Ganga Rathore of Marwar

Rao Ganga Ji Rathore (reigned 1515–1532) was a sixteenth century ruler of Marwar. He was the grandson of Suja. Rao Ganga was married to Utmade Sisodia, a daughter of Rana Sanga. Rao Ganga constructed the Gangelao talab in 1518 AD.[1]

Rao Ganga spent most of his reign in battles with his own clansmen and nobles. During his rule the Rathore nobles of Sojat and Merta became independent and Bikaner threatened the northern borders with claims on Marwar. The neighbouring Afghan Sultans of Nagaur and Jhalore were also regularly pillaging Marwar lands because of Marwars weak status. Ganga ended the hostilities between Mewar and Marwar by marrying Rana Sanga's daughter. He also defeated the joint forces of Bikaner and Nagaur and repelled an invasion from Jalore. However he failed to win his lost territories and was unable to quell the rebellions of his nobles. He did however assist Rana Sanga in several of his campaigns.[2]

Rao Ganga assisted Rana Sanga in his campaigns but did not personally lead the armies, he instead sent his sons to assist the Rana against the Sultans of India. This was due to the rivalry between the states of Marwar and Mewar. During the Battle of Khanwa the rao sent 3,000 Rathor Cavaliers under his son Maldeo Rathore.[3] The Rathor contingent along with the Sisodiyas and other Rajputs suffered heavy losses due to the betrayal by the Tomar king Silhadi [4]