L .GONDAL
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 X 
 A 
 
 SHORT HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 G O N D A L. 
 
 BY 
 
 / 
 
 HARIKRISHNA. LALSHANKAR DAVE. 
 
 33 m b a p : 
 
 PRINTED AT THE 
 
 EDUCATION SOCIETY'S PRESS, BYCULLA. 
 
 1889. 
 Price i Ruuee 8 annas.
 
 Registered for Copyright under 
 Act XXV. ^71867.
 
 
 JTfte Mtmot^ of 
 BHA KUMBHOJI OR KUMBHOJI II., 
 
 A WARRIOR CHIEF, DISTINGUISHED 
 
 ALIKE FOR 
 
 VALOUR AND STATESMANSHIP, 
 
 WHO LAID THE FOUNDATION OF 
 
 GONDAL'S GREATNESS, 
 
 THIS 'SHORT HISTORY' IS 
 
 1 662097
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ♦ 
 
 |HE following pages were intended to form 
 the historical chapter of a ' Gondal Gazetteer,' 
 the completion of which had to be put off for 
 future convenience. In the meantime the 
 historical portion, such as it is, is placed before 
 the public. 
 
 The materials for the work have been drawn 
 from all available sources. This is the first 
 attempt of its kind to bring within so small a 
 compass a plain and connected narrative of the 
 Gondal dynasties, from their early establishment 
 to the present day, — a fact which will, perhaps,
 
 IV PREFACE. 
 
 sufficiently accounl for any imperfections or 
 inaccuracies that may inadvertently have 
 crept in. 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to remind the reader 
 that this little volume is not published ' under 
 authority,' and as such, the State of Gondal is 
 not responsible for any statement of fact, 
 opinion, or observation, herein contained. 
 
 I must express my grateful thanks to Mr. C. 
 Macnaghten, Principal of the Rajkot Rdjkumar 
 College, for very kindly looking over the manu- 
 script before it was sent to the press, and making 
 some valuable suggestions. 
 
 H. L. D. 
 
 Gondal, June, 1889.
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 7, line 10, for 'Raja' >-tffl<i ' Raju.' 
 
 Page 42, note, line 8, fo'' ' tiem ' read ' them.' 
 
 Page 77, line 18, far ' Jhdlivalu ' read ' Jhilivahu.' 
 
 Page 126, line 10, for '(St. 1925)' read '(St. 1926).' 
 
 Page 1 35, line 6, for ' 1S88 ' read ' 1878.' 
 
 Page 139, line ig, for '1882 (St. 1938)' read ' 1881 (St. 1937).' 
 
 Page 166*, Genealogical Tree, last line, /or ' Ninkawerbi' read' B!ikuverb6.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Pages 
 
 Early History i — 9 
 
 Kumbhoji 1 10 — 14 
 
 Sagramji 1 15 — 17 
 
 Hdloji i^ — 24 
 
 Kumbhoji II 25 — 58 
 
 Muluji 59 — 61 
 
 Ddjibhai " 6S— 80 
 
 Devobhdi 81— 89 
 
 Nathuji 90 — 95 
 
 Kanuji ,96 — 98 
 
 Motibhdi 99 — 104 
 
 Bh^n^bh^i 105 — 114 
 
 Sagramji II 115 — 127 
 
 British Management 128 — 144 
 
 Joint Administratiom 145 — 158 
 
 Bhagvat Sinh j ee 1 59 — 1 66 
 
 Appendices 167 — 202 
 
 Genealogical Tree 166*
 
 A Short History of Gondal. 
 
 EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 The history of the Gondal State affords an 
 illustration of what energy, tact and courage 
 may achieve in the way of building up a princi- 
 pality. The early history is wrapped in 
 obscurity. It may be assumed that this por- 
 tion of the province shared the fate of the rest, 
 and had, at different times, to pass under the 
 hands of different masters — the Yadavas, the 
 Bactrians, the Kshatraps, the Guptas, the 
 Vallabhis, the Valas, the Chuddsamas, the 
 Jethvds, the Mahomedans and the Vaghelds. 
 It must not be supposed that the State, as is at 
 present constituted, was ever in the hands of 
 one of these conquering dynasties. The frag-
 
 A Sliort History 
 
 ments of which Gondal is now composed were 
 owned by different masters. A great portion 
 of the country was sparsely inhabited. The 
 rest was a wilderness, more fit for wild beasts 
 than for human beings. The lands of which 
 this fine State is now composed have been 
 compacted together by a gradual process. This 
 was mainly effected by that branch of the 
 Jddejd, Rajputs who first settled in the land, 
 consolidated the conquered country, and brought 
 order out of confusion. The present ruler of 
 Gondal is a lineal descendant of these renowned 
 warriors, who trace their origin to the Jadavas, 
 and belong to the Lunar race of the Kshatriyas. 
 Their original abode was in Sindh, whence they 
 migrated to Cutch, w^here they established 
 themselves by arms. They derived their patro- 
 nymic of Jadeja from their ancestor Jam Jada, 
 who was the fourth in descent from the original 
 founder of their house in Cutch. Some autho-
 
 of Gondal. 3 
 
 rities trace this name Jadd to the Sindhi word 
 for twins, supposing that Jd,m Lakhaji and 
 Lakhdhirji were twins. Other derivations have 
 been suggested, but the one just given appears 
 to be the best. In St. 1506, Jam Hamirji, 
 ninth in descent from Raidhanji in the main 
 line, was treacherously murdered by Raval, 
 thirteenth descendant from the same stock by a 
 collateral branch. Raval ascended the throne. 
 Hamir's son Khengar, eager to avenge his 
 father's murder, went to Ahmedabad to seek 
 assistance from Mahomed Begdd, Viceroy of 
 Gujarat, who had married Kumabd,i, a sister of 
 Khengar. The Viceroy, pleased with the young 
 prince's prowess, not only granted his request 
 and lent him a large army^ but also conferred 
 on him the title of Rilo — which henceforth be- 
 came the distinctive appellation of the Chiefs 
 of Cutch. With this aid Khengar returned to 
 his native country to dispossess Rilval of his
 
 A Short History 
 
 ill-acquired gains. Rdval, seeing the odds 
 against him, thought it prudent to leave the 
 territory to its rightful owner, and set out to try 
 his fortune elsewhere. He crossed the Rail, 
 defeated the Jethwds, Kathis, Vddhels, and 
 other tribes, who opposed his march, and estab- 
 lished himself at the port of Nagnee, in the 
 neighbourhood of which he founded the city of 
 Navanagarin St. 1554. He gradually conquered 
 the country and called it Halar, in honour of his 
 tenth ancestor Jam H^la. In St. 1663 Jt4m 
 Satdji died. He had three sons — Ajaji, Jasaji, 
 and Vibhoji. Of these Ajaji had predeceased 
 him, having been killed in a battle near Dhrol. 
 But by the right of primogeniture his eldest 
 son Lakhdji was entitled to the throne. Jasdji, 
 however, set Lakhaji's claims aside, and took 
 the government into his own hands, assign- 
 ing the district of Kalavad to his younger 
 brother Vibhoji. Vibhoji was not satisfied
 
 of Gondal. 5 
 
 with the share assigned to him. The district 
 was a barren one, very thinly peopled ; and 
 the revenue from it was hardly sufficient to 
 maintain him and his family. So he repaired 
 to Sardhdr, the seat of a VYighela Chief, 
 his maternal uncle, who received him kindly, and 
 granted him the enjoyment of the revenue of 
 the village Chibhda. He built there a house 
 with eight rooms, which is still extant. Vibhoji 
 was at this time in the prime of youth, very hand- 
 some, strong, and exceedingly clever. Naturally 
 ambitious, his aspirations were too high to be 
 content with a humble and dependent position. 
 He gathered a trusty band around him, and 
 determined by fair means or by foul to acquire 
 for himself the Sardhar district. He had good 
 reason to hope for success. The Vdghelds, who 
 owned the country, were weak ; and they had 
 no suspicion of his intentions. Their predatory 
 habits had rendered them unpopular with the
 
 A Short History 
 
 neighbouring tribes, and had also greatly annoyed 
 the Mahomedan Government of Gujarat. The 
 lynx-eyed Vibhoji saw his opportunity, and 
 determined to take advantage of it. Accom- 
 panied by his followers he one day went to 
 Sardhar, under pretext of visiting his uncle. 
 In the dead of night he surprised the unsuspect- 
 ing Chief, put him and all his relations to death, 
 and possessed himself of the country. There 
 was apparently no resistance.^ The hold of 
 the Vd.ghelas on Sardhar was thus lost, as 
 it proved, for ever. But the usurpation 
 was not so easy as Vibhoji appears to have 
 expected. If the Ahmedabad Government 
 were not displeased by the destruction of a 
 House which had been a source of annoyance to 
 
 ^ Another version of the story is that he invited, to the 
 village of Chibhda, the Chief of SardhAr and his relations* 
 and put the whole of them to death during an entertainment 
 given in their honour.
 
 of Gondal. 7 
 
 them, they had not any special reason for 
 favouring Vibhoji's cause. They sent a detach- 
 ment of troops to estabhsh an Imperial Thdnjl 
 at Sardhar. This was a severe check to the 
 young prince. Nothing daunted, however, he 
 resolved to bide his time. Situated as he was, 
 he despaired of getting the necessary support 
 in the province itself. He set out, therefore, 
 with a following of one hundred horse and two 
 confidential friends, Raja Sindhi and Mulu 
 Langho, to seek for service in the imperial army 
 at Delhi. For three months he tried in vain to 
 obtain an interview with the Emperor Jehangir 
 Shah, who was mourning the recent death 
 of his young son, a handsome and talented 
 prince, on account of whose loss the Begam 
 was quite distracted with grief. One day, while 
 sitting in her balcony overlooking the Jamna, 
 she saw a youth, watering a horse, of high spirit, 
 in the river. This youth was Vibhoji. In his
 
 8 A Shoi't History 
 
 face, beauty and outward bearing he bore, she 
 thought, a striking resemblance to the dear son, 
 whose loss she deplored. She called her hus- 
 band and entreated him to summon the young 
 man to their presence in order that she might 
 delight her eyes with this image of her dead son. 
 The Emperor did as she desired, and Vibhoji, 
 thus introduced to the imperial presence, told 
 his story before the Emperor, who listened to it 
 with interest, and offered him a post in the 
 Zendna. In the course of time he became a 
 court favourite, 'and was able to obtain from the 
 
 '^ A story (of somewhat uncertain origin) relates that it 
 was his faithful and honourable discharge of the delicate 
 duties of custodian of the Zenana which, in spite of malevo- 
 lent detractors, so won the favour of the Emperor, that he was 
 bidden to ask a boon ; and he accordingly asked for Sardhar. 
 The Emperor granted him a Parwana returning to him the 
 Sardhar districts, and dismissed him with a dress of honour 
 to his native country. In recognition of the faithful services 
 rendered to him by Raju, he granted him a village, which 
 Raju named Raj kot after himself. This town subsequently 
 became the capital of the district.
 
 of GondaL 9 
 
 Emperor a Parwdnd, granting him the sole 
 possession of the Sardhar district. It was in 
 St. 1673 that Vibhoji thus realized the dream of 
 his life. He died in St. 1693 at the age of 48, 
 leaving behind him a son, Mehrttmanji, and two 
 grandsons — Sdhebji and Kumbhaji. Vibhoji 
 was the real founder of the Rajkot branch. His 
 descendants are called Vibhdnees.
 
 10 A Short History 
 
 KUMBHOJI I. 
 
 From his youth, Kumbhoji, younger of the 
 two grandsons of Vibhoji, was of a wild disposi- 
 tion. He had all the daring and love of adven- 
 ture of his grandfather. A jealous disaffection 
 had early arisen between him and his elder 
 brother, which was a source of great anxiety to 
 the father Mehramanji, who felt that it was very 
 unlikely that a younger son of Kumbhoji's dis- 
 position would allow his elder brother to ascend 
 ihegddz in peace. When he felt himself dying, 
 he called Sdhebji to his bed-side, and warned 
 him to be on his guard. " Kumbhoji," said he, 
 " is a daring and ambitious young man. He is 
 at variance with you. It is to be feared that he 
 will oust you and usurp the State. When I have 
 breathed my last, do not attend my funeral 
 rites, but remain in the town, excusing yourself 
 on the plea of illness. Shut the town-gates
 
 of Gondal. 11 
 
 against Kumbhoji when he returns from the 
 burning-ground." So saying Mehrdmanji 
 expired, and his last injunctions were obeyed. 
 Kumbhoji, finding himself unsupported, fled to 
 Junaghad to soHcit assistance from the Fouzdar 
 there, and thereby raised serious apprehensions 
 in the mind of Sahebji, who saw his utter 
 inabihty to try conclusions with the Jundghad 
 forces. Accordingly he betook himself to 
 Navdnagar, and entreated the Jam to espouse 
 his cause. The Jam felt no inclination to in- 
 volve himself in a useless quarrel with a great 
 State like Junaghad, but consented to befriend 
 Sahebji, should the latter agree to relinquish 
 all claims on his patrimonial possession of the 
 Kdlavad district. The agreement was entered 
 into, and thus Navdnagar adroitly got Kdlavad 
 back. Happily, however, this fraternal feud, 
 which might have grown to a sanguinary war- 
 fare, was averted by the friendly interference of
 
 12 A Short History 
 
 both Jundghad and Navdnagar. An amicable 
 settlement was arrived at. It was mutually 
 agreed that the district to the south of the 
 Sardhar dyke should belong to Kumbhoji, while 
 that to the north of the dyke should remain in 
 the possession of Sahebji (St. 1690). Accord- 
 ing to the terms of this compromise, Kumbhoji 
 acquired twenty villages — a far greater number 
 than is usually allotted to a cadet of a State. 
 He took up his abode at Ardoi, which was 
 at that time a flourishing village, owned by 
 a Kathi Girtisia, whose descendants still retain 
 their karain-bhdg, or fortune-share. He resided 
 here for twenty-one years. During this period 
 he was able to add seven villages to his patri- 
 mony by trenching upon his weak neighbours, 
 thus swelling the number of his villages to 
 twenty-seven. Gondal, which was then a small 
 village of three hundred or four hundred houses, 
 was occupied by him, but only temporarily, in
 
 of Gondal. 13 
 
 St. 1703. For the Governor of Jundghad, who 
 had recently arrived from Ahmeddb^d, on 
 hearing of Kumbhoji's insolence, despatched a 
 small body of 300 horse and foot to retake the 
 place. When the army approached the town- 
 gate, Kumbhoji is said to have hurled a heavy 
 stone from an upper window, which fell on the 
 head of the Commandant and crushed him to 
 death. But instead of being disheartened by 
 their leader's death, the assailants were only the 
 more determined to take the place. Kumbhoji, 
 seeing his inability to oppose the infuriated 
 soldiery, thought prudence the better part of 
 valour, and mounting his fleet charger fled by 
 a postern gate to Ardoi. There, after a year, 
 that is in St. 1705, he died at the early 
 age of thirty-one, leaving two sons — Sagrdmji 
 and Sdngaji. The latter separated, receiving 
 in inheritance six villages ; and established him- 
 self in Kotra as an independent Chief. The
 
 14 A Shori History 
 
 town is spoken of as Kotra S^ngdni to this day. 
 Kumbhoji may be called the founder of the 
 Gondal dynasty. He is known by the name of 
 Moto Kumbhoji^ or Kumbhoji Senior, to dis- 
 tinguish him from his illustrious great-grand- 
 son of the same name. Raghoji Vania was his 
 first minister.
 
 of Gondal. 15 
 
 SAGRAMJI I. 
 
 Sagramji I., who was born in St. 1690, 
 succeeded his father when he was only fifteen 
 years of age. He was a mighty Chieftain, and 
 knew how to make the most of every opportunity. 
 His prudence advanced with his years. His 
 main policy was to keep on good terms with the 
 Jundghad authorities. He paid constant visits 
 to Junaghad, and in time of need always offered 
 his services to the Governor. Taking advantage 
 of the weakness of some of his neighbours, he 
 soon added by his tact and prowess ten villages 
 to his father's states; and watched his opportu- 
 nity for further acquisitions. The times were 
 favourable to him. The district of Gondal, 
 which was then under the nominal control of 
 Jundghad, was constantly infested by the Kas- 
 b^tis, a marauding class of Mahomedans. The 
 authorities were too much occupied with their
 
 16 A Short History 
 
 own cares and anxieties to think of engaging 
 themselves in a guerilla warfare. They had 
 often to depend on the friendly assistance of 
 Sagramji, who was a terror to the freebooters, 
 and had so won the good will of the new Gover- 
 nor, that considering him to be a friend in need, 
 he made him a free grant of the Gondal district, 
 containing eighty-six villages, with the final 
 sanction of the Viceroy of Gujarat, Some of 
 these villages were mere waste land, others were 
 already in his possession, and a few were new. 
 The acquisition, however, was highly esteemed, 
 as it afforded valuable materials for the 
 construction of the chiefdom. Somewhere 
 about St. 1709 Sagramji changed his seat of 
 government from Ardoi to Gondal, and made it 
 his capital. The new place was then a small 
 and humble village of only a few huts and two 
 or three temples, notably one dedicated to 
 Gondld Nag '(serpent), to which, according to
 
 of Gondal. 17 
 
 popular theory, the town owes its name ; though, 
 perhaps, the more probable origin is from 
 Gomandal or ' herd of cows.' Cows abounded 
 there in consequence of the rich pasture of the 
 surrounding lands. Sagramji died in St. 1770, 
 at the age of eighty years. He had married 
 the daughter of a Jhala Rajput of Vaghasia, in 
 JhiUavdd, by whom he had four sons, namely — 
 Haloji, Nathuji, Hothiji and Bharoji. Haloj.i, 
 being the eldest, succeeded him, while the rest 
 received each an appanage of six villages.
 
 18 J Short Ilistury 
 
 HALOJI. 
 
 HalOJI continued the aggrandizing policy of 
 his predecessors. In this work his chief helper 
 was his eldest son Kumbhoji, who subsequently 
 figures in this history as the most distinguished 
 ruler that ever occupied the throne of Gondal. 
 Friendly relations were maintained with Juntl- 
 ghad rather with the desire of self-interest than 
 for any other reason. Junftghad, as it happened, 
 was much in need of a strong ally like Gondal. 
 Anarchy and corruption had subverted the 
 Moghul power. Every idea of political subordi- 
 nation was extinguished, and the empire was 
 divided into as many separate governments as 
 there were provinces. Anarchy was rife in 
 Sorath ; where, besides the other general causes 
 of disorder, a number of rival aristocracies gave 
 rise to perpetual tumults, jealousies and disorder.' 
 
 ^ Govt. Selec. No. XXXIX.
 
 of GondaL 10 
 
 The Viceroys and Governors of provinces made 
 their offices hereditary ; and set at naught the 
 imperial orders to relinquish them. The same 
 was done by Bahadur Khan in Junaghad, who 
 assumed the title of Nawab. At this time a Kas- 
 btiti Thakor, named Vasantrai Purabia, who had 
 acquired great influence during the former r6'^z;;z^, 
 and who maintained a large force, raised the 
 standard of revolt. His object was to take the 
 Nawab prisoner, and then to govern the country 
 in the name of the ambitious and intriguing 
 Sultan Bibi. The Nawdb, becoming aware of the 
 plot, and finding himself unable to restore order, 
 fled to Balasinor and thence to Ahmedd-bad, 
 leaving the administration of affairs in the hands 
 of his Divan, Dalpatram, a Nagar of Gujarat (St. 
 1803). Through the exertions of Dalpatram the 
 Purabia was driven from Junaghad. But he 
 occupied the stronghold of Uperkot, and increas- 
 ing the number of his followers, plundered the
 
 20 A Short History 
 
 surrounding country. All attempts to dislodge 
 him from his position were ineffective. At this 
 juncture Dalpatrdm found it expedient to ask 
 help of Haloji, who was only too ready for the 
 adventure. Me lost no time in raising a picked 
 force of 500 horse and foot, and marched 
 towards Junaghad, accompanied by his brave 
 son Kumbhoji, and his cousin of Riijpara. 
 Vasantnli, being apprised of his advent, imme- 
 diately despatched 250 men to oppose Haloji's 
 march. The two bands met on the river Lol. 
 In the skirmish that ensued, Vasantrai's men 
 were completely routed, several of them being 
 killed, and many more wounded. On the other 
 hand, Haloji lost a gallant soldier, Hardhol 
 Sumroji, a cadet of Dhrol, who had entered the 
 service of Gondal. After gaining this small 
 victory, an auspicious omen of future success, 
 Haloji and Kumbhoji arrived in Junaghad, and 
 there conferred with Divun Dalpatram. It was
 
 of GondiiL 21 
 
 resolved toattack Vasantrai's position that very 
 evening. V^asantrai saw his utter inabihty to 
 measure his strength with the combined forces 
 now arrayed against him. He lost heart, left 
 the fort in the night, and fleeing from the 
 country, was heard of no more. The expulsion 
 of Vasantrai went far to remove the prevalent 
 disorder, and Divan Dalpatnim, leaving the 
 town in charge of Haloji, hastened to Bdlasinor 
 to bring back Nawab Bahadur Khan. Kumbhoji 
 returned to Gondal with his men. The Nawab 
 was highly pleased to be freed from the fear of 
 his Purabiii foe, and to regain his own. The 
 Purabict had formerly enjoyed the revenues of 
 Dhoraji and four other villages, which were now 
 assigned to Haloji as a reward for his services 
 (St. 1804).' The Nawab also sanctioned the 
 
 ^ According to Tarikh-i-Sorath Dhoriiji was pledged to 
 Kumbhoji II. in St. 18 10 in consideration of money 
 advanced by him to Junaghad for the payment of arrears to 
 the Arabs.
 
 22 A Short History 
 
 fortification of Dhoraji by Heiloji, At the 
 request of Haloji the villages of Bhankh and 
 Arni were granted to Sumroji's children as 
 mdthdmd (head-gift), in consideration of his 
 death in the fight. After completing these 
 favourable agreements Haloji returned to Gon- 
 dal. He allowed his Rdjpara cousin to enjoy 
 the revenue of the village of Supedi on condi- 
 tion of his furnishing 50 horse when required. 
 The fortification of Dhoraji was commenced in 
 the month of Vaishak 1804, and was completed 
 in 1809. Haloji obtained about half-a-dozen 
 more villages from the Kdthis, Avars, and 
 Sindhis. The town of Bhdyd-vadar, w^hich at the 
 collapse of the Moghul empire fell into the hands 
 of the Desais, was acquired from Govindram 
 Des^i partly by threats and partly by force. The 
 Desdi, however, had certain rights confirmed to 
 him, which his descendants still enjoy. Three 
 or four villages under Bhdyavadar, which was
 
 of Go n da I, 23 
 
 then a small town, but is now a flourishing one, 
 were also acquired in a similar manner about 
 the same time. 
 
 In this period of tumult and confusion some 
 roving tribes of the Marrathiis, called by the 
 opprobious name of ganiins or gcirdis^ formed 
 no Insignificant item in the general disturbance. 
 Their bands wandered from one place to another 
 with the sole desire of plunder. They would fall 
 like locusts on a defenceless village, and take 
 away every thing they could lay hands on. One 
 of these gangs is said to have visited Gondal in 
 the time of Haloji. The whole town, except 
 a few Rdthods, was deserted at the sight of the 
 marauders. Haloji, with about two hundred 
 Rathods, took shelter in the Darbar, When 
 the plundering party approached the Darbar- 
 gate, Haloji is said to have killed the leader 
 with a projectile thrown by himself. In the 
 consternation that followed, the Rathods made
 
 24 yi Short History 
 
 short work of the robbers, few of whom escaped. 
 This deed is commemorated in a bardic couplet, 
 which says, — 
 
 King Hello kill'd the leader of the thousand, 
 No despot set his foot in Gondal afterwards. 
 
