WHO WAS RANA PUNJA SOLANKI OF PANARWA ?
- His Lineage
- His Historical Significance
- His Present Relevance
- His Hometown
- His Descendants
Solanki Rajputs (Chaulukyas) : From Patan to Bhomat
The last Solanki ruler of Patan was Maharaja Tribhuvanpal. One of his sons Ranakdevji migrated to the present Sirohi district in the 13th century. His descendant Bhoj Solanki was progenitor of Bhojawat branch of Solanki rajputs. Bhoj's great grandson Akheyraj Solanki conquered Bhomat from a Yadu Rajput , Jeevraj and established his capital at Panarwa in 1478. The Solanki rajputs of Desuri (Pali) , Jhilwara and Roopnagar (Udaipur) are brothers to Solankis of Panarwa & Oghna (the two Solanki thikanas of Bhomat).
Rana Harpal Solanki: The first 'Rana'
Situated in the lush, forested hills of Bhomat, Panarwa was established as a Solanki Rajput estate in 1478 AD by Akshayraj Solanki.
Akheyraj's great grandson Harpal Solanki sheltered Maharana Udai Singh at Panarwa after the siege of Chittor in 1567. It was Maharana Udaisingh who bestowed the title of 'Rana' to Harpal Solanki. In return to strengthen the relations further between Mewar and Panarwa, Rana Harpal Solanki's sister Ratan Kanwar Solankini was married to Maharana Udai Singh, the Founder of Udaipur. Since then, Bhomat’s Solankis formed an interface between Mewar’s Kshatriyas and Bhomat’s Bhils.
Rana Harpal's Sons: Duda & Nahar
Rana Harpal's second son Nahar Singh Solanki became the first sardar of Oghna, while his first son Duda inherited Panarwa. The Solankis of Oghna Jagir and its cadet villages are descendants are of Rana Harpal Solanki through his son Nahar Singh Solanki.
The elder son of Rana Harpal , Duda, became the Rana of Panarwa. Rana Duda's son was Punja Solanki
Rana Punja Solanki: Rajput Leader of the Bhils | Ally of Maharana Pratap | Defender of Bhomat
Rana Punja Solanki helped Maharana Pratap with his strong army of 200 Bhil archers & Rajput swordsmen from Bhomat at Haldighati and Dewair.
This marked closer ties between Panarwa's Solankis and the rulers of Mewar.
As the chieftain of Panarwa, Rana Punja governed a fiercely independent region. He was not just a warrior, but a protector of forests, traditions, and people. His leadership helped sustain tribal-Rajput alliances, preserve local autonomy, and foster a unique culture of grassroots resistance. His descendants continued to hold Panarwa as a jagir and remained active in Mewar’s politics well into the colonial and modern era.
The 19th Century: Maharana Fatehsinh's visit & Rana Arjunsingh Solanki
List of Villages branched-off from Panarwa
Ogna (Oghna), Umariya, Adivas, Gamri, Anjaroli, Adkoliya, Nayagaon, Hala, Atwal, Oda, Sankhla, Dobnewaj, Surmala, Buribada, Keetawaton ka Bas
These are the fifteen villages branched-off from Panarwa - and are inhabited by descendants of Akheyraj Solanki.
Source: Panarwa ka Solanki vansh, Devilal Paliwal, pg. 93
Rana Punja's Legacy and Relevance
Despite his central role in one of India’s most iconic battles, Rana Punja’s name has been largely erased from mainstream narratives — a reflection of how indigenous and non-elite Rajput figures have been marginalized in colonial and post-colonial historiography.
Through this foundation and website, we aim to:
- Restore his rightful place in history
- Promote research and awareness about his contributions
- Inspire future generations with his example of leadership, unity, and valor
Rana Punja Solanki’s story is not just history — it is a call to remember the strength that lies in unity, courage, and rootedness.
