Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/300

 Wankaner.

WANKANER is a second class State in the Kathiawar Political Agency. Its rulers belong to the Jhala branch of the Kshatrias who are respected very much in that province. The founder of the Wankaner house was Sartanji, son of Prithwi Raj, the eldest son of Raja Chandra Singhji of Qhrangadhra (1584-1628 A.D.). The ruler entered into the usual engagements with the British Government in 1807 A.D.

The present ruler, His Highness Maharana Shri Amar Singhji Raj Saheb of of Wankaner, ascended the throne in 1881 A.D., when he was a minor, and on his attaining majority assumed the full powers of the State in 1899 A.D. But soon after his assumption the State found itself confronted with a severe and unprecedented famine in the year 1900 A.D., when it rose equal to the emergency, and by liberal and judicious relief works saved the ryots from starvation and ruin. Several public works of utility were constructed by the Raj Saheb, notable among which are the two irrigation tanks known as Jaswatsar tank and Vinaysagar tank, named after his grand-father and father respectively. His Highness takes a keen and lively interest in all the affairs of the State and particularly in education.

Wankaner is a most picturesque town situated in a small valley formed at the junction of the rivulet Patalio with the river Machu, set off in the rear by a pretty high range of hills which in turn are adorned by the palaces and bungalows of His Highness the Raj Saheb. The territory of the State is mostly hilly and abounds in stone quarries. The climate is generally dry and invigorating. Under the steady and progreessive rule of H. H. the Raj Saheb, Wankaner has come to be recognised as one of the best administered states in Kathiawar.

The area of the State is 425 square miles with a population of 32,261 ; and a revenue of Rs. 4,00,000 per annum.

His Highness Maharana Shri Amar Singhji, the present Raj Saheb of Wankaner, ranks among the second class chiefs of Kathiawar, and has plenary jurisdiction over his subjects. He enjoys full civil powers and is entitled to a salute- of 9 guns.