 Haloji was born in St. 1733, ascended the 
 throne in 1770, and died in 1809. He was mar- 
 ried to a Jhi'ila lady of Balaki, by whom he had 
 four sons and one daughter. Valji Kamalshi, 
 a Vania, was his kdniddr^ or Prime Minister, and 
 Ishvarji Booch, a Nagar of Junaghad, was his 
 chief clerk or Secretary.
 
 of Gondal. 25 
 
 KUMBHOJI II. 
 KUMBHOJI II., or Bhii Kumbhoji, as he Is 
 popularly called, succeeded his father at the 
 age of 41. He was the most daring and enter- 
 prising chief Gondal ever had. His friendship 
 and co-operation were courted by most of the 
 leading States of the province : and his name 
 was a terror to many. He had the heart of a 
 lion. He combined the qualities of a great 
 statesman and a brave soldier. Having been 
 his father's main assistant, he had missed no 
 opportunity of gaining military and political 
 experience. His chief desire was to expand his 
 possessions and to place his State on a sound and 
 durable basis. In this, perhaps, he followed an 
 old maxim by a Hindu sage, who says: — 
 
 Woe be to the Brahman who is discontented. 
 And to the king who is contented.^ 
 
 ^ The Sanskrit hemistich is as under : 
 Asantushta dvijTi nashtus, 
 Santushtas cha mahibhujas. 
 4
 
 26 A Short History 
 
 The means he employed to gain his end were 
 such as would do credit to any man of political 
 ability. He saw that the help of powerful 
 adherents was indispensable to the expansion 
 of his territory. He quickly enlisted in his 
 service several doughty Rajputs in whom the 
 spark of heroism was not yet extinct, and who 
 were known as much for their constancy as for 
 their skill in war. The introduction of a sort 
 of feudal system commended itself to his genius. 
 Instead of paying his warriors a salary, he made 
 them his vassals ; and allowed them the heredi- 
 tary right of enjoying the revenues of certain 
 villages, on condition of their rendering military 
 service whenever required. For instance, Jhdld, 
 Harisinghji, who was Kumbhoji's maternal 
 uncle, was granted the feu of the two villages 
 of Chordi and Gundalu, on condition of rendering 
 service with fifty horse. Bapji, a Sarvaiya Raj- 
 put, was allotted seven villages, and was bound
 
 of Gonial. 27 
 
 to supply sixty horse. Vagheld, Udesing and 
 Sarvaiya Bamanlojl were given heritages, each of 
 two villages, on their rendering military service 
 with twenty-five and sixty horse respectively. 
 In a similar manner the Ralzddas, Khimanis, 
 Hardhols, Vadhels, Sumrd,nls, Khanderlas, 
 and other Rajputs were enlisted into the service 
 of the State. It Is said that almost all the 
 chief divisions of the Rajputs were represented 
 at the court of Gondal, where their descendants 
 reside still. The Arabs In Kathld,war, like the 
 Rajputs, were a wandering race of soldiers, who 
 offered their services to the highest bidder, 
 Kumbhoji secured their good-will by providing 
 settled dwellings for their families at Dhoraji, 
 which was called the second Vildyat^ of the 
 Arabs. On a small scale Kumbhoji established 
 in Gondal an armoury, where coats of armour 
 and weapons were manufactured. 
 ^ Home.
 
 28 A Short History 
 
 The first act of Kumbhoji after his accession 
 was the completion of the forts of Gondal and 
 DhordjI, which were supphed with several pieces 
 of cannon. The prosperity of his State rapidly 
 Increased with the increased security. In a 
 short time Kumbhoji had added greatly to his 
 resources and power ; and the Importance and 
 credit of his State rose very high. 
 
 The subsequent history of Kumbhoji II. 
 is interwoven with that of Junaghad: for the 
 self-styled Nawabs, who in disregard of the 
 imperial authority, had set themselves up as 
 independent masters of the country they were 
 sent to govern, were only too glad to secure on 
 their side a powerful ally like Kumbhoji. 
 Kumbhoji, too, valued highly the friendship of 
 the Lords of Sorath, and was ever ready to 
 help them, not of course without some hope of 
 profit to himself. 
 
 In St. 1810 Nawab Bahadur Khan, being
 
 of Gondal. 29 
 
 deeply involved, was unable to pay the arrears 
 due to his Arab mercenaries. These took the 
 law into their own hands, imprisoned the Nawdb 
 in the Uperkot, and did not release him until 
 they were paid by Shaikh Mahomed Zabadein, 
 by means of a sum obtained from Kumbhoji 
 as the price of several villages in the Dhoraji 
 district. Kumbhoji was afterwards able to 
 acquire a few more villages in the same district, 
 and Dhoraji became the most thriving Pargana 
 of the State. 
 
 In St. 1818 the new Nawab Mahabat Khan fell 
 into great trouble. His own aunt, Bibi Sdhibd 
 Sultcina, conspired against him. Associating 
 with the Arab Jemadar Suliman and others, she 
 had the audacity to imprison Mahabat Khan in 
 the Uperkot, and to proclaim her grandson 
 Muzafar Khan as Naw'db. At this time the 
 Nawilb of Radhanpur, on hearing of the state 
 of anarchy in Junaghad, brought a large
 
 30 A Short History 
 
 army, under the pretence of liberating Mahd- 
 bat Khiln, but in reality to take him prisoner, 
 and place his own son Guzi-ud-dikhan on 
 the glidi. He attempted to seize the Uper- 
 kot and scale the walls by means of ladders, 
 but failed. He then withdrew about two 
 marches from Junaghad and halted, watching 
 events. At this crisis Kumbhoji ventured to 
 intervene and procure the Nawab's release from 
 captivity. Accordingly he repaired to Junflghad 
 with his trusty followers. By tact and modera- 
 tion he persuaded the Nawab of Rddhanpur to 
 retire. Mahdbat Khdn was liberated from 
 prison ; and Bibi Sultand was forced to withdraw 
 from Jundghad. The Nawab was once more 
 seated on the throne. But as he was destitute 
 of resources, Kumbhoji advanced him a sum of 
 2,^,000 jdmi koris,^ in consideration of which the 
 
 '^ A jdmi kori is something less than one-fourth of a 
 Rupee. One hundred silver koris equal Rs. 24-4-4. The
 
 of Gondal. 31 
 
 pargand of Upleta was assigned to him. This 
 district was then under the management of the 
 two brothers — Bhupatsingh and Bhdvansingh, 
 Solanki Rajputs, Afraid of being deprived of 
 their possessions, the two brothers appealed 
 for consideration, and begged for the means of 
 liveHhood. Kumbhoji, through his great in- 
 fluence with the Junaghad Durbar, got for them 
 the village of Baldgdm. A fort was then built 
 round Upletd, which was also adorned with a 
 palace on the bank of the river Moj, Some 
 twenty villages were added to the district of 
 Upleta, either by means of money, tact or force. 
 
 word is a corruption of Kuvari or ' princess.' Jam Sataji, 
 in St. 1625, coined a new silver piece, and put it in a bag 
 along with an imperial currency coin. He had the bag 
 presented to the Sultan Mazzivfar, with a note, in w-hich the 
 Jam stated that as the Rajputs gave their daughters in 
 marriage to the Sultan, so he (the Jam) felt honoured in 
 wedding his virgin coin with one of the imperial coins. The 
 Sultan was pleased with the jest, and gave the Jam permission 
 to coin the money, and ordered it to be called kuvari.
 
 32 A Short History 
 
 These belonged to K;ithis and other Girasias, 
 who were unable to resist Kumbhoji. 
 
 In St. 1824 certain events happened which 
 led Kumbhoji to make war preparations on an 
 unusually large scale against Navdnagar, During 
 the minority of the infant Jdm Jasoji, the affairs 
 of that State were entirely managed by Mehra- 
 man Khavas — a man of character and ability. 
 The rising importance of Kumbhoji had excited 
 the jealousy of Mehraman, for Kumbhoji was 
 only a distant cadet of the house of Navanagar, 
 and it was not meet that the satellite should out- 
 shine the sun. The same feeling existed in the 
 villages where the two States bordered on one 
 another. A small spark was sufficient to pro- 
 duce a large conflagration, and it so came to 
 pass that some Kolis of Umrali — a village be- 
 longing to Navanagar — broke a few castor-oil 
 twigs in a hedge of Trakuda ; under the jurisdic- 
 tion of Sarvaiya Fulji of Gondal. At any other
 
 of GondaL 33 
 
 time this little transgression would not have 
 attracted any notice. But in the spirit then 
 prevailing it was taken as a gross insult. 
 Accordingly Fulji, who, though very rash and 
 impetuous, was one of the trusted lieutenants of 
 Kumbhoji, went to Unirali to obtain satisfaction. 
 As no reparation was made by the villagers, he, 
 in a fit of anger, cut off the head of the Patel, 
 and in the tumult that ensued, men on both 
 sides were wounded. News was speedily carried 
 to Gondal and Naviinagar. At first Kumbhoji 
 was not disposed to quarrel with the ancestral 
 house, but Mehraman collected men at Kandorna, 
 and began to plunder Gondal villages. Then 
 Kumbhoji summoned his council of war, con- 
 sisting of Sarvaiya Biimanioji, Jhala Harisinghji, 
 Vd,ghela Udesinghji, Nagar V^sanji Booch and 
 others. It was resolved to prepare for an 
 invasion of Navanagar. At that time a large 
 Gaekwari force was coming to Saurashtra
 
 34 A Short History 
 
 to levy contributions, and Kumbhoji, with 
 his usual foresight, seized the opportunity to 
 engage their services by the payment of a 
 large sum of money. With this strong rein- 
 forcement, Kumbhoji marched on Navdnagar, 
 devastating Kandornd, on the way. Mehni- 
 man Khavds lost heart on finding: such a 
 combination against him. He was compelled 
 to shut himself up within his fort. But this did 
 not give him security. The heavy cannonade 
 of the invading army made several breaches in 
 the walls. At last the queen-mother sent a 
 piteous appeal to Kumbhoji on behalf of her 
 infant son, and entreated him to desist from 
 committing patricide, for the Jam, though a 
 child, was father to him. She further said that 
 the Jam could have no possible enmity with 
 Gondal ; on the contrary if he were old, the 
 bravery of the Gondal branch of his House 
 would have greatly rejoiced his heart. She
 
 of Gondal. 35 
 
 attributed the cause of the strife to the 
 self-willed Mehraman, who was obliged to sue 
 for peace and pay one lac of Rupees as 
 indemnity. 
 
 While the account with Navanarar was being 
 thus satisfactorily settled, a plot was being 
 formed against Kumbhoji in another quarter. 
 Some intriguing persons at the court of ] unilghad 
 had busied themselves in poisoning the ear of 
 the weak-minded Nawab Mahd'bat Khdn with all 
 sorts of insinuations against Kumbhoji. They 
 inflamed the Nawab's jealousy by stating that 
 Kumbhoji was battening on the spoils of Juna- 
 ghad — that, in the garb of a friend, he had 
 dispossessed the State of some of its richest 
 districts. 
 
 As time went on it happe-ncd that a drove 
 of cattle, belonging to a Dhoraji village, 
 was seized by the people of a village 
 belonging to jundghad. There was reason to
 
 36 A Short History 
 
 suspect that the act was done under instigation 
 of certain intriguers. The footprints of the 
 reavers were successfully traced, but instead of 
 their stolen property, the claimants got nothing 
 but insolent abuse from the offending village. 
 Kumbhoji, Rnding that peaceful means were of 
 no avail, had no other course but force of arms. 
 The intriguers at Junaghad wanted nothing 
 better. Both States prepared for war. The 
 armies met on the slope of Jalansar, a village 
 about seven miles from Dhoraji. A desperate 
 battle was fought. Kumbhoji's uncle Harisingh 
 fell or "was utilized" as the phrase went. The 
 conflict raged furiously. Happily Kumbhoji's 
 forces were reinforced by contingents brought 
 from Vini \Mhi of Jetpur, and Jamal Mer, who 
 came to his aid. And he thus, with his usual 
 good fortune, won a decisive victory over the 
 Nawiib's army, which fled in confusion with 
 heavy loss.
 
 of Gondal. 37 
 
 This happened in the St. year 1828 according 
 to a local couplet : 
 
 In ciglitcen hundred twenty-eight, 
 
 The Javan^ raised his head ; 
 On Jal'nsar's slope his army great, 
 
 Was crush'd by Kumbo dread. 
 
 Jaguji Sarvaiyii is said to have fought very 
 bravely in the battle. He was a stout and 
 stalwart warrior, and is credited with the feat 
 of pulling down the Nawab's tent single-handed. 
 The tent was brought to Gondal as a trophy 
 of the war, and is still preserved as a_ heirloom 
 by the Sarvaiya family. 
 
 Friendly relations were again established 
 
 with Junaghad. As a matter of policy Kum- 
 
 bhoji spent a portion of each year in the 
 Nawab's capital, as much for the purpose of 
 
 making his influence felt, as of frustrating any 
 
 further designs of the jealous (*ourtiers against 
 
 him. At this period Amarji Divan, famous both 
 
 ^ A foreigner, a IMusahnan.
 
 38 A Short History 
 
 for his political wisdom and martial spirit, was 
 coming into prominence. His aim was to place 
 the Government of Junaghad on a firm and solid 
 basis. Kumbhoji had a natural dread of such a 
 man who, he feared, would not let him enjoy in 
 peace the ceded districts of Dhoniji andUpleta. 
 He accordingly persuaded the Nawub to get rid 
 of the aspiring Diviin, lest the latter might usurp 
 the crown. The Nawab acquiesced in the 
 proposal, and left the matter to Kumbhoji's 
 management. Kumbhoji called to his aid a 
 Maratha army which had encamped in the 
 neighbourhood, and resolved to attack Amarji 
 at INIiila Samdi. But finding the Divan's posi- 
 tion too strong, he thought it prudent to abandon 
 his attempt (St. 1S27). 
 
 The district of Sarsai was owned by two 
 Kathi families — Selarkas and Harsulktis — both 
 sharing the property equally. They had fallen 
 into great poverty, and the Selarkas were con-
 
 oj Gondal. 39 
 
 strained to sell their moiety of the iapd^ to 
 Kurnbhoji for a fixed sum of money (St. 1835), 
 and in like manner the Harsulkas had to assign 
 their share to Junaghad. In about St. 1838 
 Kurnbhoji obtained the Jundghad share in pay- 
 ment of his loan of 300,000 koris. Thus he got the 
 whole property. Most part of it was moor-land. 
 He personally went there and laid the boundary 
 marks. Assurances were given to the Kiithis that 
 they would not be molested in any way if they 
 would themselves keep the peace. Hcwasable 
 to settle half-a-dozen waste //;;//5'a^and make them 
 flourishing villages. After placing a manager 
 of his own there, he returned to Gondal. On his 
 way home he acquired, from the Bdbl of Bdntva, 
 the villages of Charakdi, Palidar, Vekdi, Trdkudd, 
 Daiya and Ransheki. These had been mortgaged 
 to Kurnbhoji for a loan of money, on the distinct 
 condition that should the mortgagor fail to repay 
 ^ A territorial division.
 
 40 A Short History 
 
 the borrowed amount within a certain period, he 
 must forfeit all claim to the said villages, which 
 would lapse to Gondal. The Babi made default, 
 and was compelled to pay the forfeit. Some say 
 that, just after the expiration of the period, the 
 Babi's agents came to Gondal to pay the money, 
 and that Kumbhoji managed to secure both the 
 monc}' and the villages. There is, however, no 
 documentary evidence to support this statement. 
 In St. 1830 Mangrol was ruled by Shekh Mia, 
 a very ambitious and powerful man. He carried 
 on his depredations unchecked, and was a terror 
 throughout the land. He made a night attack on 
 Navi Bunder, belonging to the Rilnaof Porban- 
 dar, on the same day on which Sonba, the new 
 bride of Rana Sultanji, and a dear cousin of 
 Kumbhoji, came to her husband's house for the 
 first time. The palace ladies twitted Sonba, half 
 jestingly, half seriously, attributing the loss of 
 the port to her inauspicious advent. The innocent
 
 of Gondal. 41 
 
 lady took the matter sorely to heart, and some 
 time after, managed, under some pretext, to 
 return to her father's house. She saw Kumbhoji 
 in Gondal, and entreated him to free her from 
 the false imputation by restoring Navi to her 
 husband. Kumbhoji promised to send her back 
 with the port of Navi as his customary departure- 
 present to her. So saying he made the necessary 
 preparation for the march, and set out with his 
 men to the rescue. As Shekh Mid was in 
 Mangrol then, Kumbhoji determined to attack 
 the lion in his den. A desperate fight took 
 place on the outskirts of the town, lasting for 
 three hours. Shekh Mid was forced to yield. 
 He said : '•' I don't want that which is wanted by 
 my uncle' Kumbhoji." He then issued orders 
 to raise the Thdnd from Navi, and treated Kum- 
 bhoji very hospitably. Kumbhoji havingobtained 
 from Shekh Mid a written assurance that he 
 
 * A word of endearment applied to elderly persons. 
 6
 
 4)2 A Short History 
 
 would no longer disturb Navi, went home, called 
 his cousin Sonb^ from Kotrd, and handing over to 
 her the written assurance, dismissed her to Por- 
 bandar with other presents of clothes and jewels. 
 That was indeed a proud day for Sonbd. The 
 feat is celebrated in the following bardic verse : 
 
 As the lord of the tusker was caught by the whale/ 
 
 And set free by the valour of Krishna divine ; 
 
 So Shekh Mia held Navi fast in his grip, 
 
 And who, save bold Kumbha, could free it from him ? 
 
 * The allusion is taken from a Puranik episode in the 
 Mahdbharat. Once upon a time Haha and Huhu, two 
 divine Minstrels, inflated with too high an opinion of their 
 musical acquirements, asked Lord Indra to say which of 
 them was superior in his profession. Indra said both were 
 equally skilful. Not satisfied with this answer they insisted 
 upon having a more decided judgment. Indra referred 
 hem to a saint named Deval. They went to him and put 
 the same question. The saint kept silent, whereupon they 
 insolently denounced him as a most unfit and incompetent 
 judge. The saint, in anger, pronounced a curse on them, 
 saying they would fall upon the earth, and live the lives of 
 an elephant and an alligator respectively. This came to pass. 
 On a summer day, the elephant resorted to a large and beau- 
 tiful lake near Mount Meru to quench his thirst, but only to
 
 of Gondal. 43 
 
 The year St. 1836 was a year of famine. Its 
 disastrous consequences were averted from the 
 Gondal territory by the timely precautions 
 taken by Kumbhoji, who freely distributed a 
 a large quantity of stored-up grain among his 
 people. But, as usually happens in times of 
 scarcity, the country was infested by robbers 
 and desperadoes of every description. The most 
 dangerous man of this class was a Sindhi of 
 Devdd, named Maluk Mia, whose moral code 
 contained only one section — 
 
 "The good old rule, the simple plan, 
 That those may take who have the power, 
 And those may keep who can," 
 
 be caught by his old rival, the alligator. A life and death 
 struggle ensued, one trying to go ashore, the other to draw 
 his victim into deeper water. The contest lasted for a long 
 time. At last the elephant, almost overpowered, offered a 
 sincere and devout prayer to Lord Krishna, who, on hearing 
 his agonising invocation, ran to his rescue and fr-eed him 
 from the alligator. Out of mercy for the accursed creatures 
 Krishna also liberated them from the imprecation, and sent 
 them back to the abode whence they had fallen,
 
 44 A Sho7i History 
 
 In combination with a clever Koli named 
 Sagrdm, this man collected a large following, 
 several thousands strong, and committed havoc 
 all over the country. He plundered some 
 villages of Junaghad, and commenced to do the 
 same in the Gondal lands. Kumbhoji wrote 
 him a note, politely inviting him to desist, if he 
 did not wish to incur the enmity of the Gondal 
 sovereign. Far from producing the desired 
 effect, the note rather added fuel to the fire. 
 Maluk Mid sent back an insolent reply in 
 Sindhi to the following effect 2 
 
 Who can defeat me ? Who will like to die ? 
 Mothers begetting heroes are extinct ; 
 Before thou darest to face me, Kumbha bold, 
 Acquaint thyself with the strength of Devda's Hold.^ 
 
 Kumbhoji lost no time in making common 
 
 ^ The Sindhi runs thus : 
 
 Bati pali sune jhala jati bagi sis bom 
 Duja kon bhaji vanjhe mare kula dol ? 
 Ma mui mudseji bio ko sflmo mande 
 Kumbho ke niydr juv^n Devddjo kot.
 
 of Gondal. 45 
 
 cause with Junaghad to put the robber down. 
 Taking all his Rajput generals with him he 
 marched on Devda. He was joined by Divan 
 Govindji with his forces from Kutitina. The 
 place was impregnable through the thick forest 
 that surrounded it, and the natural defences 
 secured it from all attack from without. But 
 Kumbhoji had provided himself with a number of 
 wood-cutters, who cut a way through to the fort. 
 The Sindhis remained on the defensive. The 
 fort was besieged and cannonaded, the garrison 
 fled, and the place was occupied by the officers 
 of the Junaghad Government. The Naw^b paid 
 a well-merited tribute of praise to Kumbhoji, 
 and as a reward for his services, agreed to with- 
 draw even the nominal interference of the Jund- 
 ghad authorities in the management of Supedi, 
 Ganod, and a few other villages, which from this 
 date, remained under the exclusive control of 
 Gondal. Kumbhoji, in spite of his success, did
 
 46 A Short Ilhtory 
 
 not lose sight of the fact that he had created a 
 troublesome enemy in the person of the out-law, 
 Maluk Mia. He procured for him favorable 
 terms from Jundghad, and thus conciliated him. 
 
 Kumbhoji, brave and astute himself, felt the 
 importance of vi^eakening the power of Divan 
 Amarji. As two blades cannot be lodged in one 
 scabbard, so two shrewd and ambitious men, 
 like Amarji and Kumbhoji, could not guide the 
 counsels of the young Nawdb Hamad Khdn. 
 The one must exclude the other. Accordingly, 
 Kumbhoji, in conjunction with Mehrdman 
 Khavas of Navdnagar and Rana Sultdnji of 
 Porbandar, invaded the district of Kutiand, and 
 plundered several villages. Amarji promptly 
 opposed him, but was repulsed and forced to 
 retire to Junaghad. After dismantling the fort of 
 Devddjthe combined forces dispersed (St. 1838^ 
 
 In St. 1839 war threatened to break out 
 between Navanagar and Porbandar. The bone of
 
 of Gondal. 4f 
 
 contention was a long slip of marshy ground on 
 the confines of Bhitali and Raval. Mehrdman 
 Khavas commanded the Navanagar forces. 
 Kumbhoji encamped with his men in the neigh- 
 bourhood, to prevent any damage being done to 
 any of his villages in the Dhorjiji district. Amarji 
 with his men was also near at hand to watch 
 the Jundghad interests Amarji's aid was secretly 
 applied for by Mehraman. If that were given, 
 Kumbhoji had determined to co-operate with 
 Porbandar, not only because the Rand was 
 related to him, but because he w^ould thereby 
 have a chance of humbling Amarji. But happily, 
 by the mutual consent of the parties, the dispute 
 was submitted to the arbitrament of Maluk 
 Midhan, a nobleman of Navd,nagar. The 
 decision was given in favour of Porbandar — a 
 decision which Mehrdman was compelled to 
 accept through the intervention of Amarji. 
 
