Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/298

 Wadhwan.

WADHWAN ranks as a second class State in Kathiawar. The ruler of Wadhwan is a Rajput of the Jhala family. Harpal, of the members of the family already mentioned elsewhere, gained from Raja Karan of Anhilpattan, a number of villages of which Patdi, the first one selected by Harpal, was made his capital. In 1634 A.D. Jet Singhji removed the capital from Patdi to Kanakawati, which was later on invaded by the Mahomedan kings of Ahmedabad, when Waghji, a descendant of Jet Singhji was killed.

Raidharji, the eldest son of Waghji, removed the capital to Halwad. Pnthwi Raj, the eldest son of Rajchandra Singhji of Dhrangadhra, left Halwad about 1603 A.D. and established the separate principality of Wadhwan. Owing to his turbulent conduct, he was imprisoned by the Moguls and sent to Ahmedabad where he died a prisoner. He had two sons, Sartanji and Rajoji, who wrested Wankaner from the Babanya ruling family. These two brothers became the founders of two different states, Wadhwan and Wankaner. Rajoji established himself at Wadhwan about 1613 A.D.

Madho Singh, grandson of Rajoji, was a capable statesman and a brave warrior, who helped Sawargar Kotah and Bundi chiefs. A later descendant, Prithwi Singhji, got a third part of Kotah, with its capital at Pattan, which is now known as Jahlra Pattan. Wadhwan did not enjoy peace till the latter part of the nineteenth century, as there were constant struggles going on in the Slate between the various aspirants and claimants for power and money.

Daji Raj came to the gadi of Wadhwan in 1 §75 A.D. During his minority the State was administered by the chief Karbhari, under the supervision of the Political Agent. In 1881 A.D. Daji Raj was invested with full powers. He was a very enlightened chief and had he been spared he would have proved, a beneficent and able ruler. He died in 1885 A.D. and was succeeded by his brother, Bal Singhji.

Bal Singhji ruled the State from 1885 A.D. to 1910 A.D. He was fond of old institutions and was known as a supporter of the orthodox principles of Rajput dignity and manners. Famine, successive bad seasons, and several other causes handicapped Bal Singhji's rule, which was embarrassd by financial difficulties. He died on the 25th of May 1910 A.D. leaving behind him an only daughter- who was married to Raja Bahadur Bhagwat Singhji, the • heir'apparent of Orchha ( Bundelkhand ). The Government of India have recognised Jaswant Singhji, son of Raj Singhji, as successor to the gadi of Wadhwan. The State is at present under British administration under the direct control of the Agent to the Governor, Kathiawar, who has been invested by Government with the full powers of a second class chief.

The area of the State is 242 square miles with a population of 35,831 souls. The gross revenue of the State is rupees 4,75,000.

The Thakor Saheb of Wadhwan, is entitled to a salute of 9 guns.