RATAN SINGH BHANDARI

RATAN SINGH BHANDARI
Emperor Mohammedshah had appointed Maharaja Abhay Singh, ruler of Jodhpur (1725-50), governor of Ajmer and Gujarat in 1730. Three years later, Abhay Singh had handed over all administration work to Ratan Singh Bhandari and had gone to Delhi. Ratan Singh practically ruled over the province during 1733-37. An expert administrator and army chief he fought several battles.

In getting the Jagirdari of Dholka in 1735 he had to face the clash with several Mughal courtiers and chiefs. He was for long in conflict with the Marathas, Mohammedan and local Rajput chiefs. After the death of Jorawar Singh in 1745, Gaj Singh had become successful in becoming the ruler of Bikaner. Unsuccessful Amar Singh had approached the Jodhpur ruler Abhay Singh for help. Appointed as commander of the army by Abhay Singh, Ratan Singh Bhandari had fought several battles very bravely with the army of Gaj Singh, last being fought at Chahasjan in 1747. After the end of the battles while he was returning back, a soldier of the Bikaner army attacked and killed him from the back.