Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/219

 Jamnagar.

JAMNAGAR or Nawanagar ranks as one of the first class states in Kathiawar. Its ruler is a Jadeja Rajput, and belongs to the same family as that of the Rao of Cutch. The four Jam brothers - Rawal, Hardholji, Ravaji and Modji - started from Cutch, crossed the Ran, and entered Kathiawar, about the middle of the sixteenth century. They gradually took possession of the territories on the banks of the river Aji, and subsequently established their independent authority over Nagna Bandar and the adjacent country, which they conquered from Khemaji, the Jethwa chief of Ranpur. The town of Nawanagar was founded in 1540 A.D. on the site of Nagna Bandar by Jam Rawal.

During the latter part of the eighteenth century, Meraman, generally known as Meru Khawas, was one of the prominent figures in Kathiawar. He died in the year 1800 A.D., and the state of affairs in Nawanagar was anything but satisfactory. About this time an Arab shot an English officer and he was given shelter by Jam Jasaji who was on the gadi. A combined army under Captain Carnac and Fatteh Singh Gaekwar marched upon Nawanagar, and in 1812 A.D. a treaty was concluded, by which the Jam was brought to realise his position. Jam Jasaji died in 1814 A.D. He was succeeded by his brother, Sataji. He, too, died without issue, and Achuba, the widow of Jasaji, adopted Ranamalji, a distant kinsman', who succeeded Sataji in 1820 A.D.

Jam Ranamalji erected the palace's of Kotha and Lakhota and excavated the tank near them to find employment for his subjects during the famines of 1834, 1839 and 1846 A.D. Ranamalji died in 1852 A.D. and was succeeded by his son, Vibhaji, who was a welUmeaning and liberal ruler. In appreciation of his liberal policy the Paramount Power granted him the sanad of adoption in 1862 A.D. and he was permitted to adopt without the payment of nazrana. He was created a K.C.S.l. in 1877 A.D.

Jam Vibhaji died in 1895 A.D., when Jaswant Singh, (who was recognised by the British Government as a successor in 1884 A.D.) came to the gadi. He in turn was succeeded by the present ruler, Ranjit Singh, in 190*7 A.D., who was adopted by Jam Vibhaji before the birth of Jaswant Singh. He was educated at the University of Cambridge and is one of the smartest cricketeers.

The Jam is looked upon as the head of the Jadeja chiefs in Hallar. It has been customary with the Jam of Nawanagar not to rise up to receive a chief of any rank whatsoever, who may happen to go to his court on a formal visit.

The State maintains a squadron of Imperial Service Lancers numbering 145, and a subordinate force of 211 men.

The area of the State is 3,791 square miles with a population of 3,36,780 inhabitants. The estimated gross revenue of the State is Rs. 25,00,000. A tribute of Rs. 1,20,093 is paid jointly to the British, the Gaekwar and the Nawab of Junagarh.

The present ruler. His Higness Shri Ranjit Singhji, is entitled to a salute of 11 guns.