Maldev was the eldest son of Rao Ganga of Rathore dynasty. Maldev was a freedom lover and ambitious ruler. Maldev extended the boundaries of the kingdom by diplomacy and victories. The period of Rao Maldev is called the “gallantry era” in the history of Marwar. He fought total 52 battles during his reign and also had hegemony over 58 small and big subdivisions (pargana). First of all, he won Bhadrajun and then acquired victories over Nagaur, Merta, Siwana, and Bikaner. Maldev built Sojat fort, Malkot fort (Merta) and Pokhran fort. Maldev died in 1562 AD. The Persian historians called him “Hashmat wala Shasak” (powerful).