-British regime. The members of this clan were associated with the administration of the state for generations. Among them many were independent rulers in Delwara state (former small kingdom near Udaipur), Raja Sagar, Rana Shri Karan, Raja Bohitya Deora Chauhan. There were as many as six Prime Ministers of Jodhpur and Bikaner states from amongst the direct ancestors, Bachhraj, Karam Singh, Var Singh, Nagraj, Sangram Singh, and Karamchand Bachhawat. Later, in Mewar state, five of his descendants, Agarchand, Devichand, Sher Singh, Gokalchand and Pannalal Bachhawat Mehta, served as Prime Ministers, nine members were appointed as Kiledars (Governors of Forts; किलेदार) and more than 25 members of this clan served as Hakims (Administrators; हाकिम) in various districts of Mewar.Rai BahadurGaurishankar H Ojha(1938). Udaipur Rajya ka Itihasa (History: Kingdom of Udaipur). Publisher: Rajasthani Granthaghar, Jodhpur (Hindi)Seth RajmalLalwani; Sukhsampat Raj Bhandari and others (1939). Oswal Jati ka Itihas. Oswal History Publishing House, Bhanpura, IndoreRai Pannalal Mehta CEI, (1989). Swa-Jeewni (Autobiography). Published at the behest of Gokul Lal Mehta, Retd, IAS / Editors: Dr PD Pathak
The Bachhawats, trace their origin from the Chauhan dynasty of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. The ancestors were Deora (देवड़ा) Chauhans, who ruled Delwara (city of gods; देवकुलपाटननगरी) state, in 13th-14th century. The ruler of Delwara, Raja Sagar, a Deora Chauhan and a descendant of Rao Kirtipal of Jalore, was the progenitor of Bachhawats. Later, in 14th century, this clan embraced Jainism. Thus, the Bachhawat gotra in Oswal community was born. Since, for generations many of them were in the service of rulers (Maharajas & Maharanas), the Bachhawats also followed Vaishnavism alongside Jainism.Rai Bahadur Gaurishankar H Ojha(1938). Udaipur Rajya ka Itihasa (History: Kingdom of Udaipur). Publisher: Rajasthani Granthaghar, Jodhpur (Hindi)
During mid15th century, Bachhraj submitted his services to the Chief of Mandore (Jodhpur) Rao Rinmal, where he was appointed Diwan as he was able administrator and a gallant warrior. It is said that a relative of Rana Kumbha of Mewar murdered Rao Rinmal. Diwan Bachhraj swiftly crowned the eldest son Rao Jodha to prevent any external aggression. Rao Jodha, then, for the first time, allowed Bachhraj and other Oswals to take part in commanding armies. In 1465, Rao Bika, elder son of Rao Jodha, chose Bachhraj as his main follower, along with his uncle Rawal Kandhal and others, while proceeding to establish a new territory, later named Bikaner.
Bachhraj was appointed as Dewan of the newly founded state of Bikaner. The descendants of Bachhraj came to be known as Bachhawat, which later became a distinctive clan (gotra) and an ethnic group.Nahata Bhanwarlal, (2009). Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat. Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur; BJ Nahata Foundation, Calcutta. Pages 67-80 With the passage of time the influence of Bachhawats grew by leaps and bounds. Each descendant of this clan was appointed as Dewan of Bikaner. Although ancestors of Bachhawats were Kshatriyas (Deora Chauhans), they now belonged to Vaishya (Bania) caste; hence they understood military strategy better than any Kshatriya adviser as royal blood runs in them. They used their pen and sword with equal skill and impact.