 In St. 1840 Divdn Amarji fell a victim to court
 
 4)S A Short History 
 
 intrigue, and was assassinated on the eve of the 
 HoH. Divdn Ranchhodji, son of Divan Amarji, 
 insinuates in his ' Tarikh-i-Sorath' that Nawab 
 Hamad Khiin was incited by Kumbhoji to 
 commit the foul deed. This assumption is 
 perhaps based on the fact that there was enmity 
 between the two rivals. There might, however, 
 be other reasons, on which Amarjl's son would 
 prefer to be silent. Colonel Alexander Walker, in 
 his report to Government, says in 1808 A.D. : 
 " The authority which Amarji exercised at his 
 discretion became uneasy to the Naw^db'; and 
 as he advanced in years, he became more desirous 
 of removing the Divan from the administration 
 of affairs. Amarji is said to have exercised his 
 authority with arrogance, and sometimes with- 
 out much respect for the person and capacity 
 of the Nawdb." Further on he says — '' The 
 Nawab, however, prepared for the destruction 
 of his Divdn with a want of sensibility and
 
 of GondaL 49 
 
 duplicity of which his subsequent conduct has 
 afforded many proofs. The instigation of 
 Amarji's enemies who were numerous and 
 possessed of rank and power in the country 
 would produce their influence on the Nawab, but 
 the natural distrust, jealousy, and avarice of his 
 disposition furnished probably the strongest 
 incitements. The secret and dishonorable mode 
 by which the Nawab perpetrated the murder of 
 Amarji appears to have been his own contri- 
 vance." The general belief is that a zend,nd, 
 intrigue was the main cause of the murder. 
 
 In St. 1844 the R^nd, of Porbandar took 
 possession of Veraval. The Nawdb applied to 
 Kumbhoji for aid, and re-conquered Veraval. In 
 return for this service Kumbhoji obtained a 
 wTitten deed from the Nawd,b granting him in 
 perpetuity Gondal and Jetalsar, Meli and 
 Majethi, Ldth and Bhimord,, as well as the dis- 
 trict of Sarsai and Chdmpardd, in consideration
 
 50 A Short History 
 
 of the sum of three lacs of Jdmshdi koris 
 which he had lent the Nawdb in St. 1830, and 
 which the Nawdb was unable to repay him. 
 
 In the same year was annexed the village of 
 Jetalsar, which was then a small place, but has 
 now come into prominence as an important 
 Railway junction. As it was a convenient 
 halting place, Kumbhoji thought it expedient 
 to have a wall built round it. 
 
 Kumbhoji next turned his thoughts to the 
 acquisition of Jetpur, which lay in his way from 
 Gondal to Dhoraji. The town was the capital 
 of a powerful Kdthi chief named Vero Vdlo, 
 whose fighting capacity was considerable. 
 Kumbhoji, therefore, proposed to carry out his 
 object by enlisting the co-operation of Nava- 
 nagar and the Gaekwar forces. But before he 
 could put his plan into execution, he departed 
 this life at the age of 78, after a glorious reign 
 of 37 years. He was a great man and deserves
 
 of GondaL 51 
 
 to be remembered. His ambition and courage 
 were only equalled by his administrative abilities. 
 He divided his possessions into four Mahdls 
 (now six), each Mahiil being placed under a 
 manager. He kept a strict watch over these 
 managers, that they might not practise any 
 oppression. He visited his districts frequently, 
 and personally removed any local grievances. 
 Once while he was making a circuit in the 
 Dhoraji district, he met a Vaghri woman with her 
 small stock of chattels on her head, going out 
 from one of his villages. He asked her where 
 she was going with her goods. In reply she said 
 she had been expelled from her village for a 
 slight offence by the Patel. Kumbhoji sent her 
 back, and himself following her, reproved the 
 Patel who had so harshly treated a woman 
 because she sold b^val tooth-brushes, adding 
 that, although of a humble position, she was 
 useful in her way, and formed a connecting
 
 52 A Short History 
 
 link in the little world of the village commu- 
 nity. 
 
 His solicitude for the welfare of all classes, 
 and of the cultivating classes in particular, 
 was proverbial. One afternoon, while sitting 
 in his verandah, the farmers of Movaiya 
 brought him the State share of the field-pro- 
 duce in a string of bullock carts. Among these 
 was a poor Khedu with his small consignment 
 drawn by a very lean pair of bullocks. Kum- 
 bhoji seeing him, asked how his animals were 
 in such an emaciated condition. The honest 
 fellow pleaded poverty. Kumbhoji told him not 
 to bring in his share unless he was able to pro- 
 vide himself with a strong pair of oxen like his 
 neighbours. The remedy was so efficacious 
 that the same man, after three years, more than 
 compensated for the remissions granted him. 
 
 Kumbhoji's simplicity of character is best 
 illustrated by a story currently reported in the
 
 of GondaL 63 
 
 province. One morning early, while returning 
 from his usual constitutional, he met a culti- 
 vator trying in vain to extricate the wheels of 
 his heavily laden cart, which had stuck deep in 
 the mud. On coming near, he was asked in a 
 very familiar manner by the cultivator, who did 
 not know to whom he was speaking, to help him 
 in the business. Kumbhoji, without the least 
 hesitation, rendered him the assistance asked 
 for, and with a Herculean effort got the cart out 
 of the mire. He then asked the man whither 
 he was going with bag and baggage. The 
 reply was that he was removing himself from 
 Kumbhoji's territory, and going to live in the 
 jurisdiction of a neighbouring chief, as one of the 
 Gondal officers was very extortionate. Kumbhoji 
 calmly said : " You may go where you please ; 
 but I hope when next your wheels get deep in 
 the mud, your new master will be as ready and 
 willing to put his shoulders to the wheels as I
 
 54 A Short History 
 
 have done." The cultivator at once recognised 
 the person who was thus addressing him, was 
 ashamed of himself, and apologised for his 
 rashness. He returned home to find his 
 complaint remedied. 
 
 Kumbhojl II. was the most distinguished man 
 of his time In Kdthlawar. Contemporary with 
 him lived four very powerful personages, viz., 
 Amarji, Divdn of Junaghad, Mehraman Khavas 
 of Navanagar, Thakore Sdheb VakhatsingjI of 
 Bhdvnagar, and Vazier Futteh Mahomed of 
 Cutch. But Kumbhojl surpassed them all In 
 courage and statecraft. Some of the places 
 where he halted In his campaigns still bear his 
 name. The great bastion at Patvad is called 
 " Kumbha Kotho ;" the huge fig tree near 
 Sarsdl Is known by the name of " Kumbha 
 Vad." The hillock of the Karl Dhari In the 
 midst of the GIr bears the name of " Kumbha 
 Kotno dungar;" the two sdj ad ixQQS near the
 
 of Gondal. 55 
 
 — — — — . ■ _ — ^ — 
 
 Heran are called " Kumbhand, sdjad." At 
 these places people to this day offer vows in the 
 name of Kumbhoji. 
 
 Kumbhoji left a rich inheritance to his 
 successors. But for his exploits the State 
 would not have risen to the position in the 
 province which it now holds. He conquered 
 the country, and had the genius to give his 
 conquests a sound and permanent basis. He 
 used to hold regular durbars, and the pomp 
 and magnificence of his court were, perhaps 
 unsurpassed. Caparisoned horses and elephants 
 formed part of the pageant, and Rajput nobles 
 of various classes, attending as his vassals, 
 added to the splendour of his court. 
 
 He was of short stature, but of iron frame. 
 His face was pitted with small-pox, and could 
 not be called handsome. But determination 
 was stamped on it. He had a great deal of 
 humour, and was fond of indulging it. In his
 
 5G A Short History 
 
 early days on one occasion he was marching on 
 a petty expedition in company with his friend 
 Jddejd, Sumroji, a brave and handsome youth, 
 who, as has already been stated,^ fell in the 
 battle of L61. In conformity with an old cus- 
 tom, a number of Charan girls assembled 
 near a village in order to wish God-speed to 
 the Prince by putting on his forehead the 
 auspicious red mark. Not, however, recognising 
 the prince, they asked Kumbhoji himself where 
 he was. Kumbhoji pointed his finger at his 
 friend Sumroji, who was in another vehicle, and 
 who was thereupon surrounded by the bevy of 
 damsels. He strongly protested he was not 
 the person they wanted, and asked Kumbhoji 
 why he was pleased to make him (Sumroji) the 
 subject of a practical joke. Kumbhoji, in reply, 
 said : " The pretty girls will wish us better 
 luck if they are presented with a handsomer 
 
 ^ Vide a>ile, p. 20.
 
 of Gondal. 57 
 
 face than mine to put the tilak upon." Sum- 
 roji's appropriate rejoinder was : 
 
 A good/ac^, Kumbha, seldom counts for aught 
 As much as good luck which doth prosper well.^ 
 
 Kumbhoji married two wives. One was 
 
 Ndniba, daughter of the Raizada of Saroder, by 
 
 whom he had a son named Sagramji ; the other 
 
 was Jhahvalu, daughter of a Bhayad of Limdi, 
 
 by whom he had a son named Mokaji, who was 
 
 given the villages of Luniviydr, Analgadh and 
 
 Sidhdvadar in appanage. Sagramji, the elder 
 
 of the two, had died in St. 1836 at the age of 
 
 forty-eight during his father's lifetime, leaving 
 
 four sons, viz., Malubha, Devobhai, and 
 
 Hathibhdi by Fulibti ; and Bhavobh^ by Motibd,, 
 
 of the JhaM family, Kumbhoji's sister Kunkdbdi 
 
 was married to Raj Sdheb Bhavoji of Vd,nkdner, 
 
 but owing to some difference of a trifling nature 
 
 * The original runs as under : 
 
 Potun ^nchhe pova, Rane rup ghanan, 
 Nur nasib tana, kapan mota KumbhdA. 
 8
 
 58 A Short History 
 
 she is said to have returned to Gondal, where 
 she spent the rest of her days in piety and 
 devotion.
 
 of Gondal. 59 
 
 MULUJI. 
 
 KuMBHOji II. was succeeded on the gddi 
 by his grandson Muluji. Muluji was born in 
 St. i8i I, so that he was in his thirty-fifth year 
 when he assumed the reins of government. He 
 was a very weak prince, and entirely under the 
 influence of one V^ghela Veroji, of Bandhia. 
 Veroji was a vicious character ; and, being the 
 de facto ruler of Gondal, he carried on secret 
 intrigues with Junaghad. The hope of pecuniary 
 advantage to himself treacherously prompted 
 him to think of restoring Dhoraji to Jund- 
 ghad. But happily the evil designs failed. 
 Some loyally disposed persons conveyed to 
 prince Dajibhdi, second son of the ruling chief, 
 information of Veroji's perfidious machinations. 
 The prince took Mehtd Vasanji into his con- 
 fidence and resolved to take immediate action 
 without waiting to inform his father, who, it was
 
 60 A Short History 
 
 feared, would not act with vii^our against the 
 plans of his favourite. While Muluji was 
 sleeping off the effects of a heavy indulgence 
 in liquor — to which he was addicted — Devoji 
 and Vasanji, collecting a few sturdy men, quietly 
 started for Dhoraji, where they arrived soon 
 after midnight. Veroji was securely sleeping 
 in his house. He was taken unawares, and in 
 the resistance which was offered, one Karanji 
 Rajput lost his life. Viroji managed to leap 
 upon his bare-backed horse and fled for his life 
 to Kandornd. He was never able to re-appear 
 in Gondal, and thus a potent instrument of 
 mischief was got rid of. The next day the Chief 
 was obliged to approve of his son's action, 
 when conclusive proofs of the faithless inten- 
 tions of his favourite were placed before him. 
 
 In the year St. 1847 ^^^ country was visited 
 by a severe famine. The sufferings of the people 
 were very great. Many people died, cattle
 
 of Gondal. Gl 
 
 perished, and a few villages fell out of cultiva- 
 tion. The famine is known by the name of the 
 " Sudtala" famine or the famine of the year '47. 
 The distress was universal. Comparatively 
 speaking, its effects were less felt by the people 
 of the Gondal State than elsewhere, for the 
 Chief distributed freely among his people the 
 large quantity of grain stored up in the Durbar. 
 In St. 1848 Muluji died after an uneventful 
 reign of two years. He had married two wives, 
 of whom one was Ajiba, daughter of Thakore 
 Akherit,] of Bhavnagar. His other wife was 
 Adiba, daughter of the Raizada of Chorwad. 
 By this lady he had two sons Bapjiand Diijibhai. 
 The former was a dumb cripple who did not 
 survive his father, and so the gddi passed on to 
 Dajibhtti alias Sangaji.
 
 62 A Short History 
 
 DAJIBHAI. 
 
 Dajibhai was born in St, 1832. Accordingly 
 
 he was only sixteen years of age when he 
 
 succeeded his father. In St. 1849 .the politics 
 
 of Junaghad were again disturbed. " Nawdb 
 
 Hamad Khan, with his wonted duplicity and 
 
 treachery, had plundered the Ndgarvdda or that 
 
 part of the town occupied by the habitations of 
 
 the Nilgar Brahman caste. The Nagars were 
 
 seized, and seals were put upon their houses 
 
 and property. Amarji Divan's sons w^ere kept 
 
 in confinement, and the Nawab thus forfeited 
 
 the good-will of niany of his subjects. The 
 
 troops w^ere disaffected, for their pay was in 
 
 arrears. The Nawd,b's exchequer was unable 
 
 to meet their demands and they had recourse 
 
 to the usual expedient of enforcing them 
 
 by acts of violence."' The brave Kdthis of 
 
 Jetpur took advantage of the confusion, and 
 
 ^ Colonel Walker's Report.
 
 of Gondal. 63 
 
 began to encroach on several Jundghad villages. 
 Thus embarrassed, the Nawab applied to the 
 Chief of Gondal for help. Dtijibhai deputed 
 Mehta Vdsanji^ — a very shrewd and intelligent 
 officer, — to the Nawab's court. Through the 
 Interposition of this man, Amarji's sons obtained 
 their freedom, and their movable property 
 was transferred to Dhoraji where they resolved 
 to reside ; the two or three lacs of koris realized 
 by the N^garvadd plunder were employed in 
 paying off the arrears due to the troops, and the 
 Jetpur Kdthis were warned not to transgress 
 their limits, lest they should incur the displea- 
 sure of the Nawab, for, in such a contingency, 
 it was hinted, Gondal would certainly side with 
 Jumlghad. The warning had the desired effect. 
 It so far intimidated the Kdthis that they desisted 
 from further encroachments. Vdsanji's labours 
 in this connection were rewarded by the gift of 
 the village of Khumbhalia belonging to J unaghad.
 
 64 A Short History 
 
 The increased popularity of this man had created 
 him many enemies, who were eager for his 
 downfall. The chief among them was Sheth 
 Prago, the Kamddr, w^ho w^ith the assistance of 
 Rftni Adibfi, so far succeeded in his designs, 
 that Vd,sanji, taking offence, went to Navdnagar, 
 where he received a respectable appointment 
 (St. 1852). 
 
 Some time after the foregoing event, Meru 
 Khavas, the celebrated Minister of Navanagar, 
 made a secret resolve to take by assault Rajpar^, 
 a village belonging to a Jivaidar of Gondal, 
 who openly harboured thieves and criminals 
 from the Jdm Saheb's territory. All the re- 
 presentations of Navanagar were treated with 
 contempt by the Jivaidar, a very headstrong and 
 violent Rajput. Before leading the invasion 
 Meru was anxious to know whether Gondal 
 would make common cause with Rdjpara, and, 
 if it did, whether under its youthful ruler, it was
 
 of Goiidal. 65 
 
 strong enough to oppose Navdnagar. So when 
 his camp was at Metl, he sent a respectful 
 invitation to Dajibhai to meet him. Ddjibhdi 
 complied with the request, and proceeded there 
 accompanied by Sheth Prago, Bamaniojl, Hathi 
 Hada, and other Rajputs with five hundred 
 horse. He was received with the honour due 
 to his rank. After some desultory conversa- 
 tion, Meru, in a paternal tone, administered 
 some mild rebuke to Dajibhai for Lis intem- 
 perate habits and inattention to his Stat-e affairs. 
 The lion-hearted Kumbhoji being dead, what 
 would he, an inexperienced youth, do should 
 a neighbouring State attack him and ease him 
 of his possessions ? There was a temporary 
 silence, and as no answer was forthcoming to 
 a question so cunningly put, Vasanji's indigna- 
 tion — for he was present — knew no bounds, 
 and he at once replied that the resources of 
 Gondal were quite sufficient to repulse an
 
 66 A Short History 
 
 invasion, and that Dajlbhai, though young, was 
 
 a young lion, and would so exhibit himself 
 when opportunity offered. The loyalty and 
 patriotism of the speaker elicited the admiration 
 of his hearers. Ddijibhal was so much gratified 
 at the ready and appropriate answer, that he 
 persuaded V^sanjI to accompany him back to 
 Gondal. 
 
 Meru determined to carry out his Intention. 
 He lost no time in raising an expeditionary 
 force, which he placed under the command 
 of Khanbhd,I Sheto, a nobleman of courage 
 and influence in Navdnagar. Gondal was not 
 unprepared for these measures of active hostility 
 on the part of Meru. A picked body of horse 
 and foot was fully equipped. The enthusiasm 
 of the men was beyond description. Even the 
 ladies of the court offered to part with their 
 anklets and nose-rings if needed. The force 
 was well supplemented by a band of recruits
 
 of Gondal. 67 
 
 from Upletd. Besides the flower of Rajput 
 braves, It included Jamal Khdn Balooch with 
 his one hundred fire-eaters, Mehta Vasanji, and 
 one Chhatrasing, a Hddil Rajput of Mdrwdd, 
 who was there by accident. He had come to 
 that part of the country with a view to visiting 
 the shrine of Dwdrkd,. While returning from 
 the holy pilgrimage he was suddenly taken ill 
 at Gondal. During his illness particular care 
 and attention were shown him by Jamal KhsCn; 
 so, when he recovered, he volunteered to fight on 
 his friend Jamdl Khdn's side. The two armies 
 met at Jamvdli, a village in the possession 
 of Navdnagar. The first assault of the enemies' 
 forces was too strong for the Gondal army, 
 and the latter had to beat a temporary retreat. 
 But after a short time they rallied. Chhatri- 
 slng's mare could not stand fire. So he let her 
 go, and continued the fight on foot. Being an 
 excellent shot he turned to his friend, the
 
 68 A Short History 
 
 Balooch, and asked him to point out any man 
 in the enemy's ranks whom he would Hke to see 
 killed. Jamal Khdn pointed his finger at Khan- 
 bhai, the leader: and the next instant a bullet 
 from Chhatrd;sing's gun laid the general dead. 
 This event created a panic in the Nav^nagar 
 ranks, and changed the fortune of the day. The 
 followers of Meru fled in confusion, and Gondal 
 won the battle. When the victorious army 
 returned to Gondal, the joy and exultation of 
 the people were boundless. Chhatrasing met 
 with a perfect ovation. He was offered an 
 honorable post in the State, which he declined, 
 as he wished to return to his native country. He 
 was not permitted to go, however, before he had 
 been loaded with valuable gifts. 
 
 About six months after this event Dajibhai, 
 with his men, made an attack on Kaliivad, a 
 Navdnagar village, and, after razing it to the 
 ground, brought the beams of its chord (village
 
 of GondaU 69 
 
 forum) to Movalyd, as a trophy. This was 
 adding insult to injury; and Meru, by way of 
 retaliation, determined to plunder Dhorilji. 
 With this view he sent Pathu Thakkar with 
 seven hundred horse and three hundred foot to 
 execute his design. Dajibhai, having secret 
 news of his intention, at once despatched a 
 strong contingent to thwart it. After a tough 
 skirmish, which took place on the bank of the 
 river Bhadar, the invaders had eventually to fly 
 and take shelter in the fort of Kandorna 
 (St. 1854). 
 
 Meru Khavds carried on these incursions in 
 the name of his young master, Jam Jasaji, 
 whom he held at the time in subjection to him- 
 self. But as the Jam advanced in years he 
 became impatient of the watch kept over him, 
 and in a moment of indignation appealed to the 
 other Jddejd, Chiefs to rescue him from his 
 inexorable warder. In response to the invitation
 
 70 A Short History 
 
 of their Chief, Dajibhai of Gondal, Ranmalji of 
 Khirasr^ Mehramanji of Rajkot, and Modji 
 of Dhrol, formed themselves into a confederacy. 
 They also called to their aid Vazeir Fateh 
 Mahomed of Cutch. This man had played the 
 same part in Cutch during the Rao's minority 
 as Meru had played in Navanagar. Though 
 illiterate, he possessed great personal strength, 
 tact, and courage : and he exercised unchecked 
 influence in the administration. He was waiting 
 for an opportunity of this kind, for he bore 
 an old grudge against Navdnagar, which had 
 wrested Jodid and Khambhalia from the Cutch 
 authority. 
 
 Bhavan Khavds, Meru's brother, on hearing 
 this, hastened with his army to oppose Fateh 
 Mahomed's march, but the latter, passing him by 
 a flank movement, encamped his army in the 
 plain of Pardhari. Here he was soon joined by the 
 other confederates. Bhavdn Khavds followed
 
 of Gondal. 71 
 
 him with Div^n Ranchhodji, Raghnilthji, Pashu 
 Thakkar, Maluk Mithan and others. In the 
 encounter the Navanagar army suffered defeat, 
 but the poor Jam got no release from his thral- 
 dom till Meru's death in St. 1856. The Cutch 
 hirelings were paid according to contract, and 
 Fateh Mahomed returned to his country, plun- 
 dering Vaddlu and other villages of Navanagar, 
 that came in his way. A peace was concluded 
 with Navdnagar, which has never since been 
 disturbed ; and the Jam has considered the 
 Chief of Gondal to be his sincere and faithful 
 kinsman. 
 
 In administrative affairs Diljibhai was more 
 or less guided by his uncle, Devobhdi, who 
 afterwards succeeded him. But this was dis- 
 liked by Vdgheli Vahu, Dajibhjli's consort, a 
 clever and accomplished lady, who by her 
 graces and unsurpassed beauty had captivated 
 the heart of her husband. She prevailed on him
 
 A Short History 
 
 to remove Devobhai from the court; and he was 
 constrained, much against his will, to ask his 
 uncle to go to the villages assigned to him. 
 Devobhdi, however, preferred going to seek an 
 honourable living at Nav^Cnagar. He, therefore, 
 started with his family for the capital of the 
 Jam, accompanied by his friend Nathuji Vilghel^ 
 and about twenty followers. A part of his 
 journey lay through a jungle, where he had to 
 halt in the shade one afternoon to give rest and 
 fodder to his horses and bullocks. While he was 
 chatting and smoking his pipe, a Gaekwari force 
 under Fateh Sing Mahanij ' was returning by the 
 way from Navanagar after a mulukgiri expe- 
 dition. The greater part of the cavalcade had 
 marched past him in an irregular order, when a 
 panic arose in the rear. For a huge tiger had 
 suddenly issued from his place of concealment 
 
 ^ Fateh Sing- II.
 
 of Gondii L 73 
 
 and pounced upon one of the kotal^ horses. The 
 savage beast was of an extraordinary size, and 
 furious with hunger. Alarm and confusion 
 prevailed in Fateh Sing's followers, when the 
 quick sense of Devobhai prompted him to grasp 
 his opportunity. He lost no time in arming 
 himself and mounting his horse with a view to 
 exhibit his skill and valour to the sovereign of 
 Gujardt and Kathidwar, and he was supported 
 in this resolution by his companion Nathuji 
 Vaghela. After providing for the safety of the 
 ladies, these two hastened to the place where 
 the Maharaja's elephant was standing. Devo- 
 l:)hili's bearing and handsome countenance, made 
 more impressive by his upturned whiskers, soon 
 attracted the notice of the Gaekwar, to whom he 
 was introduced by his comrade. Devobhai then 
 proferred his services, and craved permission to 
 slay the tiger. Fateh Sing said he would slay it 
 
 * Caparisoned horses led in a procession witiiout riders. 
 10
 
 74 A Short History 
 
 himself, rather than needlessly jeopardise the 
 life of a noble-looking man like Devobhai. 
 The latter simply replied, — 
 
 When water and milk are boiled together, 
 Water boils first and then the other. 
 
