Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/267

 Palanpur.

PALANPUR is a Mahomedan State in the Political Agency of the same name in the Bombay Presidency. The Chief is styled the Diwan- of Palanpur, who is descended from the Lohanis, an Afghan tribe, who were subsequently known in history as Jhaloras. as they captured Jhalore from the Mewar Rajputs in the fourteenth century. On their first arrival, they were vassals of Ahmedabad, and during the disturb- ances which marked the fall of that dynasty Ghazni Khan Jhalore, endeavoured to rouse Northern Gujrath into arms on behalf of Muzfar Shah, the last Sultan of Ahmedabad. For this action he was imprisoned by Akbar, but was subsequently (1589--90 A.D.) reinstated at Jhalore, and seven years 'later, received the title of ' Diwan ' and the government of Lahore for successfully repulsing an invasion of the Afghan tribes. During his rule, his brother, Malik Phiroze Khan, took Palanpur and Deesa making the former his headquarters. Ghazni Khan was succeeded in 1614 A.D. by his son, Pahar Khan, who yielded place in 1616 A.D. to Malik Phiroze Khan, the conqueror of Palanpur. Subsequently in 1699 A.D. Jhalore and Sachor, the possession of which had been confirmed by. Aurangzeb in 1682 A.D., were taken from the family, which thenceforth fixed its seat at Palanpur.

The connection of the British Government with the State dates from 1813 A.D., in which year the chief was murdered by a body of factious nobles known as Jamadars, and his infant son was placed on the throne by the British under the regency of his uncle. He died in 1854 A.D. and his son, Joravar Khan, succeeded him.

During the dark time of the Mutiny of 1857 A.D. Joravar Khan showed unflinching loyalty and devotion to the British Government. He died in 1877 A.D. and was succeeded by the present Nawab Sher Mahammad Khan.

During the last 32 years of his rule, the Chief has been paying full atten- tion to the development of agricultural resources and the promotion of education, the result of which has been very satisfactory. Sixty-eight new villages have been populated and a vast area of uncultivated land has been brought under tillage and several other reforms have been introduced in the State. In appreciation of the good administration and loyalty of the present Chief, the British Government have conferred upon him the insignia of G. C. I. E. and the hereditary title of "Nawab. " An increase of two guns in his salute has also been made. His Highness Nawab Sher Mahammad Khan is considered to be a popular and generous Prince and is respected by his subjects.

The area of the Palanpur State is 1,766 square miles, and its population is 2,22,627. It contains one town Palanpur and 510 villages. The gross revenue of the the State is above 7 J lacs of rupees, and it pays a tribute of rupees 38,461 to the Gaekwar of Baroda.

His Highness Nawab Sir Sher Mahammad Khan G.C.I.E. Diwan of Palanpur is entitled to a salute of 13 guns.