Loyal to state, brilliant administrator & suave strategist Karamchand was born in 1542 AD (Vikram Samvat 1599, Paush vid 11; Indian lunar calendar). In 1571, Rao Kalyanmal, on demise of Dewan Sangram Singh, a descendant of Bachhraj, appointed his son Karamchand as Dewan of Bikaner. He was popular in Bikaner and had built a good rapport with Emperor Akbar Jalal-u-din (1556-1605). The royal family of Bikaner had marital relations with the Mughals. Daughter of Kalyanmal was married to Emperor Akbar in 1570 and later his son Rai Singh's daughter was married to prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir). Thus, the ruling family of Bikaner was one among the chosen families from Rajputana, being part of marriage alliance arranged by Karamchand. Neither event is alluded to in the ‘Kiyant’ but the facts are recorded by Ferishta (pages 234 and 260, Brigg's Translation). Thus, Kalyan's son Rai Singh, who succeeded him in 1573, was one of Akbar's most distinguished generals.Bhanwar lal Nahata (2009). Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat. Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur; BJ Nahata Foundation, Calcutta In 1571, while travelling with Prince Rai Singh from Bikaner to the court of Emperor Akbar at Lahore, the much-indebted Dewan Karamchand, before his departure asked Rao Kalyanmal, "My Lord, order me as you please". Rao Kalyanmal said that he has everything but wants to fulfil the wishes of his ancestors. He said,“I want to perform Kamal Puja (prayers for departed souls of ancestors) sitting in the ‘gavaksh’ (balcony) of Jodhpur palace to fulfil the wishes of late Rao Bika”.Karamchand along with Rajkumar Rai Singh paid their obeisance to Emperor Akbar. Since Karamchand enjoyed a good equation with Akbar, he asked him for a favour, for Rao Kalyanmal to perform puja at the Jodhpur palace. Since Jodhpur was under the rule of Akbar, his wishes were granted instantly. Thus, Rao Kalyanmal could fulfil the wishes of his ancestors and asked Karamchand what he would like in return. Karamchand politely said, “I have everything given by you. However, you may like to grant that during the four months of chaturmaas (monsoon) – teli (oilman), kumhar (potter), kandoi (confectioner), etc to stop violence related work. Do not collect tax on ‘maal’ (goods), goats, sheep, etc”.Rao Kalyanmal accepted his wishes and granted four villages on stamped paper to Karamchand. Since Karamchand was on good terms with Emperor Akbar, the rulers of Bikaner were among the most loyal adherents of the empire and held high ranks as Mansabdars of special order in the imperial court, like Raja Man Singh I of Amber (Jaipur). They served as military commanders in various Mughal campaigns all over the Indian sub-continent. Karamchand fought alongside Raja Rai Singh to defeat the Sultan of Gujarat. Emperor Akbar was pleased with the strategist in Dewan Karamchand and asked him what he wished for. He replied, “I do not want anything for myself but a grant of 52 parganas for my king”.Karamchand had three wives – Ajaib Devi, Jeeva Devi and Kapur Devi (Ajaibde, Jibade and Kapurde). He along with his family often travelled to Jain pilgrim centres – Shatrunjay, Girnar, Mt Abu, etc. and gave away plenty of alms in charity. He was an able disciple of Acharya Jinachandra Suri.
Kind hearted and saviour of Jainism in medieval period In 1573, Rao Kalyanmal was succeeded by Rao Rai Singh. With the help of strategist Karamchand, Rao Rai Singh expanded his kingdom and brought in a lot of prosperity for Bikaner state. The kingdom of Rao Rai Singh extended up to Harappa in Sindh (Sindhu Desh) by defeating the forces of Balochis. At the behest of Karamchand, the captured Baluchi prisoners of war were properly clothed, fed and returned to their homes, with dignity.
The valiant and brave king Rao Rai Singh of Bikaner was granted the title of Raja by Emperor Akbar. Karamchand, who had deep concern for the environment and Jain traditions, had orders issued for stopping of fishing activities in Sutlej, Dek and Raavi rivers. He stopped felling of trees in the desert region. Raja Rai Singh also passed orders banning killing of animals during Paryushan (holy festival of Jains during monsoon).
The rare 1050 Jina images (Jain paintings) and sculptures (gold & brass) looted by Sultan Tursam Khan in 1576, from the shrines of Sirohi were kept with Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. It was intended to melt the statues and extract the gold, but Akbar denied the permission and ordered them to be kept safely. It was at the behest of Karamchand that Raja Rai Singh approached the Emperor and the statues were respectfully released in 1582. When the statues arrived at Bikaner, Karamchand along with the Jain Acharyas and disciples organised a grand function to welcome these statues and installed them in the basement of Chintamani Mandir. From time to time on special occasions the basement is opened, and the statues worshipped as per Jain traditions in public. Such auspicious occasions in the 20th century were in the year 1943, when Acharya Mani Sagar Suri Maharaj arrived in Bikaner, then in 1962, 1978, 2009 and now in November 2017. Perhaps, due to non-availability of regular puja and worship facilities for so many divine statues, they are stored in the basement even today. In the Chintamani temple, the main ‘Chaturvinshti’ (24 statues) idol was badly damaged during the invasion by Kamaran, ruler of Lahore and brother of Emperor Humayun. The stone-plaque at the temple put up in 1952 (VS 2009) mentions that the renovation work was carried out by the Bachhawat descendants of Mantri Bachhraj, namely Mantri Var Singh.BhanwarlalNahata (2009). Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat. Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur; BJ Nahata Foundation, CalcuttaDr Vasudev Sharan Agrawal (Preface); Compiled & Edited by AgarchandNahata and BhanwarlalNahata (2013). Bikaner Jain LekhSangrah. Published by Shri Abhay Jain Granthalaya, Bikaner
In 1586, Karamchand learnt that Jain temples at Shatrunjay (Palitana) and other places in Saurashtra were being destroyed by Navarang Khan. Fearing destruction of more Jain temples in the area, he immediately petitioned Akbar for the protection of Jain temples. Akbar at once issued a farmaan (stamped order) to Azam Khan of Gujarat to put Shatrunjay and other Jain temples in Saurashtra under the control of Karamchand for their protection. Later, a Jain temple was constructed by Karamchand at Palitana and at his maternal home (nanihal) in Merata city in memory of his mother.
Bachhawats granted title of Mehta & honour to wear gold in legs