The rulers of Karauli State belonged to the
Jadaun clan of Rajputs and claimed descent from the
Yaduvanshi lineage of the
Chandravanshi dynasty. The founder of the dynasty was Raja Vijay Pal who came from
Mathura and founded the fort of
Bayana in 1040. Vijay Pal also came into conflict with the
Ghaznavid tribes during his reign. Raja Timan Pal (r.1093-1159) was an early important ruler of the dynasty, who extended his domain by conquering the territories of modern-day Dang,
Alwar,
Bharatpur,
Dholpur,
Gurgaon,
Mathura,
Agra and
Gwalior. Raja Arjun Pal Dev founded the new capital called "Kalyanpuri" which over time got the current name of
Karauli in 1348. Sultan Mahmud Khilji of the
Malwa Sultanate invaded and captured Karauli in 1454 which led the kingdom into a decline. The rulers of Karauli shifted to Untagarh and ruled a small territory. During
Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign Raja Gopaldas of Karauli got back his ancestral capital of Karauli.
British era The state under the rule of Maharaja Sir Ganesh Pal Dev along with the neighbouring states of
Alwar,
Bharatpur, and
Dholpur acceded to the
Dominion of India on 4 August 1947 to form
Matsya Union. While being part of Matsya Union Karauli and others later merged with
Greater Rajasthan in 1949 and became part of the current state of
Rajasthan in the 1950s.. Dated 1784-5 CE Maharaja Madan Pal Dev was made a Grand Commander of the
Order of the Star of India. The salute of honour, to which the Chiefs of Karauli were entitled, was also enhanced from 15 to 17 in appreciation of the loyal services of Maharaja Madan Pal Dev, who was also decorated with a rich dress of honour. ==Rulers==