 Why should the master trouble himself as 
 long as he had servants to do his bidding. 
 Having obtained the permission of the Mahd- 
 rdja, he made a short prayer to his tutelary 
 goddess Ashapuri, or ' hope-fulfiller,' and quickly 
 proceeded in the direction of the tiger, which was 
 still rending his victim. The beast, on seeing 
 him approach, made a tremendous bound, and 
 was crouching for another spring, when Devo- 
 bhtti, preserving his presence of mind, hurled 
 his javelin with such force that it entered the 
 animal's brain and laid him dead on the 
 ground. The feat, performed with the quick- 
 ness of lightning, was witnessed by the Maha- 
 rfijd, who, in admiration of ic, alighted from
 
 oj Gomial. 75 
 
 his elephant, patted Devobhai on the back, 
 and put his own emerald necklace round 
 his neck. On being asked whither he was 
 going, Devobhai gave a detailed account of 
 the object of his mission to Navdnagar, and 
 declined the tempting offer of an appointment 
 at Amreli, or Baroda. When the Maharaja 
 pressed him to ask a favour, he requested that, 
 as the jumrna of Gondal due to the Gaekwar 
 was very high, it might be remitted.' This was 
 accordingly done. With this addition to his 
 fame Devobhai reached Navdnajjar. The Jam 
 Sdheb cordially embraced him, and said this 
 brave exploit, performed by a Judeja. was only 
 second to that of Rao Khengar before Maho- 
 med Begda.- The district of Kaliivad was 
 
 ^ It is said that Devobhili had been assured by an 
 astrologer that he was evcnlually to succeed to the Gondal 
 gadi, and that relying on this pretliclion, he asked for the 
 remission of tribute. 
 
 ^ Vide page 3.
 
 "i^) A Short History 
 
 assigned to him for maintenance (St. i<^55). 
 
 In St. 1856 the Gondal forces nearly came 
 into collision with the Jetpur troops through the 
 indiscretion of the Vilnia Manager, Shumji of 
 Dhoniji. It so happened that Vtilera Vald of 
 Vaghdnia, an influential Kdthi Chieftain, made 
 a halt with three hundred horse at Kerala 
 after having plundered some villages belonging 
 to Navanagar. The manager of Dhoraji taking 
 him for an enemy, surprised him with four 
 hundred horse. In the encounter that followed, 
 the Chieftain was killed. All the Kathis were 
 wildly indignant at this act of treachery, as they 
 called it ; for hitherto they had been on the 
 most friendly terms with Gondal. They una- 
 nimously resolved to make war on Gondal and 
 to humiliate Daji/^az'. Dajibhai was greatly 
 incensed on hearing the feminine epithet bcii 
 (woman) applied to himself, and gave vent to 
 his feelings by ordering an immediate expedi-
 
 of Gondal. 17- 
 
 tion a^^ainst Jetpur. Accordingly, Viisanji col- 
 lected 3,000 Arab mercenaries, 2,500 horse, 
 and 10 guns, and marched on Dhari-Gundali, 
 though the season was very unfavourable. While 
 preparations were being made for an assault, 
 Dajibhili breathed his last in Gondal, at the 
 early age of thirty-four. 
 
 Dajibhai was a patron of letters, and was 
 especially fond of poetry. He was a contem- 
 porary of Mehri'inianjl II. of Rajkot, the author 
 of " Pravin Siigar." He entertained at his 
 court Dullabhnim, a good poet, and son of Kavi 
 Jasuram, the celebrated author of " Rajniti" or 
 rules of politics. This Dullabhriim dedicated 
 to Dajibhili a work called " Buddhi prak;ish," 
 and composed some verses in his honour. 
 
 Dajibhai married three wives, namely, Chu- 
 vanvahu, of Vuosavey ; Jhalivalu, of Saela ; and 
 Jethvivahu, of Porbunder. He had no issue by 
 any of them. Under the circumstances Devobhui
 
 78 A Short History 
 
 had the right to the gjldi. But VagheHvahu, 
 being naturally loth to be under one whom 
 she had been instrumental in sending into exile, 
 conspired with Adiba, Kuru Sheth, Govindji 
 Maharaj, and others, and declared that she was 
 expecting her confinement. She further took 
 care to take into her confidence Sarvaiya 
 Hathi Hddo, with his two hundred followers, who 
 all promised to help her cause, and oppose by 
 force Devobhai's succession. The tidings of 
 Dajibhai's death, and of the subsequent zenana 
 intrigues were conveyed to Vansanji at Dhari 
 while he was arranging to storm the town. On 
 hearing the news he stopped the operations, and 
 obtained assurances from his Arab levies that 
 they would obey Jiis orders only and those of no- 
 body else. Taking one thousand with him, and 
 instructing the rest to follow, he reached Gondal 
 by forced marches. His first act was to place 
 a guard of one hundred Arabs at each of the
 
 of Goudal. 79 
 
 six gates of the town, and another also at the 
 palace gate. Accompanied by three hundred 
 Arabs with lighted matchlocks, Vtisanji entered 
 the gate and made the conventional show of 
 condolence by w^eeping aloud. Devobhai had 
 preceded him by a few hours, but was shown no 
 respect by the assembled Sarvaiyiis. Vasanji 
 then left two hundred Arabs with instructions to 
 guard the person of Devobhdi at all risk, and 
 with one hundred men went upstairs to express 
 similar mourning to Adiba, the senior lady in 
 the family. This intriguing lady informed him 
 that none could occupy the gadi, as Vagheli- 
 vahu was in the family way. Vasanji replied 
 that the gadi could not remain unoccupied, and 
 that should a male child be born, Devobhai 
 would gladly rear and protect him, and abdicate 
 the throne in his favour when he came of age. 
 This clever answer foiled the old lady ; and taking 
 her silence for consent, VjCsanji came down and
 
 80 A S/iorl Ilisloij 
 
 informed the Rajputs that it was Adlba's wish 
 that Devobhai should take in hand the reins of 
 government, and on the birth of a direct heir to 
 Dajibhili, act as regent during the child's 
 minority. The Sarvaiyas began to murmur, but 
 could not raise a finger in the presence of so 
 superior a force. Devobhai was then seated on 
 the gadi, and the old mace- bearer Jamal 
 proclaimed the event in the usual form. The 
 Sarvaiyas, ashamed of their cowardice, returned 
 home sullen and downcast, and lost for ever the 
 influence they had hitherto exercised in the 
 administration of the State. A strict watch 
 was kept on the zenanii. It was at last 
 confessed that the pregnancy was a fraud. The 
 fact was corroborated by several respectable 
 Rajput ladies, and so Devobhai's succession 
 remained undisputed.
 
 of GondaL. ^ 81 
 
 DEVOBHAI alias DEVAJI. 
 
 Devaji was forty-three years of age when he 
 assumed charge of the State. He soon fell 
 under the influence of bad companions. He 
 was very much under the power of his old 
 companion Nathuji, a crafty and ambitious man, 
 who had no mind to act a subordinate part. 
 All his endeavours were directed towards 
 diminishing the importance of Vasanji ; and in 
 this he was chiefly assisted by Karbbari Kuru 
 Sheth and others ; but Devobhdi was very 
 loth to take any serious step against one 
 to whom he owed so much, so the combina- 
 tion could not do any open harm to Vasanji 
 beyond the forfeiture of certain rights in 
 his village. On the other hand, as Vilsanji 
 was a man of political training, his services 
 were in requisition on all occasions of peace 
 
 and war. 
 11
 
 82 A Short History 
 
 In St. i858Bdbaji, accompanied by Desaibhdi 
 and Rangildas Trikamdas, entered Kdthiawar on 
 a mulukgirl expedition. This meant plunder 
 and devastation carried on in the open country 
 by the Gaekwari forces for the purpose of 
 collecting arrears of tribute. The greatest 
 damage was done to the standing crops ; 
 defenceless villages were burnt ; and the demands 
 of the Collector were too heavy for poor states 
 to satisfy. The very word mulukgiri was a 
 by-word of horror and execration both to men 
 and women. ^ Its depredations could only be 
 avoided by deputing an authorized person of 
 respectability to meet the Maratha army on the 
 boundaries and settle the account. Accordingly, 
 when Bdbdji's expedition approached the limits 
 of the Gondal State, Vasanji was despatched 
 with two hundred horse and one hundred 
 foot to settle arrears. Vasanji's work was 
 
 ^ Baroda Gazetteer.
 
 of Gondal. 83 
 
 greatly assisted by the valuable help of his 
 relative Rangildas, and his mastery of figures 
 and general adroitness shown on the occasion 
 made a very pleasing impression on Biibaji, who 
 henceforth treated him as a trusted favourite. 
 
 It has been stated before that the villag^e of 
 Kevadrii was given over to Kumbhoji II. by its 
 impecunious owners, the Raizadas. From that 
 time it had been placed under the management 
 of an officer from Gondal. In St. 1863 Rdizada 
 Kakd,bhai of Mavdnd, being instigated by the 
 manager of Kesod — a Nagar of the Zdld 
 family — to throw off the yoke of Gondal and 
 assert his right to the ancestral property, 
 proceeded to Kevadra with a few men on an 
 October night, killed the w^atchmen, and, 
 expelling the officer, made himself masti-r of the 
 place. No sooner did Devaji hear the news 
 than he resolved not to let the effrontery of the 
 aggressor go unpunished. He mustered 1,500
 
 84 A Short History 
 
 horse and i,ooo foot of his own, and engaged 
 i,ooo Arabs of Junughad on temporary service. 
 Deviiji led the force in person. His son, 
 Nathubhiii, accompanied him as far as 
 Chhatriisd ; but as his marriage was at hand, he 
 was told to go back. A halt was purposely 
 made at Kesod, as the manager of this place 
 had been the prime instigator of the whole 
 affair. After plundering the town, the army 
 proceeded to Mavand, where Kakabhai had kept 
 one hundred men for its protection. An attack 
 was made ; several lives on both sides were lost ; 
 and the garrison, overpowered by numbers, was 
 at last compelled to flee, leaving the town to 
 the invaders. Thence the army marched on 
 Kevadra, their ultimate goal. Kakdbhdi was 
 ready to meet them with his 1,500 men. Two 
 hundred men, with a piece of ordnance, were 
 stationed at each of the four quarters of the 
 town, he himself remaining within the palace-wall
 
 of Gondal. 85 
 
 with five hundred picked soldiers. Next day at 
 about 8 a, m. Deviiji, encouraged by some aus- 
 picious signs, gave orders for an immediate 
 assault. In spite of musket and cannon shot 
 the Gondal army made a desperate rush, put 
 many of their opponents to the sword, and took 
 possession of the jingals. The men fled in all 
 directions in great confusion. On entering the 
 town, the invaders were received with a volley 
 from the muskets of Kakabhai's men. Shots 
 having been exchanged, Devobhai's men at last 
 succeeded in making a breach in the wall. The 
 garrison, despairing of success, fled by another 
 way, and the town surrendered. The garrison 
 had not even time to partake of their morning 
 meal of khichri, of which there was ready a 
 large quantity just taken from the fire. This 
 was of course consumed by the victorious men 
 of Gondal — Fortune favours the strong. 
 Devobhdi left an officer with a sufficient guard
 
 86 A Short History 
 
 at the place and returned to Dhoraji, plundering 
 the town of Chandigal-handld on his way. 
 
 In the same year the double marriage of 
 Nathubhai with Jijiba of Bharada, and Keshaba, 
 daughter of a Vadhel ginisid,, was celebrated 
 with great pomp and magnificence. Jam Jasoji 
 of Navanagar, Bhaiji bava of Cutch, and the 
 chiefs and representatives of almost all the 
 States of the prov^ince were invited on the 
 occasion. The guests were very sumptuously 
 treated. There was no limit to the lavish 
 expenditure ; and the event is remembered in 
 Kathiawar even to this day. 
 
 Babaji's mulukgiri expedition has been 
 referred to above. x\t that time Rajkot and 
 Kotda being straitened for money, had to borrow 
 from Devoji on the security of certain villages. 
 
 In St. 1865, one Gopalji, a district manager, 
 conceived the design of supplanting the chief 
 minister, and leagued himself with a Jain priest,
 
 of Gondal. 87 
 
 named Dosaji, a reputed professor of the black 
 art. He induced him to practise sorcery on 
 Devoji in order to make him subservient to his 
 own designs. News of this attempt, however, 
 soon reached the ear of Devoji, who, like the 
 majority of the people, was an honest believer 
 in the terrible efficacy of magic. He at once 
 proceeded to Dhoraji, the scene of action, 
 caught hold of the Puj,' and beat him till he 
 confessed his plot. Thereupon he and one of 
 his disciples were placed at the cannon's 
 mouth and blown away. Gopalji fled and took 
 refuge in the Vaishnava temple of Vrijdhishji 
 Maharaj. The temple was besieged. The 
 poor man's life was spared on payment of the 
 immense fine of twelve laks of koris ! It is 
 strange to note that Ldlji, a brother of the man 
 thus mulcted so heavily, was soon afterwards 
 appointed manager of the Dhoraji district! 
 ^ Jain Priest.
 
 88 A Short History 
 
 In St. 1867 Vdsanji was appointed chief 
 minister in place of Kuru Sheth ; but he had 
 soon to resign on account of the under-hand 
 tactics of Nathuji Vaghelo. 
 
 Devaji died after a reign of twelve years. 
 He was a brave prince. At the instance of 
 Colonel Alexander Walker, then Political Agent 
 of Kathiawar, Devaji was the first to discourage 
 the practice of infanticide, at that time common 
 among the Jadejds. The Jadejas, not finding 
 suitable husbands for their daughters, or lacking 
 means for their marriage expenses, were in the 
 habit of putting their new-born girls to death. 
 The British Government desired to put a stop 
 to this unnatural practice, and Devobhai set an 
 honourable example, introducing the reform in 
 his own State. His lead has since been followed 
 by others, and now the inhuman and wicked 
 custom is entirely abolished. Devobhai had 
 married two wives, viz., Kdsiba, daughter of the
 
 of Gondal. 89 
 
 Jhdla chief of B^l^la, and Baijiba, of Dhrdgadhrd. 
 The former had no issue, while the latter 
 had four sons — Nathuji, Kanuji, Motibhdi, and 
 Bhand/bh^i, all of whom mounted the gadi. 
 
 12
 
 90 A Short History 
 
 NATHUJI. 
 
 Nathubhai's reign was short and void of 
 any remarkable event. When Vasanji resigned 
 the Kdmddrship, Nathuji, instead of appointing 
 a successor, carried on the administration 
 himself. In the duties of correspondence he 
 availed himself of the assistance of Kiinji 
 Viinia and Jaganndth Nagar. 
 
 The year St 1869 was one of extreme 
 scarcity : many people and animals died ; no 
 revenue was collected ; the stores of juvdr in 
 the Darbdr w^ere brought into requisition, and 
 were doled out to the needy at a moderate 
 rate. The State ran into debt to the amount of 
 eighty thousand koris. 
 
 Taking advantage of the hard times, the 
 Kdthis of Jetpur, with their bold predatory 
 instincts, resolved to plunder Gondal and thus
 
 of Gondal. .01 
 
 avenge the death of their comrade Valerai 
 Vald, who had been treacherously slain by 
 Shamji, manager of Dhoniji, a few years 
 before. The band was led by Ranig Villa, 
 brother of Valerd, Vala, in person, ably assisted 
 by Hado Khuman, Niijo Khachar of 
 Bhimora, Rup Jemadar, Laving Jemadar, and 
 others. They bivouacked at the village of 
 Movaiya, situated in the vicinity of Gondal. 
 Timely information having reached Nathubhai, 
 he at once made the necessary preparations. 
 It was a fortunate circumstance that a force 
 strong enough for defensive and offensive 
 operations could be raised at a short notice. 
 The principal combatants in the Gondal ranks 
 were Amaroji Sarvaiya, Kaloji Jhala, and several 
 Khumiini and Raizada Rajputs. The Gondal 
 army, underrating the enemy's strength, made 
 
 ^ Vide anlc p. 76.
 
 92 A Short History 
 
 the first attack, but were driven back with loss. 
 Consternation pervaded their ranks when Kaloji 
 Jhdld, came forward and said that, as he had 
 determined to die, he would undertake to break 
 through the enemy and with his own hand 
 slay Hado Khumdn, the most formidable of 
 their foes. 
 
 With eighteen followers, as desperate as 
 himself, he rushed upon the enemy. Ranig 
 VdU's men, hardly understanding what this 
 handful of men meant to do, were astounded by 
 Kaloji's sudden onset. He pierced their 
 phalanx like a cannon shot, and, although 
 desperately wounded, made his way direct for 
 Kado. 
 
 The latter, reading his death-warrant in 
 the eyes of Kaloji, fled as fast as he could. 
 A hot chase followed, and when they came to 
 close quarters, Kaloji, making a desperate 
 sword-cut, wounded Hddo's horse in the
 
 of Gondal. 93 
 
 haunches, and the rider fell heavily on a jujube 
 hedge. Kaloji, too, fell exhausted on the 
 ground. The Kathls soon came up and were 
 about to kill him, when Hddo Khuman bade 
 them stand back. Laving Jemadar advancing 
 to seize his sword, paid dearly for his rashness, 
 as a cut from the half-conscious warrior 
 severed the Jemadar's head from his body. 
 This last exploit of the dying warrior 
 astonished the whole Kathi force beyond 
 measure. 
 
 Hd,do Khuman, In admiration of his gallant 
 opponent, put opium juice into his mouth in 
 token of friendship, and performed his funeral 
 rites with due honours. His eighteen comrades 
 all fell with him fighting against hopeless 
 odds, but not before they had killed sixty-five 
 of the enemy. The slaughter committed by 
 this small band induced the Kilthis to retire 
 from the struggle. The whole honour of the
 
 94 A Short History 
 
 day rests on Kaloji, whose performance is 
 
 referred to in the following bardic stanza : 
 Rudra awaited the head of Kalio 
 At the age of twenty twice ; 
 But KaHo promptly offers it 
 At thirty-five and dies.^ 
 Light will be thrown on the above couplet by 
 
 an anecdote currently related of Kaloji. On 
 
 one occasion in a fit of passion he vowed not to 
 
 survive his fortieth year. One of his sisters 
 
 hearing this strange vow, earnestly begged him 
 
 to forego his purpose. Kaloji said, in return 
 
 for her kindness, he w^ould grant her for her own 
 
 life five years out of the forty rather than retract 
 
 his own words. 
 
 * The Gujarati runs thus : 
 
 Besat be visu lagc 
 
 Jaddhar vatu joya, 
 
 Kalio khedhu koya 
 
 Pantrisa ja pungddiu. 
 
 Rudra, the destroying power of Nature, is supposed to 
 wear a garland of skulls of gallant heroes dying on the 
 earth.
 
 of Gondal. 95 
 
 Nathubhiii died in St. 1870. He was a man 
 of courage and education. He was fond of 
 gymnastic exercises. His sowars were dressed 
 in uniform, which was then a novelty. Dying 
 childless, he was succeeded by his brother 
 Kanuji.
 
 96 A Short History 
 
 KANUJL 
 Throughout his reign Kanuji was confined 
 to his bed through ill health, brought on by 
 excessive drinking. He never made his appear- 
 ance in public, and only a chosen few could 
 have access to him. Even subdued conver- 
 sation was strictly prohibited in his presence or 
 within his hearing. His skin had become so 
 painfully tender, that he could not be shaved for 
 months together. A current belief of the period 
 attributed this prolonged illness to a curse 
 pronounced on him by the Dhordji Puj who had 
 been put to death for witchcraft. But the real 
 cause was intemperance and early dissipation. 
 His temper was extremely petulant and Irascible. 
 Kdnji and Jagannath enjoyed his confidence, 
 especially the former. There was everywhere 
 disorder throughout the State. The managers 
 of the districts filled their own pockets by Illicit
 
 of Gondal. 07 
 
 means while the coffers of the State were quite 
 
 empty. In St. 1 875 seventy -five thousand rupees 
 
 had to be paid as tribute to the paramount 
 
 power.' The question was, where to get the 
 
 money from ? A house-tax was levied, but it 
 
 could realize only a fraction of the required sum. 
 
 K^nji and Kuru Sheth had recourse to the 
 
 mean expedient of confining poor Vdsanji 
 
 together with all the members, male and female, 
 
 of his family. Through the intervention of the 
 
 Agency Vdsanji was released from prison after 
 
 seven months; but not without being fined a 
 
 sum of twenty thousand koris. Of this he 
 
 was able to pay only twelve thousand 
 
 koris, and the remainder had to be remitted. 
 
 Several others were similarly treated, and 
 
 the tribute was ultimately paid. During these 
 
 transactions, one Sunderji Sheth, an influential 
 
 man in the Agency, managed to have the 
 
 ^ The British Government. 
 13
 
 98 A Short History 
 
 village of Marad made over to him by 
 Gondal as the price of securing the Agency's 
 connivance at Vilsanji's imprisonment. Vdsanji 
 was released through the good ofhces of 
 Captain Ballantyne, and the village, thus lost 
 for a short time, was • recovered after some 
 trouble. This incident was a fair illustration of 
 a change in the Gondal fortunes. Its star, 
 hitherto in the ascendant, now began to decline. 
 Kanuji expired in St. 1877. He had married 
 three wives, viz., Ndnib^ibd, of Soderdd ; Vali- 
 vahu, of Taliija ; and Motibdibd, of Ganod. All 
 being childless, the gadi lapsed to Motibhai, 
 the third son of Devobhai.
 
 of GondaL 99 
 
 MOTIBHAI alias CHANDRASINHJI. 
 
 The history of the reign of Motibhui alias 
 Chandrasinhji, as well as of his successor, is 
 mainly one of changes of ministers, internal 
 intrigues, and financial embarrassments It also 
 lays bare the general weakness of the adminis- 
 tration and the want of proper check on irre- 
 sponsible managers expert in the art of pecula- 
 tion. Motibbai was twenty-four years old when 
 he succeeded his brother, in St. 1877. He, like 
 his predecessor, was under the influence of the 
 unscrupulous Kanji ; so much so, that once, 
 when advised by a Political Officer of the Agency 
 to get rid of him, Motibhai answered that he 
 would choose to live upon an acre of land and 
 water his own field rather than part with his 
 friend. The result w^as that, through the total dis- 
 regard of financial supervision, the State reached 
 the verge of insolvency. As there was a debt
 
 100 A Short History 
 
 in respect of tribute due to the British Govern- 
 ment, who charged themselves with its collec- 
 tion on behalf of the Gaekwd^r, and who reserved 
 their share of the revenue as successors to the 
 Peshvds, security was required of Motibhd,i, 
 and a contract on that account was entered 
 into with Dosi Virji Nanji for seven years, from 
 1878 to 1884, under the Government bdhedhari, 
 by which the produce of the talukd was mort- 
 gaged to him. But the revenues not being 
 paid over to the security as agreed upon, an 
 attachment was, at his solicitation, placed 
 on the taluka in St. 1879. On this a lease of the 
 mahdls of DhordjI and Upleta for five years 
 was negotiated with Ranchodji Divan, rent to be 
 paid to the security together with a further sum 
 of four lakhs of koris in part-payment of the 
 balance due to him ; but the latter part of the 
 engagement not being performed, an attach- 
 ment was sent on the Gondal mahal. which
 
 of Gondal. 101 
 
 continued until St. 1885. When the lease expired, 
 a new arrangement was made, restoring the 
 management of the taluka to the Chief on his 
 furnishing security. Disregard of his security 
 again, however, rendered a temporary attach- 
 ment necessary the following year; and notwith- 
 standing that a favourable adjustment was 
 effected, and the attachment removed after 
 a few months, there appeared little prospect of 
 any permanent settlement.' 
 
