Origins & Foundation
Khilchipur was founded in 1544 by Dewan Ugra Sen, a member of the Khichi Rajputs, a branch of the Chauhan clan, after he migrated from their original seat at Gagraun. He received grants of territory from the Mughal Emperor, establishing the state’s capital at Khilchipur in present-day Rajgarh district.Booking.com+14Indian Rajputs+14Indianetzone+14
The princely state covered approximately 710 km² (273 sq mi) and had a population of around 31,143 in 1901.tirumishi.blogspot.com+3Indianetzone+3Wikipedia+3
Political Status
Under British rule, Khilchipur was part of the Bhopal Agency within the Central India Agency, enjoying internal autonomy under British suzerainty.Facebook+13Indianetzone+13Scribd+13 The state became a tributary to Gwalior (Scindia) after Raja Abhai Singh was compelled to submit around 1770–1771.Wikipedia+1phersu-atlas.com+1
Integration into Independent India
Following independence, the rulers acceded to the Union of India in 1947. The state was merged into Madhya Bharat in May 1948, and later became part of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 1956.newpakhistorian+5Indianetzone+5Scribd+5
👑 The Khichi Royal Lineage
Titles & Notable Rulers
Initially, rulers carried the title of Dewan. From c.1870 to 1928, the title Rao Bahadur was used, and later they adopted the title Raja.Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Major rulers include:
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Anup Singh II (1679–1715)
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Fateh Singh (1718–1738)
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Abhai Singh (c.1770 onwards)
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Durjan Sal Singh (1795–1868)
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Amar Singh, Bhawani Singh, Yashodar Singh (reigned 1942–1961)phersu-atlas.com+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Modern Descendant & Political Role
Priyavrat Singh (b. 1977), hailed from this royal lineage, currently resides in Khilchipur and has been active in politics:
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Served multiple terms as MLA for Khilchipur constituency (2003–2008, 2008–2013, and 2018–2023)
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Was appointed Energy Minister of Madhya Pradesh (Dec 2018 – Mar 2020)
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Known formally as Raja Rao Bahadur Priyavrat SinghScribd+13Wikipedia+13Facebook+13
📍 Khilchipur Today
Khilchipur is now a town and nagar panchayat in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, situated at an elevation of about 394 m. As of 2011, its population stood approximately 18,928, with Hindi as the official language. A notable local landmark is the Khilchipur Fort, located near the Gad Ganga river; it remains under the ownership of Priyavrat Singh.Alamy+14Wikipedia+14Scribd+14
📋 Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Founding | 1544 by Dewan Ugra Sen (Khichi Chauhan Rajput) |
Area & Population (1901) | ~710 km², ~31,143 people |
Ruling Titles | Dewan → Rao Bahadur → Raja |
Political Status | Princely state under British Bhopal Agency; tributary to Gwalior |
Integration with India | Acceded 1947 → merged into Madhya Bharat 1948 → Madhya Pradesh 1956 |
Modern Descendant | Priyavrat Singh – MLA and former Minister |
Town Today | Khilchipur town, with fort and landmarks maintained by royal descendants |