Bappa Rawal Biography: Founder of Mewar & Sisodia Dynasty 728-753 AD

Bappa Rawal Biography: The Founder of Mewar and the Sisodia Dynasty


From a temple boy to the king who built a 1200-year empire


Before Maharana Pratap, before Rana Sanga, before Chittorgarh became a legend — there was Bappa Rawal.


He wasn’t born in a palace. He was raised by priests. But he went on to found the Guhilot dynasty, capture Chittorgarh, and start a royal line that ruled Mewar for 12 centuries. 


This is the story of Bappa Rawal, the true architect of Mewar.


Bappa Rawal


Who Was Bappa Rawal?


Full Name: Kalbhoj / Kaladitya  

Popular Name: Bappa Rawal  

Born: 728 AD  

Died: 753 AD  

Reign: 728 AD to 753 AD  

Dynasty: Guhilot → Later known as Sisodia  

Title: Founder of Mewar, Dewan of Eklingji


He’s considered one of the greatest early Rajput rulers. Every Maharana of Udaipur today still calls himself a descendant of Bappa Rawal.


Early Life: Blessed by Eklingji


Bappa Rawal was born in 728 AD into a Guhilot Rajput family. 


Legends say he spent his childhood in Nagda and was raised by the priests of Eklingji Temple. It’s believed that Lord Eklingji himself blessed him and told him to take up kingship. 


Because of that divine connection, even today the rulers of Mewar call themselves the _“Diwans of Eklingji”_ instead of kings. The temple became the kuldevta of the entire Mewar royal family.


Rise to Power: Capturing Chittorgarh


At that time, Chittorgarh Fort was ruled by Raja Man Mori of the Mori dynasty. 


In 728 AD, a 25-year-old Bappa Rawal attacked and defeated him. With that one victory, he captured Chittorgarh and made Nagda his first capital.


But he didn’t stop there.


His major conquests:

- Vs Arab Invaders: He defeated Arab armies near Sindh and stopped their entry into India. This is mentioned in both Rajput folklore and some Persian records.

- Expansion: He pushed his kingdom into Malwa, Gujarat, and Marwar. 

- Empire Size: Legends claim his empire stretched across 36 lakh sq. km at its peak.


From a local chieftain to ruler of western India — that was Bappa’s rise.


Administration, Religion, and Culture


Bappa Rawal was a warrior, but he was also deeply religious and practical.


1. Religion: He protected and expanded the Eklingji Temple in Kailashpuri. It became the spiritual heart of Mewar.

2. Governance: He promoted justice, agriculture, and dharma. 

3. Culture: Under him, Nagda became a center of art, learning, and temple architecture.


He built the foundation — not just with swords, but with systems.


Death and Legacy: 1200 Years of Rule


Bappa Rawal ruled for about 25 years and died around 753 AD.


His descendants later shifted the capital to Chittorgarh and became known as the Sisodias. 


From his bloodline came:

- Rana Kumbha - builder of Kumbhalgarh

- Rana Sanga - the “Hindupat” who fought Babur  

- Maharana Pratap - who defied Akbar


That’s 3 of Rajasthan’s biggest names, all from one man’s lineage. Even today, the Mewar royal family traces itself directly back to him.


Conclusion: The Man Who Started It All


Bappa Rawal went from a boy in a temple to the founder of India’s longest-ruling dynasty.


His bravery gave Mewar Chittorgarh.  

His devotion gave Mewar Eklingji.  

His vision gave Mewar 1200 years of identity.


He didn’t just build a kingdom. He built a legacy that outlasted empires.