 In St. 1878 a Vdnia of Dhoraji, named Jutho, 
 was appointed Minister. He succeeded in 
 recovering the village of Marad from Sunderji 
 Sheth, who had by this time lost all influence 
 with the Political Agent ; but in so doing he and 
 Kanji are said to have helped themselves to a 
 large sum on the plea that they had to satisfy 
 the expectations of a certain man in authority. 
 
 ^ Selections from the Records of the Bombay Govern- 
 ment, xxxvii.
 
 102 A Short History 
 
 In St. 1885 Motibhdi celebrated the marriage 
 of his niece, Nathubhdi's daughter, with the Rdj 
 Siiheb of Dhragadhra; money was lavishly 
 spent on the occasion, whereby an additional 
 burden of over three lahks of koris was laid on 
 the State exchequer, already drained to the 
 dregs. Jutho Sheth was compelled to resign : 
 Vdsanji Mehta stepped into his place ; but he 
 had not continued in the oflfice long when he 
 was succeeded by Sheth Hansraj on the security 
 of the well-known firm of Hari Bhaktiof Barodd, 
 (St. 1887). This Sheth betrayed the trust 
 reposed in him. Combining with Kd-nji and 
 others, he extorted large sums from the Dhoraji 
 district. Kanji threw the whole blame on the 
 Sheth, and got him imprisoned. The next Minis- 
 ter was Babaji Bachaji of Barodd, a man of noble 
 birth and high respectability. He was appointed 
 to the post on the recommendation of Colonel 
 Lang (St. 1S90). But this gentleman, mistaking
 
 of Gondal. 103 
 
 Gondal for Baroda, introduced all sorts of 
 magnificence and parade, and instead of decreas- 
 ing the expenses, increased them greatly. In 
 order to make two ends meet, he farmed out the 
 mahuls for a certain period and set aside the 
 income of seven villages for the payment of the 
 debt due to Hari Bhakti. The remedy proved 
 worse than the evil itself. The resources of the 
 State were very much crippled, and matters went 
 from bad to worse. Babdji struggled for four 
 years to improve matters. He died in St. 1895. 
 He was an honest and well-meaning man. It 
 was his aim to bring some of the villages 
 of Sarsd,i into a flourishing condition ; but he 
 died before his design could be carried into 
 execution. The place of Karbhari was filled 
 by Vachhrdj Pd,nachand, a Vtlnid of Dhordji. 
 He was a creature of Kanji, to whom he showed 
 his gratitude by fining him in the sum of sixty 
 thousand rupees ! This was indeed retributive
 
 104 A Short History 
 
 justice to a man who had sold his conscience ! 
 Kdnji had been in great favour with Motibhdi ; 
 but, when the days of his prosperity were num- 
 bered, this same Motibhai banished him from 
 his State after subjecting him to a heavy fine. 
 The turns of fortune are inscrutable. His 
 accomplice, Kachra Khavds, an equally powerful 
 man in the State, met with the same fate. 
 
 Motibhdi died in 1897, after a reign of twenty 
 years. He had married two wives, Sunderba of 
 Narich^na, and Anopba of Vdniavadhar. He 
 was a very handsome and well-built man. In 
 religion he was a staunch follower of Shiva. 
 Having died childless, he was succeeded by his 
 brother Bhdnabhai.
 
 of Gondal. 105 
 
 BHANABHAI. 
 
 On Motibhai's death a rumour was set afloat 
 that Anopba was in a state of pregnancy ; but 
 it turned out to be groundless. Bhiinabhai 
 received in legacy a State-debt of twenty lakhs 
 of koris. In order to pay the tribute sev'enty- 
 five thousand rupees had to be borrowed from 
 Mehta Nathuram Amarji, who was appointed 
 Karbhciri for five years on Government security. 
 It was no easy work to rule a- State on 
 the brink of bankruptcy. The Darbd-r expenses 
 had to be considerably retrenched ; the Chief 
 was obliged to live upon a limited grant; and 
 was so much hampered in expenditure, that he 
 was often heard to complain that he had been 
 a far happier man as a cadet than a Chief. 
 
 In St. 1898 Nagobhdi of Ganod died without 
 
 issue, and his patrimonial estate was, therefore, 
 
 attached ; as, according to usage, it lapsed to the 
 14
 
 106 A Short History 
 
 State. One of his widows, however, gave out 
 that she was pregnant. A son was born to her 
 fourteen months after her husband's death. 
 The legitimacy of the posthumous child was 
 questioned, and on a reference being made to 
 the Bombay Government, the latter pronounced 
 the child Ravaji to be illegitimate and without 
 any title to the inheritance, allowing the widows 
 to enjoy the property, according to usage, 
 during their lives. 
 
 At this time Mr. A. Malet was the Political 
 Agent in Kdthiawar. Bhagvanlal Nagar, his 
 Sheristadjir, had grown very pow^erful, and 
 through him his kinsman Anantji Amarji, 
 Divan of Junaghad, had great influence with 
 the Political Agent. The district of Upletd, had 
 been mortgaged to Amritldl, brother of Anantji, 
 without any security. Anantji wanted to con- 
 tinue the mortgage, and watch an opportunity 
 to seize the pargana. In the first place he
 
 of GondaL 107 
 
 wished to have the bond renewed with the 
 security of the A^gency. By skilful artifices 
 he succeeded in persuading the Political Agent 
 to send for Bhdnabhai for the purpose of set- 
 tling AmritlaPs accounts. Accordingly, in the 
 middle of St. 1900, Bhdnabhai, accompanied by 
 his son Sagrdmji and others, went to Rajkot. 
 A bond was secretly executed, and was to be 
 submitted to the Agent for his signature. At 
 this time Dullabhji Mulshankar, a man of high 
 statesmanship and great worth, was at Rajkot 
 in the capacity of Vakeel for the Navanagar 
 State. Dullabhji, who was a native of Gondal, 
 felt honest indignation on hearing of this one- 
 sided transaction. Of his own accord he 
 proceeded at once to see Mr. Malet, explained 
 to him the facts of the case, and said there 
 were many false items in the accounts, and that 
 the Chief of Gondal had been constrained, 
 through pressure and intimidation, to put his
 
 103 A Short History 
 
 signature to the agreement. His words had 
 the desired effect, for the Pohtical Agent 
 dechned to have anything to do with the bond. 
 In recogfnition of this service Bhandbhai asked 
 Dullabhji to accept the post of the private 
 Kdmdar. Theoffer was accepted. The Sibandis 
 clamoured for the payment of their arrears, and 
 Dullabhji was able to partially satisfy them by 
 making Vachhrdj disgorge a good deal of his 
 wrongfully obtained riches. He was fined a lakh 
 and a quarter of koris. Dullabhji's hands were 
 strengthened ; but another diflBculty stared him 
 in the face. About half-a-dozen creditors came 
 forward to claim their dues from the Darbdr. 
 The aggregate claims stood as high as 
 2,500,000 koris. Dullabhji, with the consent of 
 Colonel Lang, undertook to settle the accounts 
 after carefully examining them. Upon a fair 
 scrutiny most of the accounts were found to be 
 forged, and many items entered more than once.
 
 of Gondal. 109 
 
 One or two so-called creditors were found to be 
 debtors of the State. The figure was consider- 
 ably reduced, and the old debts were liquidated 
 once for all. With remarkable tact and courage, 
 and with the kind and sympathetic assistance 
 of the Political Agent, Dullabhji was thus able 
 to rescue a State which seemed to be hopelessly 
 plunged in debt. In St. 1903 Natha Buch had to 
 relinquish the office of chief manager in favour 
 of Dullabhji, who accepted the post on condi- 
 tion that in administrative affairs his authority- 
 should be unfettered and uncontrolled. His 
 first act was to introduce a regular system of 
 accounts, which was unknown before. Lands 
 were measured, a revenue department was 
 organized, and waste villages were re-populated. 
 The villages began to prosper, and revenue 
 proportionately increased. The treasury showed 
 a good surplus, and a marked improvement was 
 to be seen everywhere. Order and method took
 
 no ^ Short History 
 
 the place of disorder and anarchy. Dullabhji 
 earned the gratitude of all concerned for 
 rescuing the State from confusion, and hi^ 
 services met with the approbation of the British 
 Government. There was, however, one party in 
 the State which was hostile to him. It was 
 headed by BAishri Rdmbd, second wife of 
 Kumar Shrl Sagramji. Dullabhji used to payal' 
 possible respect to the Kumar Shri, but did not 
 carry out the orders of Rambd. The latter was 
 a very clever lady, with a tenacity of purpose 
 equalled only by her pride and love of indepen- 
 dence. She was loth to subordinate herself to 
 the orders of the minister, and hence the enmity 
 between them. 
 
 In Bhandbhai's reign his territory was dis- 
 turbed by two gangs of outlaws. One of these 
 was led by two brother Jats, named Bhimo and 
 Lakho ; they enjoyed a jivai in a village of 
 the Dhordji district, but for a trivial cause they
 
 of Gondal. Ill 
 
 " went out," as the phrase goes, and were soon 
 joined by many desperate characters of their 
 own stamp. They plundered villages in open 
 daylight, and levied black-mail with impunity. 
 They excited terror throughout the land ; and 
 none dared to supply information of their where- 
 abouts. At last a youth of true Rajput blood, 
 Vajobhai, a Darbar Bhayat of Ganod, volun- 
 teered to apprehend the outlaws at the risk of 
 his life. Heading a party of Savdrs, he set out 
 in search of the robbers. He found, them at 
 Medardd, a Kathl village, where a deadly 
 encounter took place. Thirty-five of the gang 
 were slain, and about as many taken prisoners. 
 Ldkho, one of the ringleaders, was thrust 
 through by Vajobhai's lance and killed, but his 
 own bullet shattered Vajobhai's arm. Bhimo, 
 with half-a-dozen followers, fled, but was subse- 
 quently captured and put to death. The Gon- 
 dal party lost some fifteen men in the enter-
 
 112 A Short History 
 
 prise. It is sad to have to add that Vajobhai 
 survived his wound only a few days. His 
 heroism deserves to be held in most honourable 
 remembrance. When anxiety on this score was 
 put an end to, a similar and more serious danger 
 arose to disturb the public peace. Ravoji, 
 of Bhandiiria, and his five brothers — remote 
 cousins of the Darbar — had been reduced to 
 straitened circumstances for want of proper 
 management of their little girds. They were 
 groaning under certain disabilities to which they 
 had been subjected by one or two interested 
 court officials. They had been further charged 
 with stealing a she-buffalo. This was con- 
 sidered as insult added to injury. Goaded to 
 desperation by these real or imaginary wrongs, 
 they went into outlawTy against the State. 
 Bhiinabhdi took a merciful view of their case, 
 and with a view to redress their grievances, 
 called them to Gondal through a charan on
 
 of Gondal. 113 
 
 whose word they could rely. But one or two of 
 
 the selfish officials alluded to above managed 
 to have their own way, and breaking the word 
 of promise given by their Chief, got the self- 
 surrendered outlaws lodged in prison. Three 
 brothers somehow or other escaped, and joined 
 by a few more desperadoes, commenced doing 
 all sorts of mischief. All attempts to lay hands 
 on them proved futile, as they had the secret 
 support and moral sympathy of the whole 
 neighbourhood, and no one would show their 
 hiding-places, even if he knew them. In the 
 meantime Bhdnabhdi died at the end of 1907. 
 The last three years of his reign were comfort- 
 ably passed as compared with the first seven of 
 hardship caused by his embarrassed finances. 
 
 Dullabhji was at this time in Jodia with the 
 Political Agent, Colonel Lang. When he heard 
 the news of Bhandbhai's death, he requested 
 
 Colonel Lang to relieve him of the karbhari's 
 15
 
 114 A Short History 
 
 duties, as he was not on the best terms with 
 Kumar Sagrdmji's party. But the Colonel 
 declined to do so, and gave him a note 
 to Sagramji, whom he strongly advised to 
 retain Dullabhji as his karbhdri. Under these 
 circumstances nobody dared take exception 
 to the Government nomination, though it was 
 not relished by the party chiefly concerned. 
 
 Bhdnabhai had married two wives — one 
 was the daughter of the Jhdla of Gundald, who 
 
 died at an early age, and the other was 
 Motiba of Gundidli, by whom he had two sons, 
 
 Sagramji and Muluji. Sagramji being the elder, 
 
 succeeded to the throne.
 
 of GoiidaL 115 
 
 SAGRAMJI II. 
 
 Thakore Saheb Sagramji was a most 
 remarkable man. Unlike his predecessors, who 
 took pleasure in war and manly exploits, he 
 delighted in a life of peaceful piety^ and passed 
 his days In a mental tranquillity commonly denied 
 to those in his position. From his early boyhood 
 he had been of retired habits, knew no enemies, 
 and was kind and lenient to a fault. He lived 
 in communion with his God, and cared little for 
 mundane affairs. Such a life is difficult in 
 every case, but especially in the case of a 
 Chief placed amidst temptations and luxuries. 
 Judged by the teachings of great Hindu 
 thinkers, who hold the doctrine of metempsy- 
 chosis, such a life is the result of the accumu- 
 lated merits of innumerable past lives. Nor is 
 such a life altogether incompatible with one's 
 active earthly duties, as the careers of king
 
 116 A Short History 
 
 Janak of Mlthil and several others prove. 
 Some can live with their God as well as with the 
 world, some live with the world only, and some 
 only with their God. Thakore Saheb Sagramji 
 belonged to the last category. It cannot be 
 denied that his self-abnegation interfered to 
 some extent with his public duties. A few 
 years after his accession the administration 
 was taken in hand by his first son Prithirdj, a 
 youth of much ability, and a model of a spirited 
 Rajput. He was fond of manly sports, and 
 devoted much of his time to improving the 
 Raydsat of the State. He had the benefit of a 
 good private education, which he turned to good 
 account in his management of the State, under 
 the advice of his holy father. 
 
 Dullabhji continued in office for three years 
 after Bhanabhai's death. He respected Thdkore 
 Sdheb Sagramji almost as if he had been 
 divine but often disregarded the biddings of
 
 of Gondal. ^1' 
 
 the imperious Ramba. This lady, though astute 
 and clever, was surrounded by men of low 
 quality, who worked upon her fears by exag- 
 gerated and untrue reports. She accordingly 
 harboured in her heart, with a tenacity peculiar 
 to her sex, the determination to change the 
 ministry, and she left not a stone unturned to 
 effect her purpose. But Dullabhji ruled with an 
 iron rod in regard to those who came in his way. 
 Rajardm Bhau of Jetpur, Vakeel Bhatur, and 
 Milvji Hirji, all active instigators on Rdmbd's 
 behalf, entered the lists, but were turned out 
 of Gondal in disgrace with a high hand. At last 
 Vithalji Jagannath was deputed to Rajkot to 
 confer with the Saheb on the matter. He had 
 an interview with the Political Agent, who, in 
 deference to the repeated wishes of the Darbar, 
 nominated Manishankar Divd,n as karbhdri in 
 place of Dullabhji. Manishankar received a full 
 treasury, containing cash and jewels amounting
 
 118 A Short Ilisioiy 
 
 In all to nine lakhs and fifty-six thousand 
 koris. He carried on the administration on the 
 lines marked out by his talented predecessor. 
 In connection with these changes, the name of 
 Jasoda, a Khavilsan by caste, should not be 
 omitted. She was first introduced to Riimba 
 as a humble Vadaran or waiting- maid, but 
 gradually acquired such power over her mistress 
 by her persuasive tongue as to exercise 
 active influence in the State, She began so to 
 interfere in politics, that the support of the 
 Political Agent had to be invoked to purge the 
 town of her presence. She was called by the 
 flattering name of Fui or aunt by the whole 
 populace. 
 
 During these transactions Ravoji and his two 
 brothers, who had been " out" by force of circum- 
 stances, were not idle. They were doing all 
 sorts of harm to the State. Colonel Lang 
 strongly urged upon Kumiir Prithiraj, who had
 
 of Gondal, 119 
 
 gone to Rajkot for the purpose of being 
 examined in his studies, to arrest the barvatias. 
 Prithirdj took the matter seriously to heart and, 
 on returning to Gondal, assembled all the 
 Bhayd,ds and Jivdidars and gave them distinctly 
 to understand that the old times were chanored, 
 and that any opposition on their part to the 
 steps taken for the capture of the outlaws 
 would render their estates liable to forfeiture. 
 He said it was a disgrace that a handful of men 
 should be allowed to be so long at large. The 
 ttireat had the desired effect. All swore not to 
 shelter the " knights of the road " but to work in 
 right earnest for their apprehension, A pursu- 
 ing party headed by Ld-do Janulddr was imme- 
 diately dispatched, a clue was obtained, and 
 the rebels were soon driven to bay. An 
 encounter took place, and on each side a few 
 lives were lost. Ravoji's two brothers were 
 killed ; but he himself effected his escape.
 
 120 A Short History 
 
 In St. 1 91 3 Bdishrl Rdmbii died. Besides 
 Prithirilj she had another son, Balubhd, who died 
 in infancy. Her co-wife, Baishri Saddbd, 
 daughter of Jhala Panchanji, had died when 
 young, so Thakore Saheb Sagramji married 
 Baishri Moghibd, daughter of JhaLi Ratanji of 
 Mindpur. The marriage was celebrated on Jeth 
 Sud 9th, St. 1913. This lady is highly educated 
 and skilful even in matters of finance. She is 
 of a liberal disposition, and manifests great 
 interest in the welfare of her sex. 
 
 In thenextyear (^St. 1914) was celebrated the 
 triple marriage of Kumar Shri Prithiraj. The 
 brides were Ndnibd,, daughter of the Raj Sdheb 
 of Vdnkdner, Bonjiba of Lakhanka, and Pambd 
 of Gundidli. The nuptials were celebrated with 
 unusual pomp, eclipsing the wedding of Nathu- 
 bhai, referred to in the foregoing pages. His 
 Highness ]dm Vibhoji of Navanagar, with all 
 his State Rayasat, graced the occasion with his
 
 of Gondal. 121 
 
 presence; and Junaghad, Rdjkot, Morbi, Wadh- 
 wdn, Limdi and other States were adequately 
 represented. Four lakhs and fifty thousand 
 koris were expended on the occasion. While 
 these festivities were going on, an unexpected 
 incident occurred. Ravoji, tired of his lawless 
 habits, found his way to the temporary residence 
 of the Jdm Sd-heb, and approaching him, un- 
 buckled his sword and placed it at his feet. He 
 then announced his name, which excited no 
 small surprise. The noble-hearted Jam was in a 
 dilemma : he found it difficult to decide whether 
 he should offer the man shelter, or deliver him up 
 to the authorities. He com.municated the matter 
 to the Darbdr and also to the Political Agent. 
 True to the old tradition, he could not allow the 
 life of one who had sought his protection to be 
 sacrificed. He, therefore, interceded in his be- 
 half and obtained his pardon. Ravoji has since 
 
 been provided with a livelihood in Navanagar. 
 16
 
 122 A Shoyl History 
 
 For some reason the Darbur was not satisfied 
 with Manishankar. It was considered expe- 
 dient to replace him by another, Vithalji was 
 once more deputed to Mr. K. Forbes, who was 
 acting as PoHtical Agent during Captain Barr's 
 absence. Mr. Forbes was in favour of appoint- 
 ing Vithalji, who appeared to him to be a 
 capable man, well acquainted with the politics 
 of Gondal. X'ithalji was therefore nominated 
 for the post. But Ladho Khavas, who was very 
 powerful at the Court, wanted to have a Vclnia, 
 who would be more pliable and subservient to 
 his will, so he cunningly put in a Vania named 
 Chatrabhuj, of Navanagar, and elbowed out 
 Vithalji (St. 1916). Heremained for two years, 
 during which period so much laxity prevailed 
 that the finances were thrown into confusion, 
 corrupt practices pervaded the realm, and the 
 complaints of the oppressed ryots rose so 
 high that Chatrabhuj had to he removed and
 
 of Gondal. Vl'6 
 
 Dullabhji's services were again called into 
 requisition (St. 1918). In the same year Kumar 
 Shri Prithirdj was cut off in the very jDrime of 
 life : he was a man of considerable refinement, 
 and introduced several novelties, among others 
 a brass band on the English model, into Gondal . 
 He was also fond of hunting. He was born in 
 St. 1897, and died without issue. The untimely 
 death of this intelligent and active prince was 
 very much regretted throughout the realm, and it 
 gave riseto complications in the internal manage- 
 ment of the State. Dullabhji carried on his 
 work with his usual tact and ability. He made 
 no sweeping changes in the existing establish- 
 ment, except that Mangalji Booch, an expe- 
 rienced Revenue ofBcer, was placed in charge of 
 the district of Dhordji and Keshavlal Pitilmber 
 was appointed Deputy Kdrbhari. But his keen 
 eye could not fail to discern that a storm was 
 brewing over the distant horizon. A new power
 
 124 A Short Hhiory 
 
 had come on the scene, which, he thought, 
 threatened to retard his administrative measures. 
 One Harjivan Gopalji Dave, a shrewd diplo- 
 matist, managed to get the whole private esta- 
 blishment, including the Toshakhdnd, under his 
 control. He had formerly held an appoint- 
 ment in the Wadhwan Darbar, but owing to 
 some confusion in the State he was forced to 
 retire to Chudd through the intervention of 
 Colonel Lang. He was chiefly instrumental in 
 bringing about the marriage of Thakore Saheb 
 Sagrdmji with Baishri Moghiba, whom he 
 accompanied to Gondal in the capacity of an 
 accountant, and there established himself with 
 his family. By skill and adroitness he won 
 the confidence and favourable opinion of the 
 Darbdr, and in a short time became a powerful 
 element in the State. 
 
 In St. 1922 Dullabhji set out on a pilgrimage 
 to Benares, leaving his deputy in charge of the
 
 of Gondal, 125 
 
 routine work. During his absence Dave Harji- 
 van got Mangalji, a nonriinee of the chief 
 Kdrbhari, dismissed from the State service, 
 thus showing the amount of influence he then 
 possessed. Dullabhji returned from pilgrimage 
 in the beginning of St. 1923 with a determin- 
 ation to clean the Augean stable, but death 
 prevented him from doing so. He was a man 
 of rare excellence. His administrative skill was 
 remarkable ; for at one and the same time he 
 was manager of more than one S.tate, and 
 acquitted himself so honourably in his manifold 
 duties that his services were warmly commended 
 by the Bombay Government as well as the late 
 Hon'ble Court of Directors. He was succeeded 
 by Mr. Jaydshankar Lalshankar, the Agency 
 Sherasteddr, whose administration was far from 
 successful. It was at last found expedient to 
 replace him by Daftardar Dullerdi, a gentleman 
 of probity and high respectability. The indepen-
 
 126 A Short History 
 
 dent exercise of his functions by the new Kdr- 
 bhdri created uneasiness in the minds of the 
 Darbar party; but the complaints of undue inter- 
 ference in the internal gox^ernment were believed 
 to be groundless by the Agency. The impa- 
 tience at last exhausted itself in the Thakore 
 Sdheb's being conveyed to. Bombay, where, after 
 a protracted litigation of nearly eight months, 
 the Thakore Sdheb died suddenly on the 14th 
 of December 1869 (St. 1925) at the age of 
 forty-seven, leaving a daughter named Aldji- 
 rdjba, and Kumar Shri Bhagvat Sinhjee, 
 a minor, to succeed him on the throne. The 
 untimely death of this good, pious Chief 
 was deeply regretted, as he had been very kind 
 to his people. His extreme gentleness and 
 quietness of character was often misconstrued 
 into weakness ; for good qualities carried to 
 excess may often have the appearance of bad- 
 ness. A judgment based on such misleading
 
 of Gondal. 127 
 
 similarity must necessarily be erroneous. The 
 true character of a man can only be known 
 to those who have had opportunities of observ- 
 ing it closely without any bias or prepossession. 
 Thiikore Saheb Sagraniji's reign may be said 
 to make a transition between the old order of 
 things and the new. The old ways had just 
 begun to be touched by the influence of the 
 West. The officers of the Ao^encv had com- 
 menced to take a more direct interest in the 
 Native States ; and works of reform and public 
 utility were being introduced into the province. 
 In accordance with the spirit of the time new 
 courts and court-houses at the town of Upleta, 
 a well-built jail in Gondal, the formation of a 
 Municipality, a drilled police, and a library 
 were some of the improvements effected during 
 Sagrdmji's reign.
 
