Bissau Thikana

The estate of Bissau was founded in 1746 and the estate of Surajgarh was founded in 1778, and after their amalgamation in 1919, together the Mamlaguzar Estate became the third largest Thikana in Jaipur after Sikar and Khetri.

Mamlaguzar was a Special Category created by Jaipur state for the most prominent families of Jaipur state. They paid upwards of Rs.30000 nazrana in state times to Jaipur state. Most were closest to the Maharaja and his family, others were the most prominent and possessed their own army and served directly under Mughals in Middle Ages. At present only 9 Mamlaguzar thikanas hold the gaddi in Jaipur Durbar (as compared to the earliar 16).

The Mamlaguzar thikana had special privileges in the Jaipur Durbar, including the Maharaja having to rise for the Mamlaguzar Sardars, they were allowed to wear all their ornaments and to carry their swords in the Jaipur Durbar. These privileges were not given to Tazimi thikanas who paid Nazrana of Rs.25000.

Bissau was encircled by high walls (Parkota) comprising of four gates (Pols), facing different directions, each having an iron door. Bissau has many smaller forts as well, which served the purpose of Outpost (Guard Posts). Bissau was noted for its well bred horses, camels and elephants as it was the strongest Hathiband Thikana in the Shekhawati Region.

Traditionally a coronation of a new ruler or the birth of a son to the Rawal Sahib or the marriage of a daughter was announced with a cannon salute. Bissau was entitled to 11 guns salute which was later reduced to 4 guns by the British as Bissau rulers allied with the french.

Bissau had a total cavalry of 2500 (with 120 horses, 20 elephants and 48 camels at Bissau Fort) and an infantry of 10,000 soldiers at all times. Bissau had the best artillery and cannons in Shekhawati and hence conquered and captured other Forts and Thikanas as well as their lands.

Each ruler printed his own stamps, whilst Bissau had its own Currency Notes and Coins. Bissau and Surajgarh both had their own Courts and Jails and had the right to imprison anyone found guilty in their region. Bissau had their right excise their own taxes.

The Bissau Royals wisely encouraged the settlement of traders from Jaipur within the new estate, and to set up shops for the trading families who settled here. Land and houses were allotted free of cost for residential and business purposes by the Rawal Saheb. Today, Bissau and Surajgarh are both considered to be one of the most attractive of Shekhawat Thikanas.