 Merta was once a prosperous kingdom of the brave Mertia Rathore Rajputs, the descendants of Rao Duda, Ruler of Merta (1495-1525 AD), fourth son of Rao Jodha, and grandfather of fabled saint Princess Mira Bai, daughter in law of Rana Sanga of Mewar.Later, out of jealousy, during the reign of Rao Veeramdev, Merta was attacked by Rao Maldeo Rathore of Jodhpur, the head of the Rathore clan.Thereafter, Viramdev established rule at Degana, Parbatsar and Ajmer respectively, but was dethroned again.