 128 A Short History 
 
 BRITISH MANAGEMENT. 
 
 After the Thakore Saheb's death, and during 
 Kumar Shri Bhagvat Sinhjee's minority, the 
 State was at first administered directly under 
 the Kdthiawdr Agency, an Assistant to the 
 Political Agent being placed in charge of it. 
 The first to take up the appointment was 
 Captain Goodfellow — 27th April 1870 (St. 
 1926). His stay in Gondal did not exceed ten 
 months, as he was only acting for Captain 
 Lloyd, the permanent incumbent. Arrange- 
 ments were made to provide home education for 
 the young Chief, who was then only six years 
 old. Captain Lloyd held office till loth June 
 1872. During these two years of direct British 
 management the police organization was ineffi- 
 cient, as four villages of the State were success- 
 fully attacked and plundered by gangs of dacoits, 
 who killed three persons and wounded three
 
 of Gondal. 129 
 
 others without being apprehended. A great 
 fall of revenue was observable, owing to locusts, 
 which had caused extensive damage to the 
 crops. A department of Public Works was 
 created and placed under the superintendence 
 of a native engineer. Captain Lloyd was 
 succeeded by Captain Phillips, who remained 
 till the end of 1875. During his tenure of 
 office various reforms were made in almost all 
 the departments of the State. 'Y\\Q^mdndvi ox 
 town-duties, which had hitherto formed part of 
 the State revenue, were appropriated to muni- 
 cipal improvements, new schools were estab- 
 lished, and two new dispensaries were opened, 
 viz., at Bhdyavddar and Sarsai. The circuit 
 and field survey of some of the villages was 
 completed, the Khdtdhandhi or cash system 
 of collecting revenue was introduced in a few 
 villages, and a separate establishment was 
 
 created for the purpose of horse breeding. The 
 17
 
 130 A Short History 
 
 temple of Swamindrayan, commenced by the 
 late Thdkore Sdheb, was completed. Dharma- 
 shdlas, travellers' bungalows, bridges, and roads 
 were some of the works carried out during this 
 period. 
 
 The chief political event of the period was 
 the elaborate Investigation held by the acting 
 Political Agent, Mr. Peile, into the behaviour 
 of the Dave family and the loss of a number of 
 State jewels. The enquiry resulted In the 
 dismissal of the Daves, the resumption of all 
 State lands and houses In their possession, 
 and the recovery of jewels and plate valued at 
 Rs. 1,91,090. 
 
 At the beginning of A. D. 1875 (St. 1931) 
 the minor Chief BhagvatSInhjee, then only nine 
 years old, with two of his kinsmen entered the 
 Rdjkumar College, an Institution lately estab- 
 lished at Rdjkot foreducating the sons of Chiefs 
 and Nobles in Kathiawar.
 
 of Gondal. 131 
 
 Major Phillips was succeeded by Major Scott. 
 The latter officer proceeded to Europe on fur- 
 lough after a few months' stay, and during his 
 absence Major Reeves acted until the middle 
 of 1877, and after that Captain Salmon held 
 charge until Major Scott's return in 1878. This 
 period was one of general progress in all the 
 departments of the State. Money was freely 
 spent on public works, among which may be 
 mentioned the Gondal Hospital, telegraph and 
 post offices, the State utdrd at Rdjkot, the new 
 palace at Gondal, the Peile Bridge over the 
 Bhildar, and grain and vegetable markets at 
 Gondal. The Khdtdbandhi system of collecting 
 revenue, introduced in a few villages as a tenta- 
 tive measure, was not found popular with the 
 cultivators, and had to be abandoned for the 
 so-called Chokhdbhdg system/ 
 
 ^ Payment in kind.
 
 132 A Short History 
 
 In November 1875 the Darbdr was thrown 
 into mourning by the death of Majirajbd, sister 
 of the young Thdkore Saheb, who only the year 
 before had been married to the Thakore Saheb 
 of Bhdvnagar. She died at Gondal, whither she 
 had come on a visit for change of air, having 
 been ill for some time before. She left a son, 
 Bhdvsinghji, who is the heir-apparent to Bhav- 
 nagar, and who, since his mother's death, has 
 lived at Gondal with his grandmother. In the 
 corresponding month of the next year the 
 maternal uncle of the young Thakore Saheb, 
 Jhald. Kaliansingh, died at Gondal, and conse- 
 quently the village given in maintenance to him 
 was resumed by the State, a suitable provision 
 being made for his family. Similarly, on 
 the death of Bdi Pd,mba, one of the widows 
 of the late Kuver Prithirdj, the village of 
 Kolithar, enjoyed by her in Jivai, lapsed to the 
 State.
 
 of GondaL 133 
 
 The four years from 1875 to 1878 were 
 disastrous to the province In general, and to the 
 Gondal State In particular. The monsoons of 
 1875, 1876, and 1877 were scanty. Cotton, the 
 chief produce, almost entirely failed. People 
 and cattle alike suffered for want of food and 
 forage. Drinking-water became scarce. The 
 next year brought excessive rain, which was 
 as baneful in its consequences as the want of it 
 had been before. There was a regular * wet- 
 famine,' as it is called, with all its evil concomi- 
 tants. Owing to the scarcity the State share 
 of the produce amounted to 56 maunds instead 
 of the average 12,000. The State did all it could 
 to mitigate the distress by starting relief and 
 other public works of the aggregate cost of about 
 three lakhs and seventy-five thousand rupees. 
 The Darbtlr also fed large numbers of old and 
 infirm persons daily, and sold grain at a cheap 
 rate to those unable to pay the market prices.
 
 134 A Short History 
 
 Considerable advances were made to Mulgird- 
 sias and Jivaidars. Tanks were excavated, 
 and as many as 330 wells were sunk, which 
 were useful during the season for irrigation 
 purpose.
 
 of Gondal. 135 
 
 JOINT ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 Government having determined to intro- 
 duce joint administration into this State on the 
 same principles as those which had been found to 
 work well elsewhere, the plan was carried into 
 effect on the i6th of September 1888 (St. 1934), 
 Major Scott and Mr. Jayashankar Ldlshankar 
 being appointed Joint-Administrators. Major 
 (now Colonel) Scott remained as Joint-Adminis- 
 trator up to May 1882, except for short intervals 
 of absence from December 1880 to February 
 1881, and August 1881 to January 1882, Major 
 (now Colonel) Hancock acting for the first period 
 and Mr. FitzGerald and Colonel Nutt acting 
 in turn during the second period : the former 
 from August to November 1881, and the latter 
 from November 1881 to January 1882. In June 
 1882 Colonel Nutt relieved Colonel Scott, and 
 in February Bhagvat Sinhjee took the place of
 
 130 A Short History 
 
 the native member, and the Joint Adminis- 
 tration ceased in August of that year, when the 
 young Thilkore Saheb was entrusted with the 
 sole management of the State, 
 
 The annals of the Joint Administration, 
 extending over a period of six years, present a 
 record of uninterrupted progress and prosperity. 
 Its first years, however, were marked by 
 calamities over which human agencies had no 
 control. The rainfall of 1878 was as much in 
 excess of the requirements of the State as the 
 rainfall of previous years had fallen short. The 
 average throughout the tdlukd was 88*47 inches, 
 a fall about triple the amount which had fallen 
 in any one year during the past twenty-five 
 years. The damage caused by the excessive fall 
 was considerable. Houses and buildings were 
 destroyed in great numbers, roads were swept 
 away, and the whole country west of Dhordji, 
 on the banks of the Bhadar, was flooded for
 
 of Goiidal. 137 
 
 many days. To make the work of destruction 
 complete, hordes of locusts came upon the 
 scene to devour the few remaining crops that 
 had escaped the excessive moisture. Thus, of 
 the six calamities which, according to the 
 Hindu idea,' can befall a country, — scarcity of 
 rain, excessive rain, mice, locusts, parrots, 
 foreign invasions, — the State had already been 
 visited by three in close succession ; and the 
 fact that it survived them without material 
 deterioration speaks well for its natural resources. 
 In spite, however, of the drawbacks caused by 
 loss of revenue, the State steadily advanced in 
 the construction of public works, the foremost 
 of which was the bridge at Supedi over 
 
 ^ The six calamities are enumerated in the following 
 Sanskrit verse : — 
 
 Ativrishtir, anavrishtir, 
 Mfishakas, shalabhds, shukas; 
 Swadeshe parchakram cha, 
 Shad ete itayas smritas. 
 18
 
 138 A Short History 
 
 the Bhddar river, which forms an important 
 hnk in the communication between Porbandar 
 and the rest of the province. A still more 
 important enterprise was the construction of 
 the branch line of railway from Dhoraji to 
 Dhasd, at the sole cost of this State. About 
 thirty lakhs of rupees have been invested in 
 the undertaking. The whole line is known by 
 the name of the Bhdvnagar-Gondal Railway. 
 It is controlled by a manager working under 
 the general direction of a Committee of 
 Management composed of the Political Agent 
 as President and the chief Ministers of 
 Bhavnagar and Gondal as Members. The 
 branch line was formally opened for traffic on 
 the 1 8th January 1881, when the young Thakore 
 Saheb, a promising student of the Rdjkumar 
 College, made a short maiden speech. Among 
 other works of public utility may be men- 
 tioned school-houses, band-stand, post offices,
 
 of Gondal. 139 
 
 and such other things. In 1880 Sir Richard 
 Temple, Governor of Bombay, made a tour in 
 Kdthiawdr. He paid a visit to Gondal, where 
 he was hospitably received by the Administra- 
 tion, He paid a visit of ceremony to the 
 mother of the minor Thdkore Saheb. 
 
 In the year 1879 (St. 1935) Kesdbd, the 
 widow of Navghanji, one of the Gondal Bha- 
 ydds, died. There being no legitimate heirs, the 
 girds, which includes a half-share in the town 
 of Ganod and the villages under it, reverted to 
 the Darbar. On the other hand the long- 
 standing suit between Gondal and Kotrd about 
 the ownership of the village of Ardoi, long 
 under the possession of the former, was decided 
 in favour of the latter, and that flourishing 
 village was lost to the State during the minority 
 of its Chief. 
 
 The year 1882 (St. 1938) was marked by 
 an event perhaps the most important in the
 
 140 A Short History 
 
 domestic life of the young Chief. His marriage 
 was solemnized on the 4th of June, on which 
 occasion he took to himself four wives, one lady 
 being the daughter of the Mahardnd, of Dharam- 
 pore, another the cousin of the late Rdj Sdheb 
 of Vankdner, another his own cousin, the daugh- 
 ter of Kaliansingh of Mindpur, and the fourth 
 the daughter of the Thiikore Saheb of Chudd. 
 The marriage was celebrated with great display, 
 and all the pageantry usual on such occasions ; 
 and the expenses connected with the ceremonies 
 amounted to over two lakhs and a half of rupees. 
 There were representatives of all the principal 
 States of the province, and the event attracted a 
 very large number of mdngans and sight-seers. 
 The next year chronicles the birth of a son 
 and heir to the Thdkore Saheb by his Dharam- 
 pore wife. The happy event occurred on the 
 8th January 1883. The little prince has been 
 named Bhojrilj.
 
 of Gondal. 141 
 
 It should be noted in passing, that in pur- 
 suance of the wishes of Government a general 
 census was taken on the 17th February 1881, 
 when the population resident in the Gondal 
 State was found to be 135,649, or 1,568 less than 
 that of the census of 1872. The decrease may 
 be attributed to the very great mortality which 
 took place in 1878, as well as to the loss of the 
 village of Ardoi. 
 
 The young Chief Bhagvat Sinhjeebeingin his 
 eighteenth year, at the beginning of i883hnally 
 left the Rajkumar College, the alma 7nater of 
 the Kathiawar Chiefs of the present generation. 
 His whole collegiate career, extending over a 
 period of eight years, was one of uniform 
 success, characterized by industry and ability. 
 For some time he had maintained his posi- 
 tion as head of the College with remarkable 
 ease, and had never since his admission failed to 
 win one or more prizes for diligence, drawing,
 
 142 A Short History 
 
 or proficiency in English, annually awarded 
 on the College speech-days. He had so far 
 advanced beyond his fellows, as to be put in a 
 class by himself. He is a very notable example 
 of the effect of an English education on a 
 member of the Indian aristocracy. In order to 
 give a finish to his education, he resolved to add 
 the advantage to be derived from travel. 
 Accordingly, on the 27th April, he started for a 
 tour in Europe under the guidance of Major 
 Hancock. The number of his attendants was 
 limited, as his wish was to travel as an English 
 gentleman with as few encumbrances as 
 possible. He spent nearly four months in 
 England and Scotland, and then made a short 
 tour on the Continent, visiting Paris, Brussels, 
 Homburg, Lucerne, and other places in Swit- 
 zerland ; Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples 
 and Brindisi, returning to India on the r3th 
 November 1883. The good knowledge of
 
 of Gondal. 143 
 
 English previously acquired under the guidance 
 of his College preceptors was very serviceable 
 in enabling him to appreciate what he saw and 
 heard in the course of his journey. The indus- 
 trious habits displayed at College, which made 
 him so successful a student, did not desert him 
 while engaged in enjoying the sights of foreign 
 lands. He appears to have carefully put on 
 paper the impressions formed in his mind during 
 his trip to England, in the shape of a regular 
 diary. He has published the same in the 
 form of a book, which has been very 
 favourably noticed by the Indian, English, 
 and Continental Press as much for its style 
 as for its fair and independent observations. 
 He was so favourably impressed with Scotland, 
 that he made no secret of his intention to 
 arrange for a second visit at some future 
 date — an intention which he has subse- 
 quently carried into execution. In India
 
 144) A Short History 
 
 it is a rare thing for Royalty to take to 
 book-writing, and the young Thakore Saheb 
 may be congratulated upon his literary 
 enterprise. 
 
 Soon after his return from Europe the young 
 Chief was initiated into the public business of 
 his State by being associated in administration 
 with Colonel Nutt. The former native member 
 of the administration then assumed charge of 
 the State Treasury. In the same year a grand 
 Agricultural Exhibition was held at Gondal by 
 Colonel Nutt, who possesses a special capacity 
 for organizing such shows. The show, which 
 was a great success, was visited by from twenty 
 to twenty-five thousand people. The most 
 interesting part of the show was, perhaps, that 
 of the ploughing matches, in which some 
 English ploughs were entered. But the native 
 ploughs drawn by bullocks carried all before 
 them, thus confirming the fact that in practi-
 
 of Gondii I. 145 
 
 cal trials native ploughs yoked to well-trained 
 cattle cannot easily be beaten. 
 
 It should be noted here that the reports of 
 the Joint-Administrators, which are laid under 
 contribution in noticing some of the events 
 of the period in these pages, frequently 
 complained of a party-spirit between Hindus 
 and Mahomedans which had long existed in the 
 Gondal State, and had considerably impeded 
 social progress by factious animosities and 
 jealousies. The friendly relations between the 
 two parties first received a shock in St. 1923, 
 when Dave Harjivan advised Thdkore Saheb 
 Sagramji to grant certain small privileges 
 to the Mahomedans of Gondal which they 
 had not enjoyed before. These well-meant 
 but ill-timed innovations, as they were con- 
 sidered to be, excited the opposition of the 
 Hindu section, and gave rise to feelings of 
 
 bitter hostility. The feeling grew more intense 
 111
 
 140 A Short History 
 
 when the British management permitted the 
 Musahnans of Dhoraji to slaughter kine for 
 purposes of food. Such a step, taken during 
 the minority of the young Thilkore Saheb, was 
 thought by the Hindus, who formed by far the 
 larger part of the State population, to be an 
 outrage upon their religious feelings. It was 
 also thought to be an anomaly in Hindu States 
 in general, and in the Kiithiawar States in 
 particular. A third cause of jealousy was found 
 in the influence exercised by the principal 
 Mahomedan ofhcers during the latter part of 
 the Joint Administration. It should be under- 
 stood that the old State Mahajans are an 
 intelligent and shrewd set of men, who in days 
 gone by carried on a brisk trade, and held a 
 position of wealth and influence. Of late their 
 trade has been greatly depressed, so that some 
 of their houses have been ruined. Consequently, 
 the natural instincts of some of them have led
 
 of Gondal. 147 
 
 them, for want of better occupation, to dabble 
 in politics, and so to misdirect their energies. 
 This tendency has proved no small embarrass- 
 ment to the Administration. The best remedy 
 would be, perhaps, to re-direct their activity to 
 its proper channel, and resuscitate their interest 
 in commercial pursuits by giving them reason- 
 able advances to start with. Such a measure 
 would, probably, not only afford material support 
 to the commerce of the State, but, perhaps, also 
 tend to remove the last traces, if any still exist, 
 of that baneful party-spirit which upsets the 
 social equilibrium, and makes good government 
 an impossibility. 
 
 The last Joint Administrators gave a great 
 stimulus to educational progress by opening 
 more schools — Vernacular and Urdu, night 
 schools and girls' schools — and also by giving 
 liberal grants-in-aid and scholarships to the 
 Gondal youths studying Arts, Medicine, or
 
 148 A Short History 
 
 Civil Engineering at the Government Colleges, 
 and at the Sydepet Farm, Madras, and 
 Veterinary Class, Poona.
 
 of GondaL 149 
 
 BHAGVAT SINHJEE. 
 (The Present Chief.) 
 
 On the 24th of August 1884 (St. 1940) the 
 Joint Administration was brought to a close. 
 The young Thakore Saheb, after six months* 
 experience in the post previously held by the 
 native Joint Administrator, had gained a prac- 
 tical insight into the administrative work of the 
 State, and was considered by Government to be 
 qualified to assume the sole management of his 
 principality. Accordingly, he was placed in 
 independent charge with due pomp and cere- 
 mony. He desired that his Installation should 
 be prefaced by several Interesting ceremonies, 
 which would mark the Importance of his acces- 
 sion. The opening of a public library, the 
 laying of the foundation-stone of the State 
 workshops, and the dedication of a park to the 
 people were the works selected to coinme-
 
 150 A Short History 
 
 morate the special event of the day. The 
 installation ceremonies were performed by the 
 Political Agent, the late Colonel E. W. West 
 of honoured memory, in the Darbdr Hall of the 
 Navlakha Palace, a splendid edifice of which 
 the State may well be proud. Besides many 
 European and Native friends of the Chief, there 
 were present representatives from the principal 
 States of the province. Colonel West made on 
 the occasion an interesting speech^ full of 
 valuable advice to the Chief. The young Thakore 
 Saheb made a very thoughtful reply in English. 
 The admirable terms in which it was couched, 
 the tone and the fluency with which he 
 delivered it — without reference to any notes or 
 papers — the promises with which it concluded, 
 regarded, as these were, as an important 
 declaration as to his future policy, delighted 
 the assembly. According to the Political 
 * This is published in full in Appendix I.
 
 of Gondal. 151 
 
 Agent both the spirit and matter of the reply 
 refleeted much credit on the speaker. The 
 speech also elicited a favourable opinion 
 from the Governor-in-Council, who issued a 
 complimentary Resolution' and placed It on the 
 Editor's table to be published for general 
 information. 
 
 In the evening of the same day a banquet 
 was given to the European guests, the town 
 was brilliantly illuminated, and a grand pyro- 
 technic display closed the first day of the 
 young Thdkore Saheb's reign. On the next 
 day he received the homage and congratula- 
 tions of his numerous subjects, including the 
 Patels, Kunbis, and Chovatias of the State 
 villages. He likewise received addresses from 
 the Town Municipalities of Gondal and Dhortiji, 
 as well as one from the rayats of Gondal. The 
 Thtikore Saheb gave suitable replies to each of 
 * Viih' Appendix II.
 
 152 A Skorl History 
 
 these deputations. The address of the Gondal 
 Municipality was drawn up in English, to which, 
 with his characteristic ability, the Thakore 
 Saheb briefly replied' reminding the body of 
 their duties and responsibilities. 
 
 Another important event of the same year 
 was the visit paid to the State by Sir James 
 Fergusson, the then Governor of Bombay, 
 accompained by his Military Secretary and Staff. 
 At Gondal and Dhoraji the Municipalities 
 of the towns presented addresses to him. 
 At the latter place the Governor performed 
 the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of 
 the ' Fergusson Hospital,' named after himself 
 (24th Nov. 1884). It was a grand affair, and 
 the speeches made on the occasion were very 
 interesting. In the beginning of the next year 
 the Thakore Saheb w^as honoured by being 
 nominated a Fellow of the University of Bombay. 
 
 ^ Vide Appendix III.
 
 of Gondal. 153 
 
 In the early part of 1886 (St. 1942) the 
 Th^kore Saheb again proceeded to Scotland, 
 not for the purpose of mere sight-seeing, but 
 with a view to study for some time at the 
 Edinburgh University. The young Chief is fond 
 of the Medical Science. It had long been his 
 wish to learn something of it from its most 
 eminent professors. Such a thirst for knowledge 
 in a man of his position is certainly remarkable. 
 To satisfy this desire he sailed from Bombay 
 on the 26th March, leaving his Chief, Karbhdri, 
 Mr. BezanjI MerwanjI, in charge of his State, 
 In due course he joined the celebrated University 
 and distinguished himself as an ardent student. 
 From the throne of kingship to a seat in a class- 
 room is no doubt a wide transition ; but it 
 brings Into prominence the enthusiasm and 
 enterprise which animate a voluntary student 
 like the Thakore Saheb. 
 
 Towards the close of the year 1886 (St. 
 20
 
 154) A Short History 
 
 1942) occurred a serious jail out-break in the 
 capital of the State. Some eleven prisoners 
 managed to escape from the Gondal Jail, 
 killing two sentries and a sowdr who pursued 
 them. Three of them were re-captured by the 
 Police, one desperate character was appre- 
 hended by the Jetpur Police of Vald Lakhman, 
 a shareholder of that taluka, but the rest 
 joined an existing band of outlaws and dacoits 
 who had been for some time past infesting the 
 territories of Junaghad and Navanagar. The 
 troubles of Gondal began from the time the 
 band received a fresh accession of strength 
 from the runaways. They were chiefly Sindhis, 
 subjects of the neighbouring States, and 
 were only too glad to give scope to their 
 predatory instincts. The band did the greatest 
 mischief in the Navdnagar territory, though 
 in the State of Gondal not less than nine 
 villages fell victims to their ravages, attended
 
 of Goudal. 155 
 
 with considerable loss of life and property. 
 Their depredations struck terror in the heart 
 of everybody. At last, with a view to stamp 
 out this organized crime, as also to put their 
 Police on a better footing, the States of Nava- 
 nagar, Junaghad, and Gondal obtained from the 
 British Government the loan of Major Hum- 
 frey's services for one year. This oflficer was 
 Police Superintendent of the Ahmeddbiid 
 District, and, therefore, was eminently fitted for 
 the special duty he was called upon to perform. 
 It was not, however, till after the middle of 
 1888 (St. 1944) that peace and tranquillity were 
 again restored in the province. Almost all the 
 escaped convicts with their accomplices were 
 accounted for — their combined force having 
 received a death-blow at the hands of the 
 Gondal Police in a successful skirmish near 
 the village of Gana. The terrible band of 
 dacoits was completely broken up, on their
 
 156 A Short History 
 
 desperate leader, Chdran Rdede, surrendering 
 himself to H. H. the Jam Sdheb whose subject 
 he was. The Gondal Police was re-organized 
 on plans suggested by Major Humfrey, and the 
 State once more settled down after harrowing 
 troubles which had lasted for two years. 
 
 The year 1887 (St. 1943) was the Jubilee 
 year of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and as such 
 was celebrated in Gondal as elsewhere with 
 great rejoicing and magnificence. This year 
 has proved an auspicious one to the Thdkore 
 Sdheb personally, for he has received at the 
 hands of the Queen-Empress the honour of 
 Knight Commandership of the Most Eminent 
 Order of the Indian Empire. Likewise the old 
 University of Edinburgh has shown its high 
 appreciation of the Thdkore Saheb's merits by 
 conferring on him the honorary degree of LL.D. 
 With these laurels won at the outset of his 
 career the Chief returned to his capital on the
 
 of Gondal. 157 
 
 2!st of August, and was heartily welcomed by 
 his people. 
 
 In May of this year the Thakore Saheb had 
 the misfortune to lose his third son, Ajitsinghji, 
 and five months afterwards he lost his second 
 son, Ranjitsinghji, about three years old. The 
 Thakore Saheb had the best sympathies of his 
 subjects in these domestic afflictions. 
 
 The year did not close without one or two 
 events of the highest importance to the Ruler 
 of Gondal and his subjects. On 'the 29th 
 December Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay, 
 arrived at Dhord,ji with a view to cut the 
 first sod of a new railway line known as the 
 ' Dhor^lji-Porbandar Extension.' The States 
 of Gondal and Porbandar are joint-proprietors 
 of the line. Personally the Thdkore Saheb was 
 strongly in favour of bringing a railway from 
 Jetalsar to Gondal, his capital. But in the 
 interest of his State he gave up his inclination
 
 168 A Short History 
 
 and preferred to share with Porbandar the 
 expenses of the new railway, which would pass 
 through some of the richest portions of his 
 territory. The Governor performed the cere- 
 mony in the presence of a very large number 
 pf European and Native guests who had been 
 invited to witness the proceedings. The business 
 of the day was commenced by the Th^kore 
 Saheb, who in a speech detailed the history of 
 the undertaking and the circumstances under 
 which the project was launched, and requested 
 the Governor to turn the first sod of the 
 proposed railway. Lord Reay, in complying 
 with the request, delivered an able address,' in 
 the course of which he announced that it had 
 pleased Her Majesty's Government to raise the 
 Gondal State to the rank of a First Class State, 
 and that in future the Rulers of Gondal would 
 be entitled to a salute of eleven guns. The 
 ^ Vide Appendix IV.
 
 of Gondal. 159 
 
 announcement was received with very great 
 satisfaction by all concerned. In the evening 
 His Highness the Thakore Saheb gave a 
 banquet in honour of the Governor, The 
 after-dinner speeches were very interesting. 
 
 The next day the Governor laid the founda- 
 tion-stone of a new Girls' School, to be called 
 the * Lady Reay Girls' School,' and left for 
 Bombay on the following morning. 
 
 The honour done to the State by the British 
 Government was fully appreciated by the 
 Chief and his subjects. The ist of January, on 
 which the announcement was gazetted, was 
 celebrated in Gondal as a day of great rejoicing. 
 A Grand Darbar was held in honour of the 
 occasion, which His Highness commemorated 
 by granting some important concessions' to his 
 subjects. 
 
 ^ See Appendix V.
 
 160 A Short History 
 
 Sir Bhagvat Sinhjee has not been long 
 enough on the gddi for any final opinion to be 
 pronounced on his administration. But some of 
 his inaugural acts plainly point out the policy of 
 his rule. It must be admitted that he has 
 assumed control of a territory which had already 
 made considerable progress under British 
 management, and his main business now is 
 to keep to the same path, repairing it when out 
 of order and improving it where it may be 
 improved. And this is what he has commenced 
 to do. His first act was to reform the Khdngl 
 Department, which is very large ; this was a 
 work both difficult and delicate. As already 
 stated, he appointed Mr. Bezanji Merwanjl as 
 his chief Karbhdrl. This officer has seen 
 British service as well as State service.^ 
 
 ^ His substantive appointment under the Agency is that 
 of Head Accountant. Latterly he was chief Karbhari of the 
 Mangrol Stale.
 
 of Gandal, 161 
 
 Several necessary reforms have been Intro- 
 duced into the Revenue, Judicial, Police, and 
 Forest Departments, and they all have been 
 placed under competent officers, the loan of 
 whose services have been obtained from the 
 British Government. A Bhaydtl Court was 
 established with a view to despatch business 
 in connection with girds cases between 
 the Bhdyads and Mulglr^sids and the State. 
 Some changes are also being made In the system 
 ■of collecting revenue. The Bhdgvati or 
 system of paying in kind though equitable In 
 principle Is surrounded with many practical 
 disadvantages ; the Vinghoti or cash-system 
 has the merit of being simple, but In years of 
 scarcity its rigidity is felt keenly by the 
 cultivating classes, so arrangements are being 
 made to introduce a cash-system which is 
 elastic In its nature and which combines the 
 
 merits of i^/z^io-z/^// and Vntghoti Rud discards, 
 21
 
 162 A Short History 
 
 as far as practicable, their inherent disadvan- 
 tages. Such a system, if found to work well, 
 will, it is supposed, be highly beneficial to the 
 State and the cultivators. 
 
 The State is divided into six mdhdls or 
 pargands, 1)12. ^ Gondal-Sultanpur, Hadmantala, 
 Sarsd,i, Dhordji, Bhayavadar, and Upleta. Five 
 of them are supplied with hospitals or dispen- 
 saries. But with a view to give medical aid 
 to villagers living at a distance from the 
 dispensary towns the Thdkore Saheb, with 
 commendable humanity, has appointed a 
 travelling doctor, whose duty it is to visit the 
 villages in periodical rounds and to give 
 medical help on the spot to those poor sufferers 
 who cannot conveniently resort to hospitals or 
 dispensaries. This is a new experiment and 
 has answered well. 
 
 In memory of the late lamented lady of 
 Minapur, the Thdkore S^heb's third wife, who
 
 of Gondal. 153 
 
 died on 3rd August 1885, an Infirmary has 
 been built at Gondal called the ' Bili Sahebbd 
 Asylum.' In this charitable asylum the infirm 
 and disabled, who are unable to earn their 
 livelihooxl, and are otherwise uncared for and 
 neglected, are provided with clothes, board, 
 lodging and medical aid. The institution is a 
 real blessing to many labouring under physical 
 disabilities. Besides this the Guest-house for 
 natives, the Guest-house for Europeans, the 
 Sanskrit Pathshald, the State Engineers' 
 Office, the Workshops, the Fergusson Hospital 
 are among the works which are a great credit to 
 the new administration. It maybe Avorth noting 
 that from the time of the British management 
 to the present day the State has spent about 
 a crore of Rupees on public works, general 
 improvements and railways. The educational 
 wants of the people have been duly recognized. 
 There are about eighty schools of all de^icrip-
 
 104 // Short History 
 
 tlons in the State maintained at an annual 
 expenditure exceeding twenty thousand Rupees. 
 An agricultural class has been established in 
 connection with an experimental farm for 
 training young men for employment in the 
 Revenue Department. The Chief has abolished 
 some sixteen different taxes, more or less 
 obnoxious to the people. If his solicitude for 
 his subject's weal is genuine, his sincerity 
 towards the Imperial Government does not 
 seem to be less so. For during the anxious 
 period of the threatened conflict with Russia on 
 the North-West frontier, he offered to place the 
 resources of his State at the disposal of the 
 Paramount Power, and presented them with a 
 number of ponies which were pronounced to 
 be among the best procured in the district. 
 
 With such beginnings the young Chief has 
 inaugurated his career as the ruler of a princi- 
 pality which has already made conspicuous
 
 of GondaL 165 
 
 progress and is capable of further development. 
 If the rare educational advantages he enjoys 
 will serve him to see his own shortcomings as 
 King Bhartrihari would say, if he listens to 
 the counsel of wisdom and experience, and 
 bears in mind, as it is hoped he will, the proper 
 relation between the ruler and the ruled, then 
 certainly he has a very bright and blessed 
 future before him. May a true and honourable 
 conception of his duties constantly lighten and 
 brighten his path, and may his acts for the 
 good of his people ever lead him " onward, 
 forward, and heavenward." 
 
 This chapter cannot be more fittingly-closed 
 than by quoting the last sentences of the 
 speech of the Divan Mr. Bezanji, who, while 
 addressing the Chief on the occasion of his 
 being raised to the status of a First Class 
 Ruler, observed : — 
 
 " The gddi was first planted by your brave
 
 IGG A Short History of Gondal. 
 
 ancestor Kumbhoji, it grew Into an extensive 
 tree in the time of the most enterprising 
 warrior Chief Kumbhoji II., it blossomed 
 under the fostering care of the successive able 
 British OfBcers who had the management of the 
 State during your minority, and happy to say 
 in your own time it began to fructify for the 
 benefit of thousands living under its benign 
 shade. We sincerely pray to the Almighty 
 Sovereign of the whole universe that by His 
 Grace your subjects may long enjoy the fruits 
 of your good government ; may you satisfy 
 their wants, may the glory of your kingdom 
 never fade, and may you live long to rule your 
 subjects well."
 
 166^ 
 
 GONDAL GENEALOGICAL TREE. 
 
 Vibhoji, Founder of the Rajkot family. 
 Meramanji (Rdjkot) 
 
 Sahebji (Rajkot) 
 
 KUMBHOJI I (Founder of the 
 I Gondal Branch.) 
 
 SAGRAMJI I 
 
 Sangoji (Founder of the 
 Kotrd Branch.) 
 
 HiLOJI Nathuji Hothiji Bhdroji 
 
 1 
 
 I III. 
 
 KUMBHOJI II Hamoji Pathoji Jethiji 
 
 SagrSmji (Died during Mokaji 
 
 his father's lifetime) 
 
 MULUJI DEVABHAI (Suc.his Hothibhdi Bhavobhdi 
 I nephew DAJIBHAI) 
 
 Bapji DAJIBHAI 
 
 (Died early) (Died childless) 
 
 I 
 NATHUJI 
 
 I 
 
 Bai Sahebbd 
 
 (Daughter 
 
 Married at 
 
 Dhragadra.) 
 
 KANUJI 
 
 (Sue. 
 
 NATHUJI. 
 
 Died 
 childless.) 
 
 MOTIBHil 
 
 alias 
 Chandrasinghji 
 (Sue. KANUJI. 
 Died childless.) 
 
 BHiNABHAI 
 
 (Sue. 
 MOTIBHAI.) 
 
 SAGRAMJI II 
 I 
 
 Muluji 
 
 Prithiraj Majirujba Balsinghji BHAGVAT SINHJEE 
 
 (Diedduring (Daughter. (Died early.) (Present Chief.) 
 
 his father's Alarried at 1 
 
 lifetime). Bh'ivnagar.) { 
 
 BHOJRAJ Nankuverba Ranjitsingh- Ajitsingh- Bhuputsmgh- 
 
 (Heir- (Daughter.) jee, died. jee, died. jee. 
 
 apparent.)
 
 APPENDIX I. 
 
 INSTALLATION of THAKORE SAHEB 
 
 BHAGVAT SINHJEE of GONDAL. 
 
 Bhagvat Sinhjee, Thakore Saheb of Gondal, was 
 placed on the gadi at Gondal on the 25th August 
 1884, in accordance with the orders of Government. 
 
 The Political Agent, accompanied by Major Nutt, 
 Acting Joint Administrator ; Colonel Fisher, Com- 
 manding the troops at Rajkot ; Lieut. -Colonel Scott, 
 Assistant Political Agent in Sorath ; Major Hancock, 
 Acting President, Rajasthanik Court; Major Hunter, 
 Acting Superintendent of Surveys under the Rajas- 
 thanik Court ; Captain Fenton, Assistant Poli- 
 tical Agent in Halar ; Mr. Macnaghten, Principal, 
 Rajkumdr College ; Mr. Beaman, Acting Judicial 
 Assistant; Mr. Warden, Assistant Political Agent 
 in Gohelvad ; Lieutenant Abud, Staff Officer, Rdjkot, 
 and other gentlemen arrived at the Darb^r at 5 P.M. 
 under a salute of 1 1 guns.
 
 1G8 Appendix I. 
 
 The Political Agent was received at the foot of the 
 grand staircase by the Th^kore Saheb, with whom he 
 proceeded to the Darbar room, where were assem- 
 bled many of the Chief's relations and chief officials, 
 several of the Kunvars of the Rajkumar College, — 
 who had come out for the occasion, — and others. 
 
 The Thakore Saheb was then conducted by the 
 Political Agent on his right and Major Nutt on his 
 left to a chair of State on the dais, on which he was 
 seated by the Political Agent. The Political Agent 
 took his seat on a separate dais on the right of the 
 Thakore Saheb. A salute of nine guns was then fired 
 and the band played. During the salute Major Nutt, 
 Acting Joint Administrator, delivered to the Thakore 
 Saheb the Seal of the State. When the salute was 
 ended, the Political Agent addressed the Thakore 
 Saheb as follows: — 
 
 Thakore Saheb, Gentlemen, and State 
 Representatives, 
 
 I have come here to-day to perform the pleasing 
 duty of placing the Thakore Saheb in full charge of 
 fais State. Nearly 15 years have elapsed since the
 
 Appendix /. 169 
 
 death of his father. Thakore S^heb Sagramji left 
 him, then little more than an infant, to the guardian- 
 ship of the British Government. At first the 
 State was placed, conjointly with Rajkot, under the 
 Surperintendence of Captain Lloyd. Then it was 
 under a Special Assistant to the Political Agent, and 
 in 1878, just six years ago, a Joint Administration 
 was formed consisting of a European officer and an 
 experienced Native official, the place of the latter 
 being taken during the past six months by the Thakore 
 Saheb himself. The State has been througrhout 
 fortunate in having the services of officers of ability 
 lent to it; and I think it will be generally acknow- 
 ledged that the results of the administration have 
 been creditable to all concerned. 
 
 When the State first came under management, the 
 balance in hand was Rs. 19,61,143, and the revenue 
 was under 8 lakhs per annum. There were no roads 
 to speak of, and few schools. Law Courts were of a 
 rudimentary description; there existed no organized 
 police ; and there were no hospitals ; and no regular 
 
 jails. 
 22
 
 170 Appendix I, 
 
 During the minority upwards of 56 lakhs of rupees 
 have been spent on public worksj communications, 
 education, and general improvement. For this we 
 have to show 96 miles of metalled road and a large 
 extent of fair-weather roads, a railway 'j^i miles 
 in length, 7 first class bridges, a telegraph line, 64 
 schools — attended by 3,745 scholars — , handsome 
 hospitals and good dispensaries, a fine jail, and 
 several suitable lock-ups, besides other works, too 
 numerous to mention. 
 
 The Law Courts are on a good footing; a tho- 
 roughly well oragnized police, — numberingupwards of 
 400 horse and foot, — look to the protection of life and 
 property; forest conservancy — a matter of special 
 importance in Kathiawar — has been attended to; and 
 in short, not to weary you with too many details, every 
 department of the State has been put in thorough order. 
 The revenue has been raised from below 8 lakhs to 
 upwards of 12 lakhs of rupees per annum, and that 
 without any extra pressure on the rayats, who are, in 
 fact, in a more prosperous condition than they were 
 before. The cash balances are some 5^ lakhs of
 
 Appendix I. 171 
 
 rupees in the treasury, g lakhs in Government 
 papers, and a half lakh as a fixed deposit in the Bank 
 of Bombay, while 29 lakhs have been invested in the 
 Bhavnagar-Gondal Railway, on which nearly 4 per 
 cent, is now received, while a much higher rate of 
 interest may fairly be looked for in the future. The 
 total balance is altogether upwards of 43^ lakhs. 
 
 These results must be acknowledged to be in the 
 highest degree satisfactory, and I am glad to see 
 here two of the officers to whom much of the success 
 is due, Lieut. -Colonel Scott served here for some six 
 years, and was succeeded by iMajor Nutt. I congratu- 
 late these officers on the fruit of their labours as 
 shown by the figures just given, though mere figures 
 fail to show all that has been accomplished by them 
 and the other officers connected from time to time with 
 the administration. No figures can show what diffi- 
 culties have had to be contended with, what obstacles 
 overcome, and what obstructions removed before the 
 results have been arrived at that I have summarized. 
 
 I have a double object in dwelling on what has 
 been achieved during the Thakore Saheb's minority.
 
 172 Appendix I. 
 
 viz., first, to show that the British Government has 
 faithfully looked after the interests of its ward, and 
 2ndly, to impr&ss upon the latter the responsibilities 
 devolving on him. 
 
 In proportion to a Ruler's opportunities and advan- 
 tages are his responsibilities. No Chief of Gondal has 
 ever succeeded to a State in such a flourishing condi- 
 tion as Gondal now is. Therefore it is all the more 
 incumbent on Thakore Bhagvat Sinhjee to govern 
 better than any of his predecessors, and that not only 
 because of material prosperity of his State, and the 
 admirable organization of its establishments, but also 
 because he has enjoyed educational advantages such 
 as were unheard of in the time of his fathers. For 
 several years, you, Thakore Saheb, have been receiv- 
 ing your education in the Rajkumar College, the ahna 
 mater or fostering mother of the Kathidwar Chiefs of 
 the present generation. You have had the advantage 
 of Mr. Macnaghten's guidance and leading, and what 
 an advantage that is, I need not say in the presence 
 of men who know Kathiawar. You have for years 
 led the healthy life of a student in an institution
 
 Appendix I. 173 
 
 planned on the lines of those great schools in Eng- 
 land which have turned out so many of our best men, 
 and you have attained ;i high position and acquired a 
 reputation in that College. Now all this training 
 was intended not to enable you to win so many prizes, 
 or to place you at the head of your class, but to fit 
 you for the work devolving on you as Ruler of a State. 
 You have also had the advantages of initiation into 
 the public business of your State by being, associated 
 in the administration, so that you do not come as a 
 mere novice to hold the reins of power; and your 
 ideas have been enlarged by travel in Europe. 
 
 I repeat, therefore, that the more the advantages of 
 your position, the greater is the responsibility that 
 devolves on you. You have but to follow in the 
 paths already marked out, and to keep up the exist- 
 ing institutions in full vigour to do well; but it is also 
 necessary to be guided by the same principles that 
 have actuated those who administered the State during 
 your minority. Choose your line of action in the 
 beginning, and adhere to it. There are many factions 
 in Gondal, and party-spirit has ere now done much
 
 174 Appendix I. 
 
 harm there. Personally, of course, you are above 
 such party feelings; but there will not be wanting 
 those who will try to induce you to favour one fac- 
 tion at the expense of another. There will be no 
 lack of irresponsible advisers, who will urge you to 
 follow the dictates of caprice, or the impulse of pas- 
 sion, rather than the course pointed out by duty. To 
 such, I am sure, you will lend no ear. Consult your 
 responsible advisers, among whom, for the next three 
 months, will be the officer with whom you have lately 
 been associated in the administration, and be guided 
 by their advice. If there is any matter on which 
 further advice is required, you will find the officers 
 of the Agency always ready and willing to assist you 
 in that way. You have mixed enough in European 
 society, and know the officers of the Agency well 
 enough to be free from the suspicion which ignorant 
 Chiefs sometimes feel that we desire to encroach on 
 your prerogatives and interfere unnecessarily ; and I 
 am sure that, in all references you have to makfe to 
 us, you will deal with us as frankly as we shall deal 
 with you.
 
 Appendix I, 175 
 
 I have now handed over to you the insignia of 
 power, the State Seals, and the Keys of your Treasury, 
 and in conclusion I express what I know is the hope 
 of all here, that you may have a long and prosperous 
 career, and that you may be even more distinguished 
 as a Ruler than you were as a student of the Rajkumar 
 College. 
 
 A translation of the above was then read by Kh^n 
 Bahadur Dhanjishah Hormasji^ Deputy Assistant 
 Political Agent, Halar. 
 
 TheThakoreSaheb then made the following reply : — 
 Colonel West, 
 
 I thank you sincerely for the honour you have done 
 me by your kind presence here this day. I am espe- 
 cially indebted to you for the trouble you have taken 
 in coming down from Rajkot to install me on the 
 gadi oi my ancestors. I have listened attentively to 
 the address you have just delivered. It has, I assure 
 you, made a deep impression upon my mind, and I 
 thank you for your good wishes and valuable advice. 
 You know I am young, and need advice and 
 encouragement. It is graiif)ing to me to find that
 
 176 Appendix I, 
 
 during my minority the affairs of my State have been 
 administered under a system which is a happy blending 
 of Native and European ideas. I am glad to see that 
 while local opinion has been enlisted in favour of 
 reforms which appeared desirable in the eyes of 
 British officers, no changes have been made which, 
 however desirable, and however beneficial in them- 
 selves, are, at present at least, premature in a Native 
 State and under the existing condition of Native 
 society. In this view of the matter I have to thank 
 the gentlemen who, from time to time, have had the 
 management of this State during my minority. 
 
 I now pass on to a subject of rather a personal 
 nature^ I mean the desire shown in, and the care 
 bestowed upon, my education by the Bombay Govern- 
 ment and their representatives in this province. In 
 this connection, permit me. Sir, to express my sense 
 of gratitude to Mr.Macnaghten, the learned Principal 
 of the Rajkum^r College — whom I am very glad to see 
 here to-day — to Professor Selby, and to those gentle- 
 men of the Kathiawar Agency who have from time to 
 time taken interest in the progress of my studies
 
 Appendix /. 177 
 
 In Major Hancock I had a guide, friend, and com- 
 panion when on my visit to England and Europe. 
 
 To Major Nutt I am indebted for the practical insight 
 which, through his help, I have been able to get into 
 the details of administrative work. Now, Sir, it 
 seems to me that the best return I can make to the 
 Government who have all along taken such warm 
 interest in my education, and in upholding my dignity 
 whilst a minor, is to make this public acknowledg- 
 ment of my deep sense of gratitude to them. I may 
 say that young as I am, I am fully sensible of the 
 responsibilities now devolved upon me as a Ruler of 
 this State. I need hardly say that it will be my 
 earnest desire to see that justice and order prevail in 
 my State; that life and property are well protected ; 
 that the kunbi enjoys the fruit of his labour, and the 
 trader the profits of his trade ; that roads are improved 
 and communications facilitated; that education is 
 encouraged; and provision is made for the relief of 
 the sick poor. This, 1 believe, is what the [British 
 Government expect of the Native Rulers in this 
 
 country to do within their respective States. If my 
 23
 
 178 Appendix /. 
 
 efforts, however humble, are directed in fulfilment of 
 these expectations, then I trust I shall have done 
 something to deserve on the one hand the confidence 
 of the British Government, which I most value, and 
 on the other, the loyal and willing obedience of those 
 whose relations to their Rulers, as the customs and 
 usages of this country amply prove, have from time 
 immemorial been those of children to their parents. 
 Hence the study of their wants will be my special 
 care, as their contentment and happiness will be my 
 chief reward. In this place I must not omit to thank 
 the Government for their kindly lending me the 
 services of Mr. Bezanji Merwdnji, a gentleman of 
 approved merit and varied experience, whom I have 
 appointed my chief Karbh^ri, and on whose assistance 
 and co-operation I fully rely. In conclusion, I pray 
 that the blessings of Providence may attend my 
 humble efforts for" the good of those committed to 
 my charge. 
 
 A translation of the Thakore S^heb's speech was 
 then read out by Azam Bezanji Merwanji, the 
 Karbhari.
 
 Appendix /. 179 
 
 After this the Thdkore Saheb descended from his 
 
 chair of State, and meeting the Political Agent and 
 
 other officers standing on the carpet, received their 
 
 congratulations. 
 
 The Thakore Saheb then conducted the Political 
 Agent to a couch on the dais and placed him an his 
 
 right hand. 
 
 After conversation attar and pan were distributed, 
 and the Political Agent and the Thakore S^heb left 
 the Darbar with the gentlemen present and pro- 
 ceeded to open the new People's Park.
 
 Appendix II. 
 
 Government Resolution on the installation. 
 Bombay Castle, nth September 1884. 
 Letter from Lieut.-Colonel E. W. West, Political 
 Agent, Kathiaw^d, No. 417, dated 26th August 1884, 
 reporting, with reference to this Department's 
 Resolution No. 3771, dated 19th July 1884, that he 
 placed the Thakore Saheb of Gondal in full charge 
 of his State on the 25th August at a Durbar held for 
 the occasion at his Capital. Forwarding copy of the 
 young Chief's reply to some remarks which he 
 addressed to him on the occasion, and stating that he 
 is assured that this reply was the Chief's own unaided 
 composition, and that, in his opinion, both the tone 
 and matter of it reflect much credit on him. For- 
 ^ardii;ig also two printed copies of a report by Major 
 Nutt, giving details of what has been done for the 
 improvement of the Gondal State while under the 
 management of Government, and observing that it 
 will doubtless gratify Government to find that the 
 interests of their ward were so well looked after 
 during his minority.
 
 Appendix II. 181 
 
 Resolution. — His Excellency the Governor in 
 Council learns with pleasure that theThakore Stiheb 
 of Gondal assumed the administration of his State on 
 the 25th August, and has read with much gratification 
 the reply made by the Thakore Saheb on the occasion 
 to Colonel West's address. In his acknowledgment 
 of obligations to the British Government and Political 
 officers, the Thakore Saheb shows good feeling and 
 good taste, and his description of his duties as a 
 Ruler evinces a sound and clear judgment. His 
 Excellency in Council hopes, that the excellent mental 
 qualities which the Thakore Saheb gives proof of 
 possessing, may, by industry and energy, be turned to 
 the best account both for himself and for his subjects. 
 
 2. Colonel West has forwarded an interesting 
 summary by Major Nutt, showing the results of 
 the past fourteen years' administration of Gondal 
 by British officers on behalf of the minor Chief. 
 The facts given are very creditable to the officers 
 concerned in the administration. 
 
 3. The most striking fact is that, while more than 
 56 lacs has been spent upon public works, education,
 
 182 Appendix II. 
 
 general improvements, and a railway, a balance of 
 more than 15 lacs has been handed over to the young 
 Chief. Owing doubtless in no small nr^easure to liberal 
 expenditure on communications and general improve- 
 ments, am,ong which must be mentioned 2,793 rievv 
 wells, the revenue has increased from 8 to 12 lacs. 
 The expenditure, on a liberal estimate for all charges, 
 including \\ lac for public works, is 10 lacs only. 
 
 4. These figures and the facts of Major Nutt's 
 interesting report generally afford good proof, if 
 indeed any were wanted, of the rich prospects in 
 store for the Province of K^thiawad, when, all 
 its States being administered on the same sound 
 principles, its great resources shall have been fully 
 developed. 
 
 5. Copies of the report and of this resolution 
 should be forwarded to the Secretary of State and 
 the Governm,ent of I^dia^ and placed oi\ the Editors' 
 table, 
 
 J. B. RICHEY, 
 
 Acting Chief Secretary to Government,
 
 Appendix III. 
 
 The Thakore Saheb rrtade the following reply to 
 the Gondal Municipality Address: — 
 
 Gentlerrien,-^! am highly delighted to receive this 
 address. I Value it the most for the Words of loyalty 
 and love which it breathes. It is indeed a matter of 
 great gratification to me that, at the very commence- 
 ment of my career^ I have been congratulated by 
 such an influential body as the Gondal Municipality. 
 Municipal institutions in this country are not things 
 of outlandish growthi They have been indigenous to 
 the soil since the time of the Mahabharata. But, like 
 many a good thingj they declinied with the decline of 
 the country, so much so, that they have noW lost the 
 vary traces of theii" existence. They are lying dor- 
 mant for want of encouragement, or have lost vitality^ 
 they being neglected and forgotten. Of late^ how- 
 ever, they have been resuscitated ih a different and 
 methodical form under the civilizing influences of the 
 West. All I can ask you, gentlemen, is to keep pace 
 with Time in the march of F*rogress. The cry around
 
 184 Appendix III. 
 
 is for reforms, and I confidently hope that the 
 Municipality, young though it is, will not lack that 
 zeal and energy which make a public body useful and 
 popular. You are guardians of public health, which 
 can best be secured by good sanitation, proper drain- 
 age and sewerage, ample supply of pure water, 
 suppression and prevention of epidemic diseases, nice 
 and clean roads, scrupulous attention to dwelling 
 houses and conservancy, and various other measures ; 
 this forms an important factor in the happiness of the 
 community. And it will always be my pleasant duty 
 to listen to any suggestions that will come from you 
 bearing on these and kindred subjects. I need hardly 
 tell you that it will be my earnest endeavour to accord 
 to your Corporation my hearty support, and to give 
 my best thought to your proposals for the general 
 good. In your address you have been good enough 
 to allude to my education, travels, and some otiier 
 personal matters, for which I offer you my cordeal 
 thanks. I certainly do not wish to be judged in anti- 
 cipation, but to be judged by the results of my actions. 
 And until I ha\e done something towards fobtering
 
 Appendix III. 185 
 
 public opinion in this State, and shown by word and 
 by deed that my happiness consists in the happiness 
 of my people^ I cannot claim to deserve the praise 
 you so kindly bestow on me. 
 
 24
 
 APPENDIX IV. 
 
 THE TURNING OF THE FIRST SOI) OF 
 THE DHORAJI-PORBANDAR RAILWAY. 
 The THAKORE SAHEB addressed H. E. LORD 
 
 REAY as follows :— 
 
 Your Excellency, — I heartily welcome you to 
 my territory, and trust I may take it upon myself to 
 thank your Excellency, in the name of the Porbandar 
 State, as well as of my own, for the great kindness 
 with which you so readily complied with my request, 
 that you would perform the ceremony of turning the 
 first sod of this extension from Dhordji to Por- 
 bandar, of our existing railway line between Dhasa 
 and Dhoraji. Though this is the first occasion on 
 which I have the pleasure of personally welcoming 
 your Excellency, this is not your first visit to my 
 territory. Last year, your Excellency and Lady 
 Reay — and I wish Lady Reay was present here on 
 this occasion — did us the honour to make a brief 
 sojourn in Gondal, and though I was sorry I was not
 
 Appendix IV, 187 
 
 present to welcome your Excellencies, I could not but 
 feel all the more grateful that even in my absence 
 you should have given us what I felt happy to recog- 
 nise as a proof of your friendship and good-will to my 
 family and my vState. It is not necessary for me to 
 say much on the benefits which the railway brings 
 with it and spreads in many directions. People are 
 daily experiencing those benefits everywhere in your 
 great Empire, and nowhere more than in India. We 
 too, wisely following in your wake, have already 
 experienced those benefits in K^thiawdr. Since I 
 have had the direct management of my State, I have 
 never doubted the wisdom of extending, as far as my 
 resources permitted, the existing railway, and the 
 only question which occupied me, was the direction 
 which such extension should take most advan- 
 tageously for my people and my State. The port of 
 Bhdvnagar was already secured for our trade by the 
 Bhavnagar-Gondal line. The proposed line to 
 Junaghad and Verjawal fromjetalsar will bring the sea 
 board within easier reach of us. The great advan- 
 tages of our connection with your great trunk lines,
 
 188 Appendix IV. 
 
 required only to be extended to other ]:)arts of my 
 territory, and your Excellency will easily understand 
 my strong inclination in favour of Gondal, my capital, 
 so that I might secure to it the many administrative 
 and political advantages by connecting it with the 
 existing line. Before I could form my decision, Mr. 
 Lely, wdio is now devoting his best energies to the 
 administration of the Porbandar State, put forward 
 his proposal for a railway to Porbandar, and I was 
 told he wanted my partnership. I did not wish that 
 a project, so fruitful of good to many in this province, 
 should fall through for want of my co-operation. I 
 therefore deemed it my duty, however reluctantly, to 
 give up my cherished scheme of taking the railway to 
 my capital and to give my best help in the proposed 
 extension, which will connect the well-known port of 
 Porbandar with this city of Dhoraji — the second 
 city in my State. The extended line will be about 
 69 miles in length, 30 of which will be in Gondal 
 territory, 21^ in Navanagar territory, and \-]\ in 
 Porbandar territory. The total cost of construction is 
 estimated at about thirty-four lakhs of rupees, which
 
 Appendix IV. 189 
 
 will be borne by the Porbanclar and Gondal States, 
 as joint-proprietors. In this connection, your 
 Excellency will perhaps hear with interest that our 
 ancestors of Porbandar and Gondal, besides being 
 bound by ties of relationship, were friends and com- 
 rades in arms; and it was their good fortune in many 
 a tough encounter with their common enemies to be 
 partners in the victories of war. And by a happy 
 coincidence the same two States in these days again 
 join hands and start as comrades in the paths of 
 peace, the victories of which we now recognise to be 
 not less renowned than those of war. I cannot say 
 whether our ancestors desired or received the good 
 wishes of the Paramount Power for their enterprises 
 in those days. We, my Lord, do desire your wishes, 
 and your Excellency's presence here is proof that we 
 have secured them. In asking your Excellency to 
 turn the first sod of this new line, and to join us in 
 asking God's blessing on this enterprise, I congratulate 
 myself that we have among us, on behalf of the 
 Paramount Power, a Governor whose noble attributes 
 ensure to it our devoted attachment. I thank you all,
 
 100 Appendix IV. 
 
 ladies and gentlemen, for gracing this occasion with 
 your presence. 
 
 Mr. Lely, addressing the Governor, said : Your 
 Excellency, — It remains for me, as representing 
 Porbandarin the absence of His Highness the Rana,to 
 express its entire and hearty concurrence in what has 
 just been said by the Thiikore Saheb as spokesman 
 of both States. It would, of course, have been more 
 gratifying to us if the sod, which your Excellency is 
 about to turn, had been of Porbandar soil, and if, 
 instead of being here as visitors, we had had the 
 privilege of welcoming your Excellency within the 
 bounds of the Porbandar State. But locality is against 
 us. It is not to be expected that your Excellency 
 should practically test the need of a railway by 
 travelling over sixty miles of broken road. We 
 trust, however, that when the new line is finished 
 the first train will carry to our capital town both your 
 Excellency and the Thakore Saheb of Gondal as 
 honoured guests. 
 
 To these speeches, His Excellency replied as 
 follows: — ThAkore SAheb, Administrator of Porban-
 
 Appendix IV. I<)1 
 
 dar, Ladies and Gentlemen, — No more fitting gift 
 could be conferred by you at this time of the year to 
 your subjects than to enrich them by another line of 
 railway. This great work will be achieved by the co- 
 operation of two important Kathiawar Durbars, and 
 much that has been done in the past and much of 
 what stands over, will have to be done in the future 
 for the benefit of Kathiawar by the co-operation of 
 Chiefs of various States. During your minority, a 
 British administrator joined hands with His Highness 
 the Thakore Saheb of Bhavnagar in giving to this 
 great province its first important railway line, and to- 
 day you return the compliment by joining hands with 
 the British Administrator of a neighbouring State in 
 establishing railway connection between a most 
 fertile tract of your own territory and the port of 
 Porbandar. I know that, in doing this you have 
 acted on, what may be called, an all-important prin- 
 ciple, namely, to do that which one dislikes. I am 
 aware that if you had followed your own very natural 
 inclination, you would have given preference to a line 
 from Dhoraji to Gondal. Foregoing this natural
 
 11)2 Appendix IV, 
 
 inclination you have shown your just appreciation as 
 a Ruler, by attending to State needs rather than 
 personal gratification. Besides this combination for 
 the construction of lines, I am very glad to hear that 
 steps have been taken to ensure for the network of 
 railways, which, we hope, will rapidly cover the 
 whole of the province, that uniformity and unity of 
 management which is essential in the working of any 
 railway system. By entrusting all these lines to one 
 central management, and vesting the joint ownership 
 of the rolling-stock, workshop, and general plant in a 
 joint board, representative of the various interests, 
 you have anticipated a step which has been 
 taken by the Government of India. By a curious 
 coincidence, I read about simultaneously the tele- 
 graphic summary of the new regulations and the 
 proposals for your joint management. Among other 
 things, the resolution contemplates an increase of 
 through rates, the prevention of arbitrary increase or 
 decrease of rates, and professional advice to Govern- 
 ment by a standing committee of managers of rail- 
 ways. The meaning of this resolution is clearly, that
 
 Appendix JV. 193 
 
 the interests of the public will be henceforth carefully 
 protected, and that this protection can only be 
 secured by the observation of general principles to 
 which all component parts of our great railway 
 system must be made subject. Through rates in a 
 province like this are essential, and to prevent unfair 
 competition between the various ports maxima and 
 minima rates will be found a useful restraint. These 
 regulations of the Government of India, I suppose, we 
 may fairly regard as a precious legacy, left us by one 
 of the ablest Indian Administrators, on whom this 
 presidency has special claim — Sir Theodore Hope — 
 who I know thoroughly appreciated the, enterprising 
 spirit of the Chiefs of Kathiawar. It gives me the great- 
 est satisfaction to find that the proprietary States 
 undertake to impose no new duties or bounties, or 
 to enhance any existing ones on traffic passing through 
 any station on the combined system ; and to preserve 
 the freedom of trade, a great railway junction is the 
 best exponent of the absurdity of transit duties. The 
 extension of railways is hardly able to meet the 
 demand. The increasing numbers of railway travel-
 
 104 Appendix IV. 
 
 lers show how these lines are enjoyed by all classes 
 of the community. It is a pleasing consideration that 
 these works ace carried out by native labour, largely 
 under native supervision, and ultimately the system 
 is worked by a large personnel of native servants 
 under a very limited number of highly trained English 
 engineers. Only yesterday, in talking with a station 
 master he informed me, evidently without regret, 
 that he had failed in his Matriculation Examination. 
 Perhaps, as a station master he is much happier than 
 as a B.A., waiting for employment in the Revenue 
 Department. Besides, the rough labour on railway 
 construction and railway workshops, we have in rail- 
 way workshops a most valuable school for the develop- 
 ment and training of skilled workmen, and I look 
 upon the development of railways as a best incentive 
 to the development of technical education. Only yes- 
 terday I was enabled to appreciate what could be done 
 in this direction under the guidance of English skill, 
 when travelling in that most sumptuous railway carri- 
 age kindly placed at my disposal by H. H. the Thakore 
 Siihcb of BluiviKii-ar. That carriage was designed by
 
 Appendix IV, 195 
 
 Mr. W'ylie, who deserves to be complimentedon having 
 turned out in the Bhavnagar works such a perfect 
 specimen with the aid of native workmen. I am 
 sorry that it was not ready for the Indian and Colonial 
 Exhibition. You, Thakore Siiheb, liave observed that 
 we have already got two ports in our Kathiawar 
 system, and that Porbandar will be third, and I do 
 not think it will be a bad tliird. I doubt even if, in 
 the long run, we shall rest satisfied with three ports, 
 as Salaya and Shialbet both are, I believe, harbours 
 of great natural capacity. In these circumstances 
 there is, what the French call, the embarrassment of 
 selection. The great desideratum of Railway com- 
 munication for the present is undoubtedly to obtain 
 unity of gauge, w'hich my late friend. General Han- 
 cock, considered infinitely more important than the 
 question of the nature of the gauges. We must con- 
 nect our Kathiawar system at an early date with the 
 Rajputana-Malwd system. Financial difficulties which 
 confront us elsewhere offer no impediment. His 
 Highness the Gaekwar and his Highness the Thakore 
 Saheb of Bhfunagar, whose munificent offer for a
 
 196 Appendix IV. . 
 
 railway entirely outside his own territory, shows wise 
 insight, opened up a bright prospect. I hope the 
 day is not very far distant, when we shall run a 
 through train from Bh^vnagar to Sidhpur, without 
 break of srauoe or bulk. There is one circumstance 
 in to-day's ceremony, which affords me much gratifi- 
 cation coupled with regret. I regret the absence of 
 H. W. the Ran^ of Porbandar, and I regret the 
 circumstances which are the cause of it. I have felt, 
 and I feel deeply, the responsibility which a British 
 administrator undertakes in the absence or minority 
 of a native ruler. There is, perhaps, no part of my 
 varied duties on which 1 bestow greater care, and I 
 wish on this occasion to give my best thanks to Mr. 
 Lely for the admirable way in which he has carried 
 out my instructions with reference to the State of 
 Porbandar. The traditions of British administration 
 impose upon us the duty of utilising an interregnum, 
 so that on restoration or attainment of their majority 
 hereditary rulers may find their States administered 
 and improved in a way which will strengthen the ties 
 ^and I know how strong they are — existing between
 
 Appendix IV. 197 
 
 their house and their subjects. Gondal is the best 
 illustration of what I have said, and Porbandar 
 promises to be another. We made a railway for 
 Gondal, we planned one for Kolhapur, we are now 
 making one for Porbandar, and Jdmnagar will reap 
 the advantages of our administration of Porbandar. 
 When the Porbandar house is one day restored, 
 surrounded by the elements of prosperity, it will, I 
 trust, recognise, as you, Thakore Saheb, recognised 
 at your installation, that we are beneficent guardians, 
 and that our labour is not for our own aggrandise- 
 ment, but for that of the rulers and their subjects 
 whose interests are committed temporarily to our care. 
 When you, Thakore Saheb, assumed your direct rule 
 you used these words: *'I need hardly say that it will 
 be my earnest desire to see that justice and order 
 prevail in my State, that life and property are well 
 protected, that the Kunbi enjoys the fruit of his 
 labour, and the trader the profits of his trade ; that 
 roads are improved and communications facilitated ; 
 that education is encouraged and provision is made 
 for the relief of the sick poor." Thdkore Saheb,
 
 198 Appendix IV. 
 
 though you have been only three years on your gad i, 
 I believe you have acted up to the pledges you then 
 gave, and that you have shown a due appreciation of 
 what was done for you during your minority by 
 several political officers, one of whom, I am pleased 
 to see, is here present, and another has expressed 
 his deep regret that he could not attend — I mean 
 Colonel Phillips and Colonel Scott. 
 
 Proclamation Day generally brings us a list of 
 honours. Difficult as it is to keep secrets in India, no 
 secret is more carefully kept than that concerning the 
 honours which are to be bestowed on that day. I am 
 instructed by His Excellency the Viceroy — and I 
 consider it a great privilege to have been allowed to 
 disclose this secret — to announce that it has pleased 
 Her Majesty's Government to raise this State to a First 
 Class State. (Cheers.) I am further commanded by 
 my Most Gracious Sovereign the Queen-Empress to 
 announce that in future the Rulers of Gondal will 
 be entitled to a salute of eleven guns. (Cheers.) I 
 trust that these distinctions w'ill give pleasure, not 
 only to your Highness, but to your subjects, who,
 
 Appendix IV. 199 
 
 I know, are aware that in you they have the promise 
 of a progressive and useful future. Before resuming 
 my seat I wish to express the great pleasure it affords 
 me to see here present two representatives of the 
 ancient and noble house of Porbandar as guests of 
 H. H. the Thakore Sdheb of Gondal. You, Bhow- 
 singji, will, in future years, remember this as an 
 auspicious day for the State whose destinies you will 
 be called upon to guide at some future time. You 
 are aware that to enable you to fulfil the duties of 
 your station the first requisite is that care should be 
 bestowed on your education. We are doing all we 
 can to repair, what I must call the reprehensible 
 neglect, and the cruel injustice done to you — as com- 
 pared with what has been done for the sons of other 
 Chiefs — ■'vith regard to your education. We count 
 on your own hearty co-operation to make up for lost 
 time. You can rely on my personal friendship, and 
 perhaps one day Porbandar may receive at your 
 hands good government of which it stood, and stands, 
 ill much need. Nothing will give me greater pleasure 
 tlian to get reports from your tulor showing that )0u
 
 200 Appendix IV. 
 
 are acquiring the talents which will secure to you the 
 honoured place amongst the Chiefs of Kathiawar, to 
 which descent alone cannot entitle you. I shall now 
 turn this sod with the firm confidence that this rail- 
 way will increase the prosperity of Porbandar, 
 Jdmnagar and Gondal. (Applause.)
 
 Appendix V. 
 
 List of Concessions granted to the People in honour 
 of the State being raised to the First Class. 
 
 1. Abolition of house-tax in all Khiilsa villages 
 which are wholly owned by the Darbar, and also in 
 such of the Giras, Jivdi, Devasthan, Dharm^ida^ and 
 Khirati villages as pay house-tax to the Darbar alone. 
 
 2. Abolition of water-tax in all villages as above. 
 
 3. Grant of right of ownership of all houses, shops, 
 vadas, &c., in all villages as above, to present holders 
 from whom house-tax was levied. 
 
 4. Grant of right of ownership of all houses, 
 shops, vadas, &c., in all villages as above described to 
 present holders who were exempt from payment of 
 house-tax, belonging as they did to mendicant classes, 
 such as Brahmins, &C.5 warrior classes, such as 
 Rajputs, religious classes, such as Bdvas, village 
 servant classes, such as dhobies, &c., as also to the 
 Jivaidars in such villages. 
 
 5. Grant of right of ownership of all houses, &c., to 
 
 such classes of people in the towns of Gondal, Dhoraji, 
 
 and Uplet^, as did not possess it hitherto. 
 2G
 
 202 Appendix V. 
 
 6. Until further orders a fee of \2\ and 25 per 
 cent, to be payable to the Darb^r on registration 
 respectively of all mortgaged and sale deeds of all 
 property released by the Darbar as above. The fee of 
 28 and 33 per cent, hitherto levied on such deeds in res- 
 pect of certain properties in the villages of Bhayavadar 
 and Motimarad also to be reduced to the same scale. 
 
 7. All properties which are released by the 
 Darbar as above, and of which the right of ownership 
 is now transferred to the holders, to be henceforward 
 alienable by sale, mortgage, gift, will, &c., and to be 
 liable to the processes of the civil courts for the 
 execution of decrees, &c. 
 
 8. All encroachments and unauthorized occupa- 
 tions of lands, houses, vadas, &c., by the cultivators 
 not to be disturbed in cases where the encroachments 
 or unauthorized occupations are more than twenty 
 years old. 
 
 9. Abolition of the levy of Mandvi dues from 
 cultivators of Jivaidar's Gher-Khed lands. 
 
 10. Grant of rewards equal to one month's pay to 
 all servants of the State in all departments